Nairobi City County is seeking a private-sector partner to finance and develop a mixed-use complex in Eastleigh.
The county has invited bids for the design, financing, construction and sale or operation of a mixed-use development on a 0.5116-hectare (1.279-acre) parcel of land in Eastleigh under a joint venture arrangement.
The planned development will incorporate a public market, retail and commercial spaces, residential units, and supporting amenities.
Nairobi’s Urban Renewal Blueprint
The project is anchored in the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan (NIUPLAN), which identified the need to redevelop aging housing estates and upgrade social and physical infrastructure across the city.
The initiative is also linked to the Eastlands Urban Renewal Plan, which was prepared with support from the World Bank and the national government’s housing department to guide the transformation of older estates in the eastern part of Nairobi.
The Eastlands regeneration program was developed in 2019 to address challenges including dilapidated housing, overcrowding, environmental degradation, and inadequate urban services.
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The plan proposes higher-density developments supported by improved infrastructure and public amenities.
Nairobi first rolled out its urban renewal program during the 2015/16 financial year, targeting the redevelopment of old county housing estates through joint ventures in which the county contributes land while private developers provide capital and technical expertise.
The county says it is now progressing with the second phase after reviewing earlier projects.
Part of Wider Housing Push
The Eastleigh development is being pursued alongside a program targeting major county estates including Bahati, Maringo, Jericho, Lumumba, Ziwani, Bondeni, Embakasi, Kariobangi North, Gigiri and Woodley.
The county estimates that the program could deliver at least 60,000 affordable housing units for sale and rental.
The housing program builds on earlier regeneration efforts undertaken by the former Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), which envisioned tens of thousands of new housing units in aging estates as part of efforts to reduce Nairobi’s housing deficit.
Various redevelopment projects, including those in Pangani and Jeevanjee, have already been implemented under similar public-private partnership structures.
What the Eastleigh Project Entails
Tender documents show the Eastleigh site will be transformed into a multi-purpose development combining commercial and residential functions.
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The project will include a market, retail outlets, commercial spaces and apartment housing, alongside support facilities such as parking areas, eateries, washrooms and meeting spaces.
Nairobi County has proposed a development of up to 20 floors. Under the minimum specifications, at least four levels will be dedicated to a retail market, while at least two levels will accommodate retail and commercial activities.
The project is also expected to include at least ten levels of apartment housing.
However, bidders will have flexibility in their proposals. Developers may submit alternative housing models and development concepts, provided they meet the stipulated minimum requirements and demonstrate suitability for the site.
The successful bidder will be expected to finance the project and bring the technical expertise required for implementation, while the county contributes the land under the joint venture structure.
The tender, referenced as NCC/H&UR/RFP/024/2026-2027, is being conducted through an open international bidding process.
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