Nairobi is the center of business activities in the country, more so, its town center which is named as the Central Business District (CBD). Research states that Nairobi CBD is home to over 21,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs). When you include companies, banks, government institutions and the informal sector, you see why CBD is a major commercial hub. All these businesses and sectors employ thousands of people who have to travel in and out of the city every day for work or business.
If you are reading this guide, I am guessing you are part of this workforce keeping our economy alive. In a recent survey 7 out of 10 people claimed to choose a place to live based on where they work. And so this leads to our question; where should one live if they work in Nairobi CBD? We have put together this guide for the purposes of this very question, so let’s dive in.
What to look for when choosing a place
a. Commute Time during peak hours
Commute time is how long you take from your house to your workplace. You might live nearer the CBD but the route you use ends up having heavy traffic during peak hours. A person who lives further along a route with less traffic, will spend less time commuting compared to you. So before moving to a place, make sure you understand how much time the commute to CBD takes. You could ask around from colleges who live there already or ask matatu operators who plight that route. The question to answer is;
How long does it take to get to CBD during peak hours (morning & evening)? ____________________
b. Route Flexibility
An area could be close to Nairobi CBD but because of poor access to roads or fewer public transport options, commuting ends up being unpredictable and time-consuming. I often ask people to select a place with multiple route options.
For instance, people living in Kasarani can board any vehicle plying the Thika road route and alight at Roysambu to board a connecting matatu to Kasarani. They could also board Kangundo Road buses and alight at Njiru to board a matatu for Kasarani.
c. The Monthly Rents
Obviously rent is a big factor when selecting a place you want to move to. We are all abled differently and what one person may find it easy to afford, another might not. I advise people to go for houses that match 30% of their monthly income or lower. This gives you “breathing-space” for other expenses like food and transportation making sure you are not evicted because of rental arrears.
d. Distance to CBD
Another factor you need to closely look into is the distance of your intended location to Nairobi CBD. As you move further from the CBD, housing options start becoming cheaper. To know how far a place is from Nairobi CBD, simply do a google search and you should get a good estimate. Knowing the distance will help you narrow down the areas you are to pick especially those along the same road.
For example, if you want to move to a place along Thika-Road Corridor, picking a place nearer CBD will help in reduce your commute time. So instead of moving to a place like Juja which is 30 Km from CBD, a place like Kasarani at 15 Km would be a better choice. Plus, house rents between the two areas are nearly the same.
e. Your work shift & Schedule
Depending on your job, and the time you report to work, your schedule might either work in your advantage of vice versa. A person who reports to work at 10:00 am can live further out of CBD than a person who is needed in the office by 8:00 am. Similarly, if you work the night shift, living further away from Nairobi CBD might actually work for you as your commute is always against traffic. If you report to work at 7:00 pm, then chances are you are not battling traffic to CBD.
Best areas ranked by road
We have ranked areas based on the transport corridor they sit in and have filtered out places that are over an hour from Nairobi CBD. Also, all distances provided assume that you are moving non-stop, if you are using public transportation you may add 15 – 20 minutes for dropping and picking up passengers to the times given below.
Areas along thika road
1. EASTLEIGH
Eastleigh is a busy commercial-residential hub known for its vibrant business environment and relatively affordable housing close to the CBD. Fare prices range from KES 50 – 100 depending on traffic and the time of day. Vehicles to Eastleigh are boarded at Koja (Old Nation) roundabout in CBD. Travel times to Eastleigh are about 20 minutes.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 8,000 – 15,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 15,000 – 28,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 28,000 – 50,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 45,000 – 75,000
Routes to CBD
- Ring Road Ngara
- Murang’a Road
- Juja Road connecting to Ngara
Eastleigh’s Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Close proximity to CBD | Traffic congestion at CBD entry points |
| Multiple access routes to town | The areas is very crowded environment |
| Houses are affordable but rents are rising | Limited parking in the area if you have a car |
2. GARDEN ESTATE
Garden Estate is a quiet, leafy suburb offering a mix of standalone homes and modern apartments, popular with families and professionals. To get to Garden Estate, you can board any matatu plighting Thika road and alight at Alsops. Fares from Nairobi CBD to Garden Estate are about KES 50 bob. Travel times are about 20 – 30 minutes.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: Rare
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 30,000 – 45,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 40,000 – 120,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 100,000 – 200,000
Routes to CBD
- Thika Superhighway
- Kiambu Road → CBD
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Serene environment | Higher rent |
| Dual route options | Traffic near CBD |
| Good road quality | Limited public transport |
3. ROASTERS
Roasters is a developing residential area along Thika Road, known for accessibility and proximity to malls like TRM. Matatus to Roasters are boarded next to Tea Room or you could board any bus moving along Thika Road. Fare is around KES 50 – KES 80 depending on traffic and time of day. Travel time is 20 – 30 minutes.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 7,000 – 12,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 12,000 – 22,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 22,000 – 40,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 35,000 – 65,000
Routes to CBD
- Thika Superhighway
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Direct highway access | Peak-hour congestion |
| Affordable housing | Limited alternative routes |
| Good transport availability | Traffic near Pangani/Globe |
4. NGUMBA ESTATE
