It is approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) southeast of the central business district of Nairobi.

Makadara is located approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) southeast of Nairobi's central business district.

It borders other neighbourhoods such as Buruburu, Bahati and Industrial Area; it contains Hamza and Maringo estates.

Makadara is generally a high-density housing and low-income to middle-income neighbourhood with a mixture of mid-rises and old bungalows.

Residents of Makadara struggle with limited infrastructure, with unpaved roads in some areas and insufficient water.