Eastleigh, Commercial suburb in eastern Nairobi, Kenya
Eastleigh is a commercial suburb on the eastern side of Nairobi with numerous shopping centers, textile markets, and multi-story buildings housing wholesale and retail businesses. Main thoroughfares like First and Second Avenue form the backbone of this trading zone with constant activity and movement.
This area began in 1921 as Nairobi East Township, initially housing Asian residents and skilled African workers during the colonial period. Over time it evolved from residential use into the busy trading hub it is today.
The neighborhood is home to a large Somali community whose presence shapes the business activity and street life. Markets here display goods and fabrics that reflect the daily commerce and needs of residents.
The area is well served by regular matatu minibus connections to central Nairobi, with multiple routes running through the main avenues. Walking along these main roads is the best way to experience the neighborhood and see the shopping centers and markets.
This location once hosted the former Eastleigh Airport, now Moi Air Base, which served as Nairobi's primary international airport from 1943 to 1958. This aviation heritage is largely hidden from view today but shaped the area's importance to the city.
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