Mavoko is situated in Machakos District some 25 km south east of Nairobi. It has an estimated population of 65,000 and is popularly known as Athi River. Mavoko appears to offer a good opportunity for the expansion of the Nairobi Metropolitan Region and therefore, the area is of strategic importance.
Mavoko’s rapid growth, however, has led to an explosive growth of slums around strategic locations close to industries and other places of employment.