Renting a home in Nairobi takes some planning. Weigh up the budget, the cost of living, commute times, and security before you settle on a suburb, since the balance between them changes from one part of the city to the next.
Areas and suburbs in Nairobi
You can find all sorts of areas and suburbs in Nairobi, from quiet, low-density enclaves to crowded blocks of apartments. When making your decision, consider the housing types available, the proximity of hospitals, the transport links, and how close you will be to both work and school.
The most exclusive neighbourhoods are Karen, Runda, Muthaiga, and Gigiri, all of which have big houses on spacious plots situated behind high fences and enjoying 24-hour security. Families who have slightly smaller budgets generally go for Lang'ata because of its gated compounds and its easy access to Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Centre.
Young professionals usually choose to live in Parklands and Westlands, since both areas are near the central business district and have a large number of shops, restaurants, cafés, and late-night bars. Those who want high-rise apartments tend to go for Kilimani and Hurlingham, as many of the apartments there come with pools and gyms. Certain parts of the CBD have a higher level of crime, which is why most renters avoid them.
Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Nairobi
Types of rental accommodation in Nairobi
The types of rental accommodation in Nairobi change as you move out from the centre. In and around the CBD, most rentals are apartments; Further out, homes are a bit roomier. Out in the suburbs, you'll come across standalone houses on large plots, townhouse complexes, semi-detached houses, and maisonettes.
Families with children usually look for a freestanding house, whether to rent or buy. You'll find both older and newer standalone homes, and some suburbs have far more of them than others.
High-rise apartment blocks have multiplied across the city centre and inner suburbs, and they continue to pop up in areas like Kilimani and Kileleshwa. Many have a shared pool and round-the-clock security, so home safety is one less thing to fret about. Smaller blocks of flats and townhouses are dotted around the city too.
Gated complexes and estates are among the most common setups for expats in Nairobi. You'll find houses, villas, apartments, and townhouses, all behind a single controlled entrance. Residents prefer them for their comfort and security. Expect CCTV and manned entry and exit points around the clock. Shared pools and well-kept gardens are good places to meet neighbours, which helps when you're new in town.
Furnished vs unfurnished
You can rent either furnished or unfurnished, whatever the property type. Unfurnished places are easier to come by and cheaper to rent. Furniture is easy enough to buy locally, but if you'd rather bring your own, factor in the cost of shipping it over.
Short lets
Short lets are on the rise in Nairobi, and serviced apartments are the usual choice. They're fully furnished and flexible, which suits business travellers and anyone here on a short assignment while they hunt for something permanent. You'll find most of them in Westlands and around Kilimani and Hurlingham.
Shipping and Removals in Nairobi
Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Nairobi
Finding rental accommodation in Nairobi
Finding rental accommodation in Nairobi is far easier with a good estate agent and a couple of online portals. Agents know the market street by street, and they often hear about homes before they're advertised. A good agent will negotiate the rent and terms and walk you through the paperwork. Agree early on who pays the agent. In Kenya, it's usually the tenant who covers the letting fee (sometimes as much as a month's rent), so nail this down before you start viewing. If your employer has hired a relocation company, they'll handle most of the legwork and line up viewings that fit your brief.
Start the search online. You'll find the widest range of listings on Property24 and BuyRentKenya, and each entry usually has photos, floor plans, location details, and agent contacts. Expat housing groups on social media are worth a look too.
Useful links
Renting accommodation in Nairobi
Renting accommodation in Nairobi is pricier than anywhere else in Kenya, and at the top of the market, you'll find some genuinely exclusive homes. Keep a close eye on your budget, and read every clause of the lease before you sign.
Leases
Most leases in Nairobi are for a year, although you'll also see shorter and longer terms. Go through the tenancy agreement with a fine-tooth comb and check the notice periods, early termination clauses, renewal terms, and deposit conditions. An estate agent is worth using here, since they know the local paperwork and property law. Many clauses are written in the landlord's favour, so read carefully.
On a fixed-term lease, the rent usually can't be raised until the term is up unless it's written into the agreement, and the landlord must give written notice of any rise. If you think an increase is unfair, you can take it to the Rent Tribunal.
Deposits
Deposits are usually one to three months' rent, and it'll be outlined in your lease. You're entitled to get the whole deposit back once the lease ends as long as you haven't damaged the property or fallen behind on rent. Photograph the condition of the place when you move in and again when you leave, and make sure the refund terms are spelt out in the lease. If a landlord withholds your deposit unfairly, you have grounds to challenge it.
Security costs
Security costs are a real line item in Nairobi, because home safety is a genuine concern here. In a complex or apartment block, they're usually bundled into the rent or shared among residents. A standalone house is different. You'll arrange your own cover, and a round-the-clock guard from one of the many local security firms is well worth the money. CCTV and smart home systems are increasingly common on top of that.
Terminating the lease
Ending a lease early in Kenya is mostly a matter of giving the right notice as outlined in your contract. For most agreements, either party must give one to two months' written notice. If you leave without giving proper notice, you risk losing part of your deposit or having to wait until the original end date to get it back.
Utilities in Nairobi
Utilities in Nairobi are almost never included in the rent, so budget for electricity, water, gas, and internet on top.
Electricity
Electricity in Nairobi is billed on a tiered tariff, so you'll pay more per unit in a bigger home or one with lots of appliances. Much of the country's electricity comes from renewables, chiefly geothermal and hydro, so supply is fairly clean, even if it isn't always uninterrupted.
Kenya Power runs the grid, and most rentals have a prepaid meter that you top up as you go. Residents generally pay through M-Pesa (Pay Bill 888880 for prepaid tokens, or 888888 for a postpaid bill). Bank transfer and Kenya Power offices are the other options.
Gas
LPG cylinders are used for cooking. You buy a cylinder, then refill it as needed, either at a petrol station or with a licensed dealer. K-Gas, ProGas, Total, and Afrigas are among the big names.
Water
Water in Nairobi is supplied by the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company. The supply is unreliable, and it’s normal for properties to have a water storage tank. Boreholes and water-truck deliveries are common backups in the city. Tap water isn't reliably safe to drink, so filter it or buy bottled.
Bins and recycling
In estates and gated communities, rubbish is usually collected by private companies. Elsewhere, the county collects, sometimes through subcontractors. Recycling is still quite limited, although there are a handful of private firms and NGOs that collect plastics and glass in some areas.
Internet
Home internet in Nairobi is easy to sort, and fibre to the home is available in most suburbs. For fibre, the big names are Safaricom Home Fibre, Faiba, and Zuku. On a tighter budget, Poa and Airtel's 5G home plans are worth a look. You'll find plans from modest speeds up to gigabit fibre. Getting set up takes a few days, and the provider supplies a router.