For newcomers or people looking to start a new life in Nairobi, finding a place to settle can be daunting, especially if you have a family. 

According to a 2024 report by the Old Mutual Financial Services Monitor, 49% of Kenyans earn an average monthly salary of sh 12,001 – 20,000, while 37% earn between sh 20,001 and sh 50,000. 

This means that for many Kenyans, their rent budget ranges between sh 5 000 – sh 10 000. 

Below, Bizna has compiled a list of safe and affordable areas you can live in Nairobi with this budget:

1. Ongata Rongai

Located just 17 km south of Nairobi’s Central Business District, Rongai is one of the most attractive residential areas for people living or working in Nairobi. 

The town is located along Magadi Road, although you can also access it via Langata Road by boarding a PSV at the Railways bus station.  

One of the most appealing factors about Rongai is its proximity to the CBD, with fare charges being about sh 50 during rush hours or sh 100 during peak hours. Food prices are also low compared to nearby suburbs, especially for people who live near Kware market. 

According to Jibubora, a real estate agent, the average rent for a single room in Rongai is about sh 4 000 – sh 4, 500, sh 4 500 – 6 500 for bedsitters, and sh 10 000 for a one bedroom. 

The cheapest places to live in Ongata Rongai are near Hass petrol station, opposite Bodaoil petrol station, along church road, opposite National Bank, and next to Fatima Hospital. 

2. Mwihoko

Mwihoko is a town located near Githurai, which is along the Thika superhighway. The town is home to several Kenyan personalities, including popular comedian Henry Desagu. 

One of the most appealing features of Mwihoko as a residential area are the affordable housing options, open spaces, and ease of access to and from the CBD. 

According to Ploti, a property and services marketplace, the average rent for a bedsitter in Mwihoko is sh 6, 500, going as low as sh 5 000 in some places. On the other hand, the average cost of a single room in Mwihoko ranges between sh 3, 500- sh 4 000. 

The cheapest places to live in Mwihoko include Kizito, Mumbi, Kiriri, and Transformer.

3. Ruiru 

If you have a family and are looking for a place to settle down near Nairobi, then Ruiru is the place for you. The town is situated along the Nairobi-Thika Superhighway. It is close to other towns like Githurai, Kahawa, and Juja. 

From Ruiru, you can easily access the Nairobi CBD within 30-40 minutes via the Thika Superhighway. Additionally, the town’s location makes it easily accessible to other towns like Juja, Thika, Kambu, and Murang’a. 

Ruiru is home to various amenities like the Spa Mall, Ruiru Mabati Factory, Maisha Rolling Mills Ltd, and Kamakis restaurants, which makes it appealing to job seekers. 

According to Aquantam, a real estate company, you can get a bedsitter in Ruiru for as low as sh 6, 000, with the cheapest apartments being located in Kimbo, Toll, Kihunguro, and Gwa Kairo.  

4. Kitengela

Popularly known as ‘Kite’, Kitengela is one of the fastest-growing Nairobi suburbs, a factor attributed to the rising influx of middle-income individuals and families looking to settle.

Although it is located in Kiambu County, Kitengela’s appeal is that it is close to Nairobi, has a rural feel, and has low crime rates compared to places like Kayole and Githurai. 

Kite is home to factories such as Savanah Cement, EPZ Kitengela, and Kitengela Glass House, as well as institutions like KCA University and Wibs Teachers College. Combined, these factors make Kitengela an alluring residential area for prospective job seekers and those seeking a fresh start. 

The average rent for a bedsitter in Kitengela is sh 6 000 while that of a one-bedroom is sh 10, 000. 

5. Ruai

Ruai is situated along Kangundo Road, near Kayole, Komarock, and Njiru. 

From the Nairobi CBD, one can easily access Ruai via the Eastern bypass by boarding a vehicle at Bus Station, near Afya Center. The fare from Rwai to the CBD is about sh 100 during off-peak hours and sh 120 during rush hours. 

Life in the town is relatively inexpensive, with food prices being comparatively lower than those of other suburbs like Kileleshwa. According to Jibu Bora, you can rent a single room in Ruai for as low as sh 3500 while a bedsitter goes for an average of sh 5500 – 6500. The most affordable apartments in Ruai can be found along Motherly Care Road, near Worldwide Gospel Church, at Baraka Center, and near the Rwai Family Hospital. 

6. Kangemi

Kangemi is located on the outskirts of Nairobi, along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. The town borders other suburbs like Kawangware, Westlands, Loresho, and Mountain View. 

To reach Kangemi from the CBD, you can board a matatu or bus route number 45 at the Odeon Stage, situated along Moi Avenue. 

Kangemi is home to various amenities like The Agha Kahn University Hospital, Lions Hospital, and Mountain View Mall. The average rent for a bedsitter in Kangemi ranges between sh 6 000 – sh 7 000, while that of a one-bedroom apartment is around sh 10 000. 

7. Zimmerman

Also known as Zimma, Zimmerman Estate was named after Karl Fritz Paul Zimmerman, a German pioneer industrialist who established a taxidermy factory in the area. The suburb is situated between Thika Road and Kamiti Road, bordering Thika Road Mall (TRM) and Githurai.

From the CBD, you can access Zimma by taking a matatu or bus at Imenti House, along Tom Mboya Street, or along Ronald Ngala Street. You will be charged about sh 30 during off-peak hours and sh 70 during rush hour. 

Food prices in Zimma are relatively low, a factor that is credited to the nearby Githurai market. According to Property Pro, you can rent a bedsitter in Zimmerman for as low as sh 5 000 while the average rent for a one-bedroom in the area is sh 10 000 – 12 000. 

Conclusion 

If you’re looking to start life in Nairobi or are relocating from another town, you may consider residing in Ongata Rongai, Mwihoko, Ruiru, Kitengela, Ruai, Kangemi, or Zimmerman. 

Aside from rent, you may also want to consider other factors like security, water availability, and proximity to the CBD when looking for a house.