Walk through Nairobi CBD and you'll quickly realize that every street tells a story. Some are famous because of history, others because of business, government offices, shopping, or nightlife.
Image of Kimathi Street by Brian Ombati back in February 2018
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Many of today's street names replaced colonial names after Kenya gained independence in 1963. Roads once named after British governors were renamed to honour Kenya's freedom fighters, presidents, politicians and national heroes.
Whether you're visiting Nairobi, opening a business, looking for an office, or simply curious about the city's history, this guide explains the streets that have shaped Kenya's capital.
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1. Kimathi Street – Nairobi's Most Prestigious Street
Dedan Kimathi Waciuri
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Kimathi Street is arguably Nairobi's most recognizable street.
Named after Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, one of Kenya's greatest freedom fighters, the street represents courage and Kenya's fight for independence. It was formerly known as Hardinge Street before being renamed after independence.
Aerial View at Stanbic bank by John Njui tken back in 2017
Today you'll find:
- Sarova Stanley Hotel
- Nation Centre
- Banks
- Restaurants
- Corporate offices
- The famous Dedan Kimathi Statue
At Hilton with close view of Kimathi Statue Image by Sserwadda Abdul Rahman taken on June 2022
It is among the cleanest and safest streets in Nairobi CBD.
2. Kenyatta Avenue – The Heart of Nairobi
Kenyatta Statue by Amazing MrBill (Mr Bill)
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If Nairobi had one main boulevard, it would be Kenyatta Avenue.Named after Kenya's first President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, this avenue connects many important government offices, hotels, parks and financial institutions. It is known for its wide roads, mature trees and historical landmarks.
Kenyatta Avenue by Charles Waiganjo taken back in December 2021
Major landmarks include:
- Central Park
- Uhuru Park (nearby)
- Kipande House
- Numerous banks
- Hotels
Image of Kenyatta Avenue by Baraka Ralph taken back in May 2021
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3. Moi Avenue – Nairobi's Historic Commercial Corridor
Moi Avenue is one of the oldest roads in Nairobi.
Moi Avenue by jeff andeko back in November 2020
Originally called Government Road, it was renamed after Kenya's second President, Daniel arap Moi. It links many parts of the CBD and remains one of the busiest shopping streets.
At Archive by Eric Junior Wagobera (Eries) photo taken 2017 June
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You'll find:
- Kenya National Archives
- Jeevanjee Gardens
- Retail shops
- Banks
- Matatu connections
Aerial View of Moi Avenue by Kelvin Karuga taken on September 2025
4. Tom Mboya Street – Nairobi Never Sleeps Here
Image of Tom Mboya by Kenn Muema on August 2023
Tom Mboya Street is famous for one thing:
Movement.
Thousands of people walk through this street every hour.
Named after independence hero Tom Mboya, the road was formerly Victoria Street during the colonial era. Today it connects the inner CBD to River Road and Haile Selassie Avenue.
Aerial View of Jay Thomas taken on March 2021
It is known for:
- Heavy pedestrian traffic
- Matatu stages
- Wholesale businesses
- Kenya National Archives
- Afya Centre
5. Mama Ngina Street – Nairobi's Modern Business Street
Image of Mama Ngina Street by Enoch Kip taken on March 2021
Mama Ngina Street is one of Nairobi's cleanest and most modern streets.Named after Mama Ngina Kenyatta, it has undergone major upgrades with wider walkways, trees and public seating, making it one of the city's most pedestrian-friendly streets.
You'll find:
- Banks
- Cafés
- Corporate offices
- Restaurants
- Government buildings
At Mama Ngina Street by Monsieur Cliffe on October 2022
6. Wabera Street – Nairobi's Banking Hub
Image of Wabera Street by mugerah wanjiru taken on February 2023
Wabera Street is named after Daudi Dabasso Wabera, the first African District Commissioner in Isiolo, remembered for defending Kenya's territorial integrity.
Today it is popular for:
- Banks
- Forex bureaus
- Insurance companies
- Law firms
- Financial services
If you're handling financial transactions in the CBD, chances are you'll visit Wabera Street.
Image of Wabera Street by Enoch Kip on October 2025
7. Loita Street – Government & Corporate Offices
At Loita Street ABSA Towers photo taken back in March 2023 by David Ngigi
Loita Street may not be as busy as Tom Mboya Street, but it is strategically important.It hosts:
- Government offices
- Corporate headquarters
- Hotels
- Historic buildings
The famous Kipande House, once used during the colonial era for issuing identification passes, sits at the intersection of Kenyatta Avenue and Loita Street.
8. Koinange Street – Nairobi's Financial Street
At Koinange street phto taken back in June 2021 by Amau “prince”
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Koinange Street is named after Chief Koinange wa Mbiyu, an influential leader during colonial Kenya.
The street is famous for:
- Office towers
- Banks
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
It is also known for having one of the highest concentrations of banks within a single street in Nairobi CBD.
9. Luthuli Avenue – Kenya's Electronics Capital
At Luthuli Avenue photo taken by jeff andeko December 2020
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Need electronics?Luthuli Avenue is where many Kenyans head first.The street is packed with shops selling:
- TVs
- Speakers
- CCTV cameras
- Solar equipment
- Electrical supplies
- Mobile phone accessories
At Luthuli Avenue by Moses Kinyua taken on October 2022
It has become one of East Africa's largest electronics trading centres.
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10. Biashara Street – Nairobi's Wholesale Shopping Street
As the Swahili name suggests, Biashara means "business."
This street is known for:
- Fabrics
- Clothing
- Household goods
- Wholesale traders
- General merchandise
It has been a commercial hub since the early days of Nairobi and continues to attract retailers from across Kenya.
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Other Well-Known Streets in Nairobi CBD
Some other streets worth knowing include:
| Street |
| Haile Selassie Avenue |
| Ronald Ngala Street |
| Muindi Mbingu Street |
| Parliament Road |
| Harambee Avenue |
| University Way |
| River Road |
| Accra Road |
Image of At Wabera Street by Nicholas Kiriinya taken on November 2020
Why Were Nairobi Streets Renamed?
Before independence, many Nairobi streets carried British colonial names.After 1963, Kenya embarked on a nationwide effort to rename streets in honour of:
- Freedom fighters
- Presidents
- African leaders
- National heroes
- Important historical figures
This transformation gave Nairobi a stronger Kenyan identity while preserving the city's historical layout.