Nairobi is home to some 4 million people – and nearly all of them need a roof on top of their heads. Here are the best affordable places to live in Nairobi.
Ruaka
Nairobi’s middle income earners love Ruaka. It is one of the most promising estates that is not very far from the capital – and it’s fairly affordable. If you decide to live in Ruaka, be sure to enjoy the serenity from the adjacent farms and the East Africa’s most prestigious mall; Two Rivers Mall.
If you love quiet and some space for a home, Ruaka is your choice. Apartment rent averages Ksh. 7,000 and Ksh. 28,000 per month.
Pangani
It’s an old estate, but one that has seen some nice modern houses come up of late. Pangani is an affordable estate and quite convenient especially if you work in Nairobi’s Central Business District, Westlands or other surrounding areas. One can actually choose to just walk to work – and in the process dodge the annoying traffic jam. The estate has good schools, churches, mosques, roads, and adequate water supply. It’s a nice place for middle-income earners with rent averaging between Ksh.18,000 to Ksh 50,000 per month.
Roysambu
Roysambu (Royal Suburbs) is home to middle-class people, mostly students from the surrounding universities like USIU and Kenyatta University. Most foreigners live in Roysambu and they include Nigerians, Rwandans, Congolese, Burundians, Ethiopians, Ghanaians among other nationalities. The estate sits along the famous Thika Superhighway – which means it is very easy to access the city centre. And yes, Roysambu neighbours Moi Sports Centre Kasarani. Life never stops in Roysambu. House rent ranges from Ksh. 7,000 to 30,000 per month.
Donholm
Donholm has good apartments for virtually everyone. Rent ranges between Ksh. 7,000 to 18,000 per month. The only problem is drainage and bad roads.
Kasarani
Kasarani estate sits along Thika Superhighway – which makes it convenient for those working in the capital centre. It has a wide range of apartments that will suit virtually every cadre of Nairobian. The choice is yours. Rent ranges from Ksh 5,000 to 20,000. If you love watching live football, just remember that Kasarani International Stadia is next door. The estate is also well punctuated with schools and social places like bars and clubs where you can enjoy your weekend.
Kahawa
Kahawa, just like Kaarani and Roysambu, sits along Thika road. Kahawa is divided into Kahawa Sukari, Kahawa West, and Kahawa Wendani. You just have to choose which Kahawa you will take.
Just note that Kahawa Wendani and Kahawa Sukari are mostly home to Kenyatta University students.
Kahawa Sukari has more working-class people due to its higher cost and better services. Rent ranges from Ksh. 7,000 to Ksh. 50,000 per month. Rent in Kahawa Wendani ranges between Ksh. 5,000 to Ksh. 30,000 per month. In Kahawa west rent will take you back between Ksh. 6,000 and Ksh. 28,000.
Embakasi
It’s the largest estate in Nairobi’s Eastland area. If you decide to live in Embakasi, some of your neighbours will be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Embakasi Military base. The area is safe and has affordable and high-end apartments. It will cost you between Ksh 5,000 to 50,000 per month to live in Embakasi.
Kikuyu
Kikuyu is in the outskirts of the Nairobi Metropolitan area. Many developers are putting up nice spacious houses. The average rent is between Ksh 7,000 and 50,000. The air and general ambience is very good – and mosquitoes are a rumor. From Kikuu you can easily get to the CBD without changing vehicles, go for a hike in from the Ngong forest.