Eastleigh First Avenue is a major public transport and commercial corridor serving Eastleigh Sections I, II and III. Matatus and buses using or connecting with the road provide travel towards Nairobi CBD, Pangani, Ngara, Juja Road and surrounding Eastlands neighbourhoods.

← View all Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers

Corridor overview

Understanding Eastleigh First Avenue

First Avenue passes through one of Nairobi’s busiest commercial and residential districts. Public transport vehicles may travel along part of the avenue, cross it or terminate at stages within the wider Eastleigh area.

Because Eastleigh contains several avenues and sections, commuters should use a specific building, road or shopping centre as their destination.

Route 6 to Eastleigh

Route 6 is one of the principal services connecting Nairobi CBD with Eastleigh through Ngara and Pangani.

Route 6 — Eastleigh
Via Ngara and Pangani towards Eastleigh, with connections to First Avenue and surrounding sections.

Confirm whether the vehicle enters First Avenue or drops passengers at a nearby Eastleigh stage.

Other connecting services

Depending on the boarding point and destination, useful routes may include:

Operating paths can change, and not every vehicle using these numbers travels along First Avenue. Confirm with the conductor before boarding.

Travelling towards Nairobi CBD

Passengers heading to Nairobi CBD should look for vehicles displaying Town, CBD or a recognised city terminus. Ask where the matatu ends because Eastleigh services may use different CBD stages.

Common city connections may take passengers towards areas around:

• Ngara
• Pangani
• Kariokor
• Tom Mboya Street
• Accra Road
• Ronald Ngala Street
• Nairobi CBD termini

The precise route depends on the operator.

Reaching Eastleigh Sections I, II and III

Eastleigh’s section names cover broad areas. Before boarding, identify:

• The required section
• The avenue or street
• The nearest shopping centre
• A recognised building or institution
• The closest matatu stage

A vehicle described simply as “Eastleigh” may not pass close to the required destination.

First Avenue connections

From First Avenue and nearby stages, commuters may connect towards:

• Nairobi CBD
• Ngara and Pangani
• Juja Road
• Huruma
• Mathare
• Kariobangi
• Dandora
• Kayole and Komarock
• Outer Ring Road connections

Passengers changing vehicles should ask for the correct stage because different destinations may board from separate streets.

Traffic and boarding conditions

Eastleigh experiences heavy pedestrian, commercial and vehicle activity. Loading zones and stages may shift because of congestion, enforcement or road conditions.

Commuters should:

• Use recognised stages
• Avoid boarding from the middle of traffic
• Confirm the fare before entering
• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Allow extra walking time between stages

Return journey

For the return trip, identify the correct First Avenue or nearby stage serving your destination. Do not assume every Nairobi-bound matatu uses the same road or city terminus.

Ask whether the vehicle passes Ngara, Pangani or another preferred connection.

Travel time

Travel time depends on congestion within Eastleigh and along Pangani, Ngara and the approaches to Nairobi CBD. Delays are common during business hours and the morning and evening peaks.

A short journey through Eastleigh can take considerably longer during periods of heavy commercial activity.

Fare information

Fares depend on distance, traffic, weather, passenger demand and time of travel. Journeys requiring a local connection within Eastleigh will involve an additional charge.

Fares vary and can change at any time.

Master-page section

Eastleigh First Avenue

Major public transport corridor serving Eastleigh Sections I, II and III, with connections towards Pangani, Ngara and Nairobi CBD.