Would You Live Here- Parklands Edition?
Parklands and Westlands could have been sisters, if they had been humanbeings.
You probably didn’t know but Nairobi is a pretty interesting city.
Every Friday we’ll take you back. We’ll talk about neighborhoods in Nairobi in a way that doesn’t make you leave(we hope).
So we decided to explore it, and we started with the neighborhood that is close to us. Parklands.
(We share history with timestamps from the 1900s till date)
We asked this question:
If Kenya had never been a British Colony, would the South Asian community have still dominated Parklands?
We don’t really know. But here’s what we know in slides:
1.1900s-Kenya is a British colony.
The British brought in Indian laborers (primarily from Punjab and Gujarat) to construct the railway (1896–1901), as local African communities resisted forced labor.
Many of these South Asians (often referred to as “Indian Coolies”) stayed after the railway’s completion, forming a merchant class.
The Uganda Railway (Mombasa to Kisumu) facilitated the movement of goods like cotton, coffee, and tea from Uganda and Kenya’s interior to the coast for export.
It replaced traditional caravan trade routes, integrating Kenya into the British imperial economy.
South Asian traders (mainly dukawallas, or shopkeepers) became intermediaries in this barter and cash economy.
Parklands is also characterized by huge bungalows and tree lined streets.
At this point Colonial Nairobi was racially divided: Europeans in Upper Hill/Karen, Asians in Parklands/Pangani, and Africans in Eastlands/Pumwani.
2.1950s-There is an increase in population and the area becomes largely residential.
Many houses followed British-Indian architectural styles which included:
Verandas and courtyards.
High ceilings and large windows.
Ornate wooden detailing – Reflecting Gujarati and Punjabi craftsmanship.
Compound walls and gardens – Wealthier homes had lush gardens with frangipani, bougainvillea, and mango trees.
Tree-Lined Streets – Roads like Jamia Avenue, Parklands Road, and Limuru Road were (and still are) lined with flame trees, jacarandas, and eucalyptus, giving the area a serene, suburban feel.
Commercial Buildings – The Parklands shopping strip (near present-day Jamia Mosque) had two-story Indian-style buildings with shops on the ground floor and residences above.
Banking & Finance – Barclays Bank (DCO) and other colonial-era banks had branches in Parklands, facilitating trade
Mau Mau Uprising (1952–1960) – While Parklands was relatively insulated from the violence, the rebellion intensified racial divides.
Schools, hospitals and religious centers emerge. They include Schools & Community Centers – Institutions like Aga Khan Primary School and The Banda School (then a small Asian school) educated the elite.
3.1970s-Slighty after we gain independence, Parklands morphs into a mixed use area.
The 1970 Immigration Act and Trade Licensing Laws restricted Asian employment and business ownership, pushing some to migrate to the UK/Canada.
Wealthier Asians began moving to Westlands, Lavington, and Karen, while middle-class families stayed.
Many Asian-owned dukas and industries struggled due to licensing restrictions, but some adapted by partnering with African businessmen.
Jamia Mosque area remained a key commercial hub, with thriving textile and jewelry shops.
Some colonial bungalows were demolished for apartment blocks as land pressure grew.
The 1972 Asian expulsion from Uganda caused anxiety, though Kenya avoided mass deportations.
Some Asians supported Jomo Kenyatta’s government, while others kept a low profile.
The commercial space is steadily growing and the older bungalows are slowly being replaced by low -rise apartment blocks.
By the late 1970s, Parklands was no longer exclusively Asian but retained its mercantile character.
4.1990s – Commercial Boom
Transforms into a highly commercial zone with more banks, shopping centers, and upgraded infrastructure.
High-rise apartments begin replacing older bungalows as demand for urban living grows.
Land becomes a hot commodity—investors and developers rush in for residential and commercial projects.
5.2000s – The Rise of Luxury & Corporate Spaces
Luxury apartments, corporate offices, and mega malls dominate the landscape.
Investors bet big on Parklands as a premium business and residential district.
The area attracts upscale retail brands, banks, and professional services.
6.2010s – Urban Living Skyrockets
Multinational corporations and embassies set up offices, elevating its status.
Dining, shopping, and entertainment options expand, catering to expats and tourists.
A cosmopolitan vibe emerges, blending Nairobi’s elite with international influences.
7.2020s – Prime Real Estate & Modern Lifestyle
A blend of luxury apartments, business complexes, and recreational facilities defines the area.
Property prices and rental rates surge—Parklands is now one of Nairobi’s most sought-after addresses.
Continues evolving with mixed-use developments, tech hubs, and high-end amenities.
Final Thought
Parklands is forever changing—from a colonial Asian suburb to a dynamic urban powerhouse. If you thrive in a fast-paced, upscale environment, it’s the perfect place to live, work, or invest. Explore it before the next wave of transformation!
