Kempton Park used to be a municipality on its own but in 2000 it was absorbed into the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. It is a vast residential area but it is also home to various types of industry. Factories, warehouses, conference centres all form part of the landscape of Kempton Park and most owe their existence to its proximity to Africa's busiest airport, OR Tambo International. As a result a number of airline and airline related businesses have their headquarters here.

One of South Africa's favourite golfing sons, Ernie Els, grew up in Kempton Park and learnt his trade at the Kempton Park Golf Club. The Emperor's Palace casino complex is right next to the airport and offers a large range of entertainment related activities.