The word ‘Umoja’ means togetherness, or united. It’s one of the words that was common in the years leading up to and even after Kenya’s independence because it pushes for unity. But above that, Umoja is more than just a word; it’s a popular neighbourhood that sits approximately 12 kilometres east of the Nairobi central business district.
For current residents and those who’ve have grown up in Umoja, the estate is simply known as “Umo”. With its unique history and patriotic title, it’s no wonder many Kenyans have called it home for decades.
The things that make Umoja
Umo is defined by an energetic essence that has and continues to be synonymous with areas in Nairobi’s Eastlands area. We witness the lifeline of Umo in the multicoloured, artsy matatus blaring various Kenyan music genres that range from Genge to Rap to Kapuka; we see it in the hustle and bustle of the numerous streets that connect the different zones – busy from dusk to dawn; and we experience it through the culture in speech that sometimes begins with Kiswahili and converts to Sheng.
Humble Beginnings
It may be hard to imagine that before the 1960s, Umoja was a large farmland that consisted of sisal. Left unoccupied for the better part of the pre-independence period, the shift in times called for potential changes in land use. As the Nairobi population grew, so did the need for residential zones that appealed to Kenyans.
The first phase of the Umoja housing project began in the mid 1960s. Initiated by the independent government, the project received funding from the USAID and so began the journey to developing average-sized family bungalows. A few years later development of the second phase commenced but disrupted due to the mismanagement of funds. Still, the project came to completion, and development of a third phase seemed possible. What did happen though was the government sold the remaining land to private owners. These owners brought a different architectural angle to the area – apartments.
Uncertain Times
The 1980s ushered in a new air in Kenya. A new head of state meant a new government, but not all Kenyans were receptive to the new regime – including some civil servants. This brought forth strict policies and severe punishments for those who didn’t comply or publicly expressed their distaste for the government. In some past newspaper interviews, former civil servants who resided in Umoja shared that they had private meetings within the estate to discuss the country’s liberation.
Since then, Umoja estate has stood strong against different winds of change. It nurtures a unique culture that adds to Nairobi’s diversity. Many have known this estate as home. Several others have an assortment of stories about their times and experiences here.
Umo ya Leo
Today, Umo is a sea of apartments and shops. It has been subdivided into three areas: Umoja 1 (divided into 17 zones labelled A to Q), Umoja 2 (divided into 8 zones) and Umoja inner core (divided into 5 zones).
Over to you… what’s your fondest memory of Umo? What other nicknames has this mtaa acquired over the years? Tell us your Umoja story!
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