History of Utawala
Utawala is one of the localities located in Embakasi, east of Nairobi. Being about 16 kilometers from Nairobi CBD makes the area very accessible and has attracted many inhabitants over time. Utawala got its name from the Administrative police college in the area. The area begun like any other satellite town near Nairobi, with scattered houses, poor infrastructure and scarce population.
However, as the area began to grow after infrastructure upgrades, it has gained an identity of its own. Today, Utawala is a residential neighborhood housing a middle class group of residents who majorly work either around Mombasa Road or in Nairobi CBD. Utawala is quite big and there are several areas that have cropped up, each with a unique character.
Areas in Utawala
1. Utawala Shooters
Shooters is one of the most popular areas within the larger Utawala neighborhood. The place got its name from The Shooters inn club found there. It is quite a vibrant area with youthful energy and young inhabitants. Many of the residents in Shooters are either business owners, informal workers or young families. Rents in shooters is moderately affordable but house prices are slowly growing with improvements in roads, drainage and overall development.
If you are young, love a vibrant area with lots of people and joints to socialize in, Shooters is a great option. The housing options in Shooters include; Bedsitters, 1-Bedrooms, 2-Bedrooms and 3-Bedrooms.
| House Type | Rent Range (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 9,000 – 15,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | 25,000 – 40,000 |
2. Utawala Benedicta
Utawala Benedicta is a quieter, more organized residential area. The name Benedicta is from the Benedicta Primary School in the area. Surprisingly, it hosts the most number of schools in Utawala making it a good area for young, growing families. The area has good security with gated courts that have made it appealing to renters seeking organized living.
| House Type | Rent Range (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 25,000 – 27,000 |
3. Utawala Githunguri
Utawala Githunguri lies at the border of Utawala and Njiru area. Unlike the other parts of Utawala which are lively, this area is quite quiet. If you are looking for a standalone house, bungalow or maisonette, this is the part you should be looking at. It attracts a much mature group of residents, people who just want a calm environment, mostly families.
| House Type | Rent Range (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 10,000 – 22,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | 25,000 – 40,000 |
4. Utawala Airways
Airways just as the name suggests is located next to the Airport. It is a fast growing area with good accessibility in terms of roads and public transport. The area hosts a diverse group of people with a mix of apartments, gated communities and stand-alone homes present. Security in Airways is great and you will rarely hear about issues of robbery. If you are looking for a fast growing area to build, Airways is a great option.
| House Type | Rent Range (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 10,000 – 18,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 18,000 – 35,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| 4 Bedroom | 25,000 – 50,000 |
5. Utawala Kincar
Kincar extends from Lexo Petrol Station towards Airways. It includes courts like Ridgeways, Arizona & Bakhita Crescent which are residential gated communities. It is known for modern apartments and it is growing quite fast. The vibe of the area is chilled, and if you are looking for upscale living within Utawala, this is the place for you.
| House Type | Rent Range (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 12,000 – 25,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 18,000 – 35,000 |
6. Utawala Astrol
Astrol is found in the area surrounding Astrol Petrol Station along the eastern bypass. The area has recently been popular with executive apartments making it attractive to people who want quality living. It is also well served with amenities like roads, sewers and water.
| House Type | Rent Range (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 15,000 – 23,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | 30,000 – 45,000 |
Schools in Utawala
1. Utawala Academy
A well-known private school offering CBC and primary education. It is popular with middle-income families. This is owing to the structured learning and relatively affordable fees compared to schools in upper parts of Nairobi.
2. St. Bakhita Elite School
Provides kindergarten, primary, and junior secondary education. Known for its disciplined learning environment. Many local residents choose it for balanced academics and character development.
3. Embakasi Benedicta Academy
Offers early childhood and primary education with strong community involvement. It is considered a practical option for families on a moderate budget but still want a good school. Located within a residential setting making access easy for nearby estates.
4. Ruaiveld School Utawala
A private school with modern facilities focusing on CBC education. Known for extracurricular activities and a family-friendly learning environment. Suitable for parents looking for a mix of academics and co-curricular growth.
