Kilimani

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Kilimani is a mixed-use neighbourhood in Nairobi, Kenya. It sits about 5 kilometres west of Nairobi’s central business district, in Westlands Sub-county. It lies north of Woodley, east of Kileleshwa, and is partly made up of the Upper Hill area. The Kirichwa River separates parts of Kilimani from nearby areas.

Overview
Kilimani has grown from a low-density residential area into a high-density mix of homes, offices, and shops. It now hosts a large number of upper middle-income residents and tall buildings, which has raised concerns about infrastructure and safety. Residents have also spoken about the increasing number of nightclubs in the area.

Location and coordinates
Kilimani is located roughly at 1°17′6″S, 36°47′12″E (about 1.285°S, 36.7867°E) and sits at an elevation of about 1,700 metres (5,600 feet).

Points of interest
- State House Nairobi, the official residence of Kenya’s President, on State House Road.
- Schools: Lycée Denis Diderot (French international school) moved to Kilimani in 1972; State House Girls’ School is on the State House grounds; Kilimani Primary School, Milimani Primary School, St Hannah’s, St Nicholas, St Christopher’s, and Cavina are also in the area; Svenska Skolan (Swedish international school) is located in Kilimani.
- Banks: Sidian Bank headquarters on Wood Avenue.
- Shopping: Adam’s Arcade (in nearby Woodley) and Yaya Centre (in Hurlingham) are popular shopping spots.
- Parks: Nairobi Arboretum is located next to State House.

Development and zoning
In March 2024, Nairobi’s Governor Johnson Sakaja proposed zoning changes that could allow buildings up to 75 floors in Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Lavington, signaling a shift toward denser, taller development.

Summary
Kilimani is a busy, upscale-to-midrange Nairobi neighbourhood known for its mix of housing, offices, schools, and amenities, along with ongoing debates about growth, infrastructure, and new high-rise projects.