The majority of Nairobi residents are middle-income citizens and below, earning a monthly wage of Ksh 60,000 and below.
Nairobi is home to many middle-income earners, who can afford to spend about 30% of their income on rent. This article identifies key areas in the NMA where affordable housing options under Ksh 20,000 are available, focusing on one-bedroom units.
READ MORE: The Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA) Industrial Market Overview
These areas, which include Syokimau, Ruiru, Ongata Rongai, and others, have become highly sought after due to their affordability, infrastructure improvements, and proximity to Nairobi’s key commercial zones.
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Affordability Lies Toward Nairobi’s Outskirts
Closer areas to Nairobi’s city center, such as Westlands, Upperhill, and Kilimani are generally too expensive for the average citizen. Rent typically starts from Ksh 50,000 for a one-bedroom unit. As a result, most people prefer the more affordable outskirts, where the rental prices are within reach.
READ MORE: These Are The Cheapest Neighborhoods To Rent In Nairobi & its Environs
Key Affordable Areas
Key to also note is that affordability is not only limited to the above areas. This is because there are more neighborhoods that fall within the aforementioned threshold such as Utawala, Imara Daima, Umoja, and Kitengela among others.
| Location | Price Range (For Rent) | Amenities |
| Syokimau & Mlolongo | One-bedroom unit – Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 20,000 | Gateway Mall Easy access via Mombasa Road and the Nairobi Expressway. |
| Ruiru | One-Bedroom unit – Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 18,000 | Ruiru Sports Club, Spur Mall |
| Ongata Rongai: | One-Bedroom unit – Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 17,000 | Popular among students due to institutions like Multimedia University and Africa Nazarene University. |
| Kinoo & Uthiru (Waiyaki Way) | One-Bedroom unit – Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 17,000 | Kinoo Primary School, Helfen Hospital, 10 minutes away from Westlands |
| Kasarani | One-Bedroom unit – starting from Ksh 14,000 | Thika Road Mall, Kasarani Stadium, Garden City Mall |
| Kikuyu | One-Bedroom unit – Ksh 17,000 and Ksh 20,000 | Easily accessible via Waiyaki Way from Nairobi’s city center. |
| Ruaka | One-Bedroom unit – Ksh 17,000 to Ksh 25,000 NB: While It fits within the Ksh 20,000 rent threshold, Ruaka’s rent is higher (up to Ksh 25,000) due to its proximity to affluent areas like Runda and Two Rivers Mall. | Rosslyn Riviera Mall, Two rivers, Village Market |
Improved Infrastructure and Amenities
Affordability is not the only draw to these areas; improvements in infrastructure and amenities have made them more attractive. Major roads like Thika Superhighway and the Nairobi Expressway have enhanced accessibility, and new developments such as shopping malls, schools, and hospitals have driven demand in these regions.
Rising Rental Rates
As infrastructure and amenities improve, rental rates in these areas have also risen. For instance, areas like Ruaka, Syokimau and Kitengela have seen an 11% growth in rental rates over the past seven years, yet they remain relatively affordable.
READ MORE: Boma Yangu Project – Affordable Housing Program in Kenya
Conclusion
Despite the preference for living near Nairobi’s city center, most people live in the outskirts due to affordability. Infrastructure improvements and the availability of amenities have made these satellite estates more desirable, even as rental rates rise. Pricing, while- crucial, is not the only factor driving demand in these areas.
READ MORE: Why Are Wealthy Kenyans Opting to Move to Satellite Towns?
This article was written in collaboration with Estate Intel.
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