Cheap decent estates to stay in Nairobi

Nairobi has some of the most expensive estates in Africa but it also has very affordable houses for low-income earners. With fluctuating rent prices, low-income earners face challenges in getting a decent house to live in but here are good estates to choose from:

1. Roysambu

Located near Thika Superhighway, Roysambu is mostly inhabited by fresh graduates and upcoming middle-class residents. The estate also hosts Nigerians, Rwandese, Congolese and other foreigners. According to Pulse Live, a bedsitter in the area costs between KSh 8,000 to KSh 12,000 while a one-bedroom house is charged between KSh 15,000 and KSh 20,000.

2. Kinoo

Kinoo is located in Kiambu county on the way to Kikuyu town. Renting a house in the estate costs between KSh 8,000 and KSh 20,000 for an apartment depending on the number of bedrooms.

3. Kikuyu

Bedsitters in Kikuyu, Kiambu county cost KSh 7,000 on average. A one-bedroom house costs between KSh 13,000 and KSh 16, 000. It is inhabited by the working class.

4. Utawala

Named after the Administration Police training college in the vicinity, Utawala is less densely populated compared to other estates in Nairobi Metropolis. It is located in Embakasi East constituency. A bedsitter in the estate averages KSh 6,000 whereas a one-bedroom house costs approximately KSh 10,000.

5. Donholm

The name Donholm was coined by colonial plantation owner James Kerr Watson who had named after it after his dairy farm in the area. Some of the estates located within Donholm are Harambee Sacco, Phase 5, Old Donholm, New Donholm and Phase 8. Rent costs between KSh 20,000 and KSh 40,000.

6. Mlolongo

The estate is situated along Mombasa Road, Mlolongo. In the 2019 census, its population was estimated at 136,000. A bedsitter in the town costs KSh 6,500 on average while a one-bedroom costs between KSh 8,500 and KSh 15,000. From Mlolongo, one can travel to town by bus/matatus or board a train at the Syokimau Railway Station.

7. Rongai

Rongai is popularly referred to as ‘diaspora’ by its residents due to the traffic snarl-ups that mean they take more time before arrival to the city. Rent in the settlement ranges between KSh 8,000 and KSh 20,000 for an apartment depending on the number of bedrooms.

8. Kasarani

Kasarani has a population of over 780,000 people is the second most populated area in Nairobi. Most of its inhabitants reside in Githurai, which borders Kiambu county. Rent in Kasarani costs between KSh 8,000 and KSh 20,000.

9. Ruaka

Located in Kiambu county, Ruaka is home to over 190,000 residents. Rent in the area costs between KSh 8,000 and KSh 20,000. 

10. Uthiru/Kangemi Uthiru and Kangemi

Located on Waiyaki Way are home to middle and lower class citizens. Bedsitters in the areas cost between KSh 6,000 and KSh 10,000. A one-bedroom goes for KSh 8,000 to KSh 13,000.

Source: Tuko