Bounded to the north by Dennis Pritt Road and to the south by Ngong Road, bisected by Argwings Kodhek Road, this busy area hosts many of Nairobi’s newly built apartment blocks and Town Houses.
Most of these properties were constructed in the property boom of the last decade, replacing the expansive 1950s and 1960s bungalows which once sat back from the wide streets bordered by high green hedges.
Few of the new blocks are taller than five storeys and many boast balconies, communal swimming pools and 24-hour security staff. The more expensive have gyms, saunas and health clubs attached.
They tend to be popular with both expatriates and Kenyans, mainly single professionals, young families with few children or aid workers regularly sent into the field for months-long stretches at a time.
There are four large supermarkets strung along the Ngong Road and one on Argwings Kodhek, while four of Nairobi’s most popular shopping centres, the Junction, Prestige Plaza, the Yaya Centre and Adams Arcade, are nearby. A four-screen cinema opened in March 2005 at Prestige Plaza on Ngong Road. There are two 24-hour petrol stations for last-minute supplies, as well as three banks with ATMs.
Several of Nairobi’s most popular restaurants, many with outdoors seating, lie along Lenana Road just north of Argwings Kodhek. The Nairobi Jockey Club is west along Ngong Road, where there is a nine-hole golf course open to the public.
There is a casino in Hurlingham.
Area Zoning
Kilimani is in Zone 4 of Nairobi, which is predominantly a residential area. However, there are a number of developments which have been converted to commercial through an application for a change of land use, which is regulated by the Nairobi City Planning Department at the Nairobi City Council and the Commissioner of Lands.
Security
Most of the developments in the area are gated with enhanced security systems which include electric fences, alarm systems and guards. Kilimani is also home to many expatriates and government employees. These homes are normally guarded by administration police. In addition, there is a police station, which contributes towards providing the essential security in the area.
Overall, the area can be rated above average as far as security is concerned.
Hospitals
There are a number of easily accessible hospitals from Kilimani Area including:
* Nairobi Hospital
* Aga Khan Hospital
* Kenyatta National Hospital
* Gertrude Children Hospital
* Nairobi Women Hospital
* All the Private hospitals in the CBD, Westlands and Hurlingham Areas.
