Ngong

Ngong is a town and administrative ward in Kajiado County, Kenya, located about 20 kilometers southwest of Nairobi’s central business district. It lies within the Nairobi metropolitan region and serves as part of the greater Nairobi area.

Geography and features: The town sits at the southern edge of the Ngong Hills, a chain of volcanic hills that rise from the Rift Valley floor and form a prominent escarpment to the west of the city. The Ngong Forest Reserve covers part of the southern slopes and protects a remnant woodland that supports wildlife and biodiversity. The area generally experiences a cooler climate relative to central Nairobi due to its higher elevation.

History: The Ngong area has long been inhabited by the Maasai, with settlement patterns shaped by Kenya’s colonial and post-colonial development. Ngong developed as a market and residential area for Nairobi commuters and as a gateway to the rural outskirts.

Economy and demographics: The local economy is mixed, with small-scale agriculture on surrounding farms, commerce in the town, and residents who commute to Nairobi for work. The population includes Maasai and people from other Kenyan communities, reflecting broader regional demographics.

Transport and notable features: Ngong is connected to Nairobi by major roads and is served by local transport networks. Notable features in and around Ngong include the Ngong Hills and the Ngong Forest Reserve, which attract visitors for hiking, views, and birdwatching. The area forms part of the wider cultural and geographic landscape of southern Nairobi’s hinterland.