Ngumba is a residential pocket near Garden Estate offering a balance between affordability and proximity to CBD. Matatus to Ngumba Estate are boarded at OTC stage along Ronald Ngala Street. Fare is about KES 50 – KES 80 depending on time and traffic conditions. Travel times are roughly 20 – 30 minutes.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 8,000 – 14,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 15,000 – 28,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 28,000 – 50,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 45,000 – 75,000
Routes to CBD
- Thika Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Strategic location | Traffic during rush hour |
| Dual route access | Limited estate planning |
| Reasonable rent | Noise from highway |
5. KASARANI
Kasarani is a popular middle-class area known for affordability and a wide range of housing options. Matatus to Kasarani are boarded at Odeon or Mwi-sacco stage near St. Peter’s Clavers catholic church along Racecourse road. Fares typically range from KES 50 – KES 100 depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. Older matatus are also cheaper compared to newer modern “nganyas.” Travel times from Nairobi CBD to Kasarani range from 30 – 40 minutes.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 6,000 – 12,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 10,000 – 22,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 20,000 – 40,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 35,000 – 65,000
Routes to CBD
- Thika Superhighway
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Affordable housing | Traffic congestion |
| Reliable public transport | Longer commute |
| Vibrant community | Overcrowding |
6. ZIMMERMAN
Zimmerman is a densely populated but affordable residential area, ideal for budget-conscious renters. To get to Zimmerman from Nairobi CBD, board a matatu at Ronald Ngala Street. Matatus heading towards Githurai 44/Kamiti Road will also get you there. Fares can range from KES 50 – KES 100.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 5,500 – 10,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 9,000 – 18,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 18,000 – 35,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 30,000 – 55,000
Routes to CBD
- Thika Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very affordable | Congestion |
| Close to Thika Road | Dense population |
| Easy matatu access | Limited infrastructure |
7. GITHURAI 45
Githurai 45 is a high-density, low-income area offering some of the cheapest housing near Thika Road. The cost of living in Githurai is also quite low. Matatus to Githurai 45 are boarded in the Nairobi CBD along Tom Mboya Street, particularly at the Koja (Ronald Ngala) stage or near Tea Room. Fares typically range from KES 50 to KES 80 and the journey takes 30 – 45 minutes.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 4,000 – 8,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 7,000 – 15,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 15,000 – 28,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 25,000 – 45,000
Routes to CBD
- Thika Superhighway
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very affordable rent | Long commute |
| Direct highway access | Heavy congestion |
| High transport availability | Crowded conditions |
Areas Along Waiyaki Way
1. LAVINGTON
Lavington is a high-end residential area offering spacious homes and modern apartments in a quiet environment. To board matatus to Lavington in Nairobi, go to the Odeon Cinema stage. The journey typically takes 15-25 minutes, with fares ranging from Ksh 50 to Ksh 80, depending on traffic and the operator.
Rent Range
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 70,000 – 120,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 120,000 – 200,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 180,000 – 350,000
Routes to CBD
- Waiyaki Way → Uhuru Highway
- Ngong Road → CBD
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Quiet and upscale | Expensive |
| Good road network | Traffic congestion |
| Close to CBD | Limited budget housing |
2. KANGEMI
Kangemi is an affordable residential area along Waiyaki Way, attracting budget-conscious residents. Matatus to Kangemi are picked at Nairobi City Centre (near Posta/Tom Mboya street). The journey takes approximately 20–30 minutes, with fares generally costing around KES 50–100.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 5,000 – 10,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 8,000 – 18,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 18,000 – 30,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 30,000 – 50,000
Routes to CBD
- Waiyaki Way
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Affordable rent | Traffic congestion |
| Direct route to CBD | Informal infrastructure |
| High transport availability | Crowded |
3. UTHIRU
Uthiru sits further out but benefits from access to both Waiyaki Way and the Southern Bypass. Matatus to Uthiru are best boarded from Railways Bus Station or at the National Archives in Nairobi. The trip takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic, with fares typically ranging from KES 50 to 100.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 6,000 – 12,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 10,000 – 22,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 22,000 – 40,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 35,000 – 65,000
Routes to CBD
- Waiyaki Way
- Southern Bypass → Ngong Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Multiple routes | Long commute |
| Affordable | Traffic |
| Growing infrastructure | Distance from CBD |
4. KAWANGWARE
Kawangware is a dense, affordable area with strong public transport connections. Matatus to Kawangware are best boarded from the GPO (General Post Office) or Kencom stage in the Nairobi CBD. Fares generally range from KSh 50 to KSh 100, depending on traffic and peak hours, with a travel time of approximately 30 to 50 minutes from the city center.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 5,000 – 9,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 8,000 – 18,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 18,000 – 30,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 30,000 – 50,000
Routes to CBD
- Ngong Road
- Waiyaki Way
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Affordable housing | Congestion |
| Multiple access roads | Dense population |
| Good matatu network | Flood-prone sections |
Areas Along ngong road
1. KILIMANI
Kilimani is a prime residential area popular with young professionals due to its proximity to CBD and vibrant lifestyle. Matatus to Kilimani are primarily boarded in the Nairobi CBD near the Kenya National Archives/Moi Avenue or GPO. Fares generally range from Ksh 30 to Ksh 50, depending on traffic and the time of day, with a travel time of approximately 10–15 minutes from the CBD.
