South B and C, once coveted middle-class suburbs of Nairobi, have undergone a significant transformation in recent years, and not all changes are being welcomed by their residents. Located just 3 to 6 kilometers from Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), these neighborhoods were once known for their organized development, cleanliness, good roads, and strong infrastructure. For many years, they featured single- and double-story homes nestled within gated communities, with strict height restrictions on new developments, except in a few designated areas.
This strategic design made South B and C highly attractive to homeowners who valued tranquility and proximity to the city center. However, in the last decade, the landscape of these suburbs has changed drastically. The once picturesque neighborhoods are now increasingly characterized by apartment complexes, leading to concerns among longtime residents who feel alienated by the growing number of high-rise buildings encroaching on their communities.
Many of the changes have caused significant disruptions. The surge in apartment developments has put pressure on the area’s existing infrastructure, leading to a recurring issue of flooding, especially in South C during the rainy season. These floods are a direct result of the strain on drainage systems and roads, exacerbated by the rapid pace of urbanization.
The situation has been further complicated by unclear zoning guidelines following the expiration of the 2004 Nairobi Development Control Ordinances in 2014. This gap in regulation has left developers with little guidance, fueling a building boom that many residents and professionals in urban planning have deemed unsustainable. Calls for clearer physical planning policies and a return to sensible zoning have become louder as these issues grow more pronounced.
Unfortunately, South B and C are not alone in facing these challenges. Other once-popular Nairobi neighborhoods, including Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and parts of Lavington, are grappling with similar problems of overdevelopment, infrastructure strain, and flooding.
Despite these setbacks, South B, South C, and other suburban areas still hold significant appeal for many Nairobians. Their close proximity to the CBD makes commuting convenient, and the availability of essential amenities adds to their desirability. As a result, these areas continue to attract residents, even as they evolve under the pressures of rapid urban growth.
As the city expands, it remains to be seen how Nairobi’s suburban areas will balance development with sustainable growth to retain the qualities that made them attractive in the first place.
