Umoja estate or popularly referred to as Umo is located approximately 9 kilometers east of Nairobi CBD. Umoja is divided Into Umoja I Ward, Umoja II Ward and Umoja Innercore. It is in Embakasi West constituency in Nairobi County.

A brief history of Umoja Estate

In the 1970s the Nairobi City Commission built Umoja Estate to cater to the then-growing urban population. A certain amount was to be paid for by the original occupants of the houses constructed by the commission on a monthly basis.

However, due to inadequate capital, the council could not continue constructing more houses as per its plan. Therefore, people were allowed to build their own houses so long as they would pay the annual land rates.

This quickly changed the face of the estate from a clean and decent estate to more of a disorganized one as people defied the initial urban planning. Over the years the estate has grown into a slam-like city with many unplanned buildings some on open spaces and on road reserves a consequence of corruption within the city council.

The estate is now densely populated and occupied by mostly low-income earners and middle-income earners.

Map of Umoja Neighborhood

Transport to Umoja from Nairobi

To access Umoja from Nairobi by public means, board a matatu/ bus number 19, 35, and 60. These matatus/ buses will follow either Jogoo Road or the eastern Bypass. The fare price is normally Ksh50 but can hike up to Ksh150 depending on the time of the day and other factors such as the weather.

Estates neighboring Umoja

Some of the most notable estates that border Umoja are Donholm, Buruburu, Kayole, Komarocks, Kariobangi, and Tena.

Places of worship in Umoja

There are a variety of places of worship in Umoja for those seeking spiritual fulfillment.

A.C.K St. Lukes

P.C.E.A Umoja

Assumption of mary catholic church

Deliverance Church Umoja

King’s Outreach Church

Full Gospel Churches of Kenya

Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG)

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Healthcare services in Umoja.

To ensure the well-being of residents there are plenty of healthcare facilities in and around Umoja, here is a list of some of the most notable ones.

Umoja 3 Hospital

Jojo medical center

Afyamed Chemist

Umoja Health center

Haripharm chemist, Umoja I

Kayole II Sub-county Hospital

Phamasave chemist

Bahati medical centre

The Phadam Hospital Umoja Inner Core

Supreme Hospital

Blue pharm Chemist

Unicare Chemist

Mater Hospital- Buruburu

Eastlands Medical Centre

Olive Chemist

Eldevale Trust Jamaa Mission Hospital

Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital- Kayole

Radiant Group of Hospitals- Umoja Branch

Getrudes Garden Children Hospital- Donholm

Fitness center/ gyms in Umoja

There are several fitness centers and gyms in Umoja for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Magic Touch Gym and fitness center

Cold Rock Gym and fitness center

Skymax Gym and fitness center

Olympia gym

Jaheca Health and Fitness Centre

Weider classic gym

Henry’s Fitness, gym, and training facility

Leijona Lifestyle centre

Beauty/SPA Parlour in Umoja

Samad Executive SPA and salon

Brymas Nail Spa

Purity Beauty Parlour & Salon

SC Glowing Touch Spa, salon & Barber

Henkkaz Barbershop & spa

Schools in Umoja

Umoja cybernet college

Datamine college-This institution offers business, accountancy, and information communication and technology courses. It is located along Muthidwa Road off the outer ring road.

Busara Primary school

Unity primary school

Fadhili Junior School

Tumaini Primary School

Umoja 2 primary school

Cathsam Primary school

Entertainment joints in Umoja

Umoja is home to several nightlife spots and entertainment joints.

Club boom- Located near Umoja 1 market off Moi Drive.

Club da joski and Lounge

Charina Club- Located along Moi Drive off Kangundo Road.

Rhumba Pub- Located next to Club Boom off Moi Drive.

Club Paris- Located in Umoja 1

Soulfa Lounge Umoja- Located along Moi Drive

Hornbill Umoja

Rental houses in Umoja

Single rooms      Ksh4, 000 to Sh6, 500,

Bedsitters            Ksh6, 000 to Sh9, 500

One bedroom     Ksh10, 000 to Sh13, 000.

Two bedroom     Ksh12, 500 to Ksh16, 000

Internet providers in Umoja

Wavelink Network Solutions- 0748111304

Selin Solutions- 0700700117

Bluezone Network- 0718172354

Poa Internet- 0730862862/ 0730762762

Motech Fiber Networks- 0731601506

Konnect Data networks- 0708188188

Advantages of living in Umoja

Proximity to Nairobi CBD

Umoja is located in close proximity to the city center where there are more available amenities, services, and employment opportunities.

Convenient place to live

Umoja enjoys a good road network and reliable public means of transport therefore families/ individuals looking for a place close to Nairobi CBD where they can commute daily to the city and its surroundings, then Umoja is the place for them.

Availability of amenities and services

Essential amenities needed for daily life such as healthcare services, shopping centers, and education institutions are available in Umoja and in close proximity.

Disadvantages of living in Umoja

Noise pollution

In areas close to busy streets and entertainment joints, the noise levels can be an issue for those seeking quieter living environments.

Limited employment opportunities.

Residents here may need to commute to neighboring estates and other parts of the city to work, which can add to travel time and cost.

Security concern

Even though the government has made strides in reducing crime rates in Umoja, there are still many cases of insecurity in some areas.

Conclusion.

If you are interested in exploring more neighborhoods in Kenya, we invite you to subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch our comprehensive video guides to different towns across the country. You can also read the articles on our website. Thanks for your time.