As one of Nairobi’s affluent neighborhoods, Westlands’ close proximity to the Central Business District (CBD) and its serene environment makes it just the perfect place to live and raise a family. Popular as a hospitality and entertainment hotspot, the neighborhood has some of the most renowned hotels and clubs gracing its 72.4km2 area, to cater for those Sunday family brunches, or when you just need a place to unwind after a long week of running up and down the city.
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History of Westlands
Westlands was majorly a residential neighbourhood during the colonial period for the then well-to-do of society. In the early 2000s, land for residential and office space purposes in Nairobi’s became exorbitantly priced. Westlands became one of the better options for businesses owing to its urban feel, cheaper land rates and proximity to the CBD. Soon after, the real estate in Westlands grew, attracting not only businesses but the residential market as well.
Map of Westlands
Property Prices
Character
Westlands is an established urban neighbourhood and a splendid choice for commercial activity as well as a residential hub. The neighbourhood is characterised by its tranquillity, high standard social amenities, the urban feel, family-friendly spots and a vibrant nightlife. 
Who Lives in Westlands?
Westlands is one of Nairobi’s neighbourhoods that is home to high-income earners and expatriates, who have either bought property or are renting apartments. The alluring ambience in Westlands offers a balanced mix of a homey locality for families, and enthralling entertainment for those who seek it.
Essential Amenities in Westlands
Being one of Nairobi’s top neighbourhoods in Nairobi, Westlands is rich in social amenities to support its residents, business people and visitors.
Schools
Some of the best schools in Nairobi are located in Westlands, ranging from foundational preschools to colleges and universities, of public, private and international nature.
Preschools in Westlands include; Little Steps Preschool, Brookside Montessori Centre, and The Montessori Learning Centre.
There are 124 primary schools and 47 secondary schools in Westlands. Primary schools include; Westlands Primary School, Allen Grove Primary School, Peponi Primary School, Aga Khan Primary School, Braeburn Primary School, Consolata Primary School, among others.
Secondary schools in Westlands include; Braeburn High School, Aga Khan Secondary School, Kianda School, Nairobi School, Makini Secondary School, Strathmore School, among others.
International Schools in Westlands include; International School of Kenya and St.Mary International Academy. Some of the universities and colleges in Westlands are; Graffins College, Nairobi Institute of Technology, DALC Education, and University Of Nairobi Chiromo Campus among others.
Healthcare Providers
Residents of Westlands can be assured of quality health care as there are many options for medical care in the neighbourhood. There are general health care facilities like; Aga Khan University Hospital, M.P. Shah Hospital, The Mater Hospital; and specialists including eye care clinics like Omega Opticians, Eyestyle Opticians; and dentists like The Dental Practice, The Westside Dental Practice, and 32 Dental Studio.
Banks In Westlands
Most banks have branches in Westlands with both banking and ATM services. These banks include; Barclays Bank, NIC, GTB, CBA, Chase Bank, Prime Bank, Equity Bank, Standard Chartered, KCB Bank, Cooperative Bank, Imperial Bank, I&M Bank, Giro Commercial Bank, Oriental Commercial Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Community Bank, Guardian Bank and Oriental Commercial Bank.
Business Head Quarters
Westlands provide the perfect location for businesses to flourish, hence the number of companies that have established headquarters in the neighbourhood. Some of these companies include; Safaricom, Google, UNCHR Nairobi office, USAID, Phillips Pharmaceuticals, Artcaffe, Java and Frepac Tech Kenya.
Dine and Wine in Westlands
Westlands offers a rich array of options to locals and tourists who want to get a feel of local or international cuisines. Restaurants in Westlands cater for a wide array of diners since they understand the rich mix of cultures residing in the neighbourhood. This means that they take Spanish beyond pasta and Mexican beyond Fajitas to ensure they have all your tastebud cravings covered.
When your continental cuisine cravings hit, Westlands’ restaurants have you covered. With places like Allan Bobbes Bistro along Rhapta road, About Thyme on Eldama Ravine road, Utamu at ibis Styles Rhapta road, and Nyama Mama in Delta Towers, among others.
