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Home /Kenya /Nairobi
#4 Best Neighborhood in Nairobi

Kilimani

Nairobi's modern central quarter

About the neighborhood

Suburb in Nairobi, Kenya

Kilimani is a mixed-use commercial and residential neighbourhood in the city of Nairobi.

Location

Kilimani is located approximately 5 kilometres (3mi) west of Nairobi's central business district, within Westlands Sub-county. It is north of Woodley; east of Kileleshwa, mainly separated by the Kirichwa River; the larger Kilimani sub-location encompasses the part of Upper Hill (contains Hurlingham and Caledonia estates), and the Kilimani estates.

Overview

Kilimani is a neighbourhood which houses a sizable segment of the upper middle income population of Nairobi. The neighbourhood has historically been primarily low-density residential, but since 2000 has become increasingly high-density mixed residential and commercial; both retail and offices. Some of the high-rise buildings have been built contrary to the county's bylaws and have been characterised as vertical slums due to them burdening the existing laid infrastructure. Residents of Kilimani and Kileleshwa have also raised concerns about the increasing number of nightclubs in the areas.

In March 2024, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja proposed a re-zoning that would allow the construction of buildings up to 75 floors in Kilimani, Kilelelshwa, and Lavington.

Points of interest

Residencies State House Nairobi, the official residence of the President of Kenya is located in Kilimani, on State House Road.

Schools (1) Kilimani Primary School, Milimani Primary School, St Hannah's School, St. Nicholas School, St Christophers School, Cavina School are all located in the neighborhood. (2) The Lycée Denis Diderot, the French international school, is in Kilimani. It moved there in 1972. (3) West Nairobi School, a Christian international school, opened in Kilimani in 1996 but moved to Karen in 2000. (4) State House Girls' School is located on the grounds of State House Nairobi. Svenska Skolan, the Swedish international school, is located in Kilimani.

Banks The headquarters of Sidian Bank are located on Wood Avenue in Kilimani.

Shopping malls Adam's Arcade is the oldest shopping centre of its kind in neighbouring Woodley, Nairobi, Kenya, as well as East and Central Africa as a whole. Established in 1954 and completed in 1959 by Abdul Habib Adam.

Yaya Centre, in Hurlingham, is a shopping mall with over 100 retail shops.

Parks The Nairobi Arboretum, featuring more than 300 exotic and indigenous tree species, is located in Kilimani, adjacent to State House.

See also

Kenya portal

List of cities in Kenya

Notes

References

Encyclopedic content adapted from the Wikipedia article on Kilimani, used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about Kilimani

What is Kilimani known for?

Kilimani is known for Suburb in Nairobi, Kenya. It ranks #4 among the best neighborhoods in Nairobi and is celebrated as "Nairobi's modern central quarter".

Is Kilimani a good area to stay in Nairobi?

Yes — Kilimani is one of the top-ranked neighborhoods in Nairobi at #4. Kilimani is a mixed-use commercial and residential neighbourhood in the city of…

What are the main attractions in Kilimani?

Kilimani offers a rich mix of local character and urban experiences. Nairobi's modern central quarter — strolling through the streets is the best way to discover its landmarks, cafés, and cultural spots.

How do I get to Kilimani in Nairobi?

Kilimani is a neighborhood within Nairobi, Kenya. It is accessible by public transport, taxi, or rideshare. Checking Google Maps or a local transit app will give you the most up-to-date directions from your starting point.

Is Kilimani safe for tourists?

Kilimani is a popular destination in Nairobi and is generally considered safe for tourists. As with any urban area, it is advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and follow standard travel precautions.

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