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.
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