On days when you feel like a little Chinese, visit restaurants like Golden Tulip, Haandi at the Westgate Mall, Bangkok Chinese and The Taste of China. Whenever you want to go Indian, pop in at the Anghiti, Clay Oven, Mumbai Grill and enjoy 20% or 10% yummy card at these restaurants via the EatOut Website.
Seafood lovers will always find aquatic delight at the Ocean Basket restaurant at The Oval, the only restaurant that serves Hake in Kenya (availability is dependent). You can share platters served as fried, grilled and cajun; enjoy jazz and wine night every other Saturday; or discover the ultimate ambience for dinners, anniversaries. engagements and birthdays. Call for reservations.
If you are looking to dine with a garden ambience in a serene environment, look no further than Amani Ya Juu Garden Cafe.
If you are seeking the whole package in hospitality: accommodation, good food, entertainment options, Westlands’ got you. Hotels with 5 Sankara Nairobi, Villa Rosa Kempinski, Park Inn, Southern Mayfair, and Dusit D2 will give you an ample list of impressive options.
The Westlands Nightlife
Westlands has, for a long time, been the desired destination for a good night out. Whether you fancy a quiet, soothing night of mellow jazz music; sampling out cocktails by an innovative mixologist; or just good old dancing to loud popular music while occasionally shouting to your friends over the loud music of a nightclub, Westlands has it all.
You can enjoy silky, smooth Jazz music on Tuesdays at the Kempinski Balcony Bar or Thursdays at Galileo lounge. Live bands are also available in clubs like Galileo, VineYard bar and Restaurant.
If you want to sample intriguing cocktails under the charm of an ingenious mixologist and a good view, you could try rooftop bars like Sarabi at Sankara, Budhaa bar, Artcaffe Oval. You can also enjoy awesome happy hours at Privee, The Alchemist, Crystallum Bar, Tokyo Restaurant and Colosseum Bar.
Casinos
For those times you feel lucky, Westlands’ casinos are open for you. With roulette tables, card tables, Caribbean Baccarat, Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, slot machines with progressive jackpots, among other gaming options. These casinos also provide a friendly and exciting ambience for their local and international customers.
Casinos in Westlands include; Pink Apple Casino, Las Vegas Casino, Casino FlaminGo; and those that are part of hotel offerings like Hotel Emerald Casino, dusitD2 Casino, Southern Sun Mayfair Casino, Kempinski Casino, Jacaranda Hotel Casino and Sankara Nairobi Casino.
How to Get Around in Westlands
The good road network in Westlands’ streets, drives, estates and avenues make it easy and convenient to move around. There are several options to get around Westlands;
By Public Service Transport: The routes within Westlands are serviced by different matatus (buses and minivans) that will easily drop you off at the next stage or to any other neighbourhood surrounding Westlands, including the CBD. The Matatu terminus adjacent to Park Inn connects you to different neighbourhoods around Westlands while the quick-access stage at the roundabout directly connects you to the CBD.
By Taxis: A popular means of transportation in Westlands due to their availability and short-distance destinations for most business people. There are different types of taxis that operate within the neighbourhood; the neighbourhood taxis, Uber, Little Cab and Taxify. This means you will never run out of transport options.
Outdoors
Are you an outdoors kind of person? If playing football or basketball is one of your hobbies, you can do so at Parklands Sports Club. If you are interested in an all-around workout, you can get gym memberships at Body By Design, Muscle and Motion, Kings Gym and Spa, Arena Health Club, Bodywise Fitness Center and Power Vibe Studio.
Shopping
If you are an ardent shopper, Westlands is your shopping paradise. From fashion to home and living items, to your everyday utilities, souvenirs, art, curio items jewellery, sportswear, flowers; you name it, there’s a place in Westlands where you can get it.
Did You Know?
Westlands is one of two neighbourhoods popular with expats relocating to Kenya for business or personal reasons.
Are you looking to buy or rent property in Westlands? Whether you’re looking for a self-contained apartment, or you are moving in with a family that requires larger space, there are a lot of options to choose from.
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