The Eastlands region of Nairobi is home to several informal settlements, commonly referred to as slums. These areas are characterized by high population densities, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. Here are some notable slums within Eastlands:
1. Mathare
Mathare is one of Nairobi's oldest and most densely populated slums, comprising 13 informal settlements. It is located approximately 5 kilometers northeast of Nairobi's central business district. The area is known for its narrow alleys, overcrowded housing, and limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
2. Mukuru Slums
The Mukuru slums are a collection of informal settlements situated along the Nairobi River, including Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Reuben, and Mukuru Fuata Nyayo. These areas face challenges such as inadequate housing, poor drainage systems, and limited access to healthcare and education services.
3. Pipeline Estate
Located in Embakasi, Pipeline Estate is a densely populated area characterized by overcrowded flats, narrow streets, and poor drainage systems. The estate has earned a reputation for its poor infrastructure and uncontrolled tenements. Overcrowded high-rises set up side by side define the estate's skyline, and the estate attracts low-income earners because of its affordability. The neighbourhood has seldom set aside open spaces that can be used for recreation, expansion of roads, and development of social amenities.
4. Kware
Kware is a slum neighbourhood in Embakasi, located approximately 9 kilometers southeast of Nairobi's central business district. It borders the Mukuru slums and is characterized by poor infrastructure, overcrowded flats, narrow streets, and poor drainage systems. The neighbourhood has a high population density, with limited access to basic services.
5. Kayole
Kayole is a low-income neighbourhood located approximately 11 kilometers east of Nairobi's central business district. The area exhibits characteristics of a slum, with a mix of storey buildings and slum-like structures, especially in Kayole-Soweto. Residents face challenges such as unemployment, inadequate housing, and limited access to basic services. The neighbourhood is also riddled with criminal gangs, kidnappings, armed and aggravated robberies, theft, as well as child trafficking.
6. Ofafa
Ofafa is a southeastern neighborhood of Nairobi, known for its low-income, high-density housing. The Ofafa Jericho estate, built in the 1950s, was originally designed to house a smaller population but now accommodates about 50,000 people—five times more than it was intended for. Residents live in poor-quality iron sheet extensions, and the area suffers from inadequate water and waste management systems.