5. Famica Montessori School
Focuses mainly on early childhood education and daycare. Uses a child-centered learning approach, making it a good option for toddlers and preschoolers. Often chosen by young families moving into new apartment developments.
6. The Rophine Field Group of Schools
The Rophine Field Group of Schools in Utawala is a private learning institution offering early childhood and primary education. It is known for being part of an international wing of schools offering Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) curriculum.
Hospitals in Utawala
1. Reale Hospital – Utawala Branch
A reputable private hospital offering maternity, outpatient, diagnostics, and emergency services. It is one of the more established medical facilities in the area. Suitable for families looking for reliable mid-range private healthcare.
2. Bristol Park Hospital – Utawala
Provides outpatient treatment, maternity services, and laboratory testing. Known for relatively modern facilities and professional staff. Many residents use it for routine medical care and specialist consultations.
3. Nairobi West Hospital – Utawala Branch
A satellite branch of Nairobi West Hospital providing outpatient services, maternity care, and basic diagnostics. Ideal for residents who want private healthcare without traveling far. Often used for general consultations and minor procedures.
4. Shalom Community Hospital Utawala
A community-focused hospital offering general consultations, pharmacy services, and basic laboratory tests. It is considered more budget-friendly compared to larger private hospitals. Suitable for everyday medical needs and checkups.
5. Utawala Health Centre
Provides basic public health services including consultations, maternal care, vaccinations, and minor treatment. A good option for residents seeking affordable healthcare. Many locals use it for routine and preventive medical services.
Shopping Centers in Utawala
1. Capital Shopping Mall Utawala
A small but convenient neighborhood mall with supermarkets, salons, and service shops. Ideal for everyday shopping and quick errands. Popular with residents due to its central location within Utawala.
2. M-Wart Supermarket Utawala
One of the most recognized supermarkets in the area offering groceries, household items, and basic essentials. Known for relatively affordable prices and accessibility. Many residents rely on it for monthly household shopping.
3. Utawala Shopping Centre (Main Centre)
A busy commercial hub with retail shops, banks, eateries, and service providers. Serves as the main economic center of the estate. Good place for daily necessities and local business services.
4. Airways Centre Utawala
A growing commercial area near the Airways section with mini-marts, restaurants, and local businesses. Convenient for residents living around the Eastern Bypass side. Reflects the rapid development happening in newer Utawala zones.
5. Benedicta Shopping Centre
A local retail area serving residents around Benedicta and Kincar zones. Includes small supermarkets, hardware stores, and convenience shops. Useful for quick daily purchases without traveling far.
Future outlook & investment in utawala
Utawala is one of the most promising satellite towns of Nairobi which has seen rapid growth over the past decade. Its proximity to work nodes such as; CBD, Momabasa Road, Eastern-Bypass have made it a popular choice for people who want an affordable area with easy commutes. The growing infrastructure is also pushing land prices up and consequently rent prices. The cytonn H1’ 2025 report placed annual land price appreciation at 4.8% in Utawala. This makes it a great investment choice for investors.
If you are looking to build a residential home in Utawala, my advice is to buy land in a gated community. The controlled development with zoning protects you from having apartments built next to you. I have seen many people build their retirement home, only to have a 5-storey building erected next to them. Alternatively, if you are looking to develop apartments, make sure to do your due-diligence and feasibility study well. This ensures you end up constructing units that are in demand in the area.
You can reach out for any property assistance in Utawala. Whether you want to buy, sell or rent property, we have something for you.
Frequently asked Questions
1. Which part of Nairobi is Utawala?
Utawala is located in the southeastern part of Nairobi, near Embakasi and close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Utawala is in Nairobi County.
Utawala falls under Embakasi East Constituency.
Most matatus to Utawala are boarded at Kencom/Bus Station area in Nairobi CBD, commonly using route 33UTW.
Fare typically ranges from about KSh 80–150 depending on time of day, traffic, and weather.
Utawala is roughly 15–20 km from Nairobi CBD, depending on the route taken.
Utawala is not directly on Mombasa Road; it is accessed mainly via Eastern Bypass and Outer Ring Road. Towns along Mombasa Road include South B, South C, Industrial Area, Imara Daima, Syokimau, Mlolongo, Athi River, and Kitengela.