Rent Range
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 50,000 – 90,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 80,000 – 150,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 120,000 – 250,000
Routes
- Ngong Road
- Argwings Kodhek Road
Kilimani Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Close to CBD | Expensive |
| Lifestyle amenities | Traffic |
| Modern apartments | Noise & Airbnbs |
2. HURLINGHAM
Hurlingham is a commercial-residential area bordering Kilimani with excellent connectivity. Matatus to Hurlingham in Nairobi are primarily boarded at GPO, Kencom, or behind Ambassador in the city center. The most common route is 46K (Kawangware), with a fare of roughly KES 50–100 and a travel time of 10 –15 minutes.
Rent Range
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 45,000 – 80,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 70,000 – 130,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 110,000 – 200,000
Routes
- Ngong Road
- Valley Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Strategic location | Traffic congestion |
| Close to CBD | Costly |
| Good infrastructure | Noise |
3. ADAMS ARCADE
A lively mid-range area with strong commercial presence and accessibility. Matatus to Adams Arcade in Nairobi are best boarded from the General Post Office (GPO) along Kenyatta Avenue or the Railways Bus Station. The fare is usually KES 30–70, taking 15–30 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 10,000 – 18,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 18,000 – 35,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 35,000 – 60,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 55,000 – 90,000
Routes
- Ngong Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Affordable mid-range | Traffic |
| Good access | Noise |
| Active transport network | Congestion |
4. JUNCTION AREA
The Junction area is a modern residential-commercial hub centered around malls and high-rise apartments.
Rent Range
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 40,000 – 80,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 70,000 – 130,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 110,000 – 200,000
Routes
- Ngong Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Modern housing | Traffic |
| Good amenities | Expensive |
| Accessible | Busy |
5. DAGORETTI CORNER
Dagoretti Corner is a transitional area offering affordable housing with decent connectivity. Matatus to Dagoretti Corner are boarded from the GPO (General Post Office), KBS stage near City Hall, or Railways Bus Station along Ngong Road in Nairobi CBD. The fare is approximately KES 50–100, with a travel time of 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 7,000 – 12,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 12,000 – 25,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 25,000 – 45,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 40,000 – 70,000
Routes
- Ngong Road
Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Affordable | Traffic |
| Direct route | Crowding |
| Growing area | Infrastructure gaps |
6. NAIVASHA ROAD
A growing residential zone branching off Ngong Road, popular for affordable apartments. Matatus to Naivasha Road in Nairobi can be boarded from the city center. Popular routes include matatus heading to Kawangware or Dagoretti. The fare is generally KES 100, taking about 45–60 minutes.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 8,000 – 15,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 15,000 – 28,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 28,000 – 50,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 45,000 – 80,000
Routes
- Ngong Road
Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Affordable especially old apartments | Traffic |
| Growing developments | Limited planning |
| Accessible | Rents growing sharply |
Areas along mombasa road
1. SOUTH C
A calm, middle-to-upper income area ideal for families and professionals. Matatus to South C are primarily boarded in the Nairobi CBD at the Railways Bus Terminus or Ambassadeur area, with fares ranging between KES 50 – KES 100 and a travel time of 25 – 35 minutes depending on traffic.
Rent Range
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 30,000 – 60,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 60,000 – 110,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 90,000 – 180,000
Routes
- Mombasa Road
- Likoni Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Close to CBD | Traffic |
| Quiet environment | Higher rent |
| Good roads | Peak congestion |
2. NYAYO ESTATE (EMBAKASI)
A well-planned estate with relatively affordable and organized housing. Matatus to Embakasi in Nairobi are primarily boarded at the Commercial stage or Railways bus station in the CBD. Fares range from Ksh 50 to Ksh 100 depending on the time of day and specific route, taking approximately 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Rent Range
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 18,000 – 35,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 35,000 – 60,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 55,000 – 90,000
Routes
- Mombasa Road
- Outer Ring Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Planned estate | Distance |
| Affordable | Traffic |
| Good amenities | Longer commute |
3. SYOKIMAU
A fast-growing suburban area popular with professionals seeking modern housing. Matatus to Syokimau are best boarded from Nairobi CBD near Easy Coach on Railways Lane or at Capital Centre along Mombasa Road. Fares generally range from KES 50 to KES 150 depending on traffic and the operator (e.g., Nakam Sacco), with travel time taking approximately 35–50 minutes.
Rent Range
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 25,000 – 45,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 45,000 – 80,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 70,000 – 120,000
Routes
- Expressway
- Mombasa Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Modern housing | Distance |
| Expressway access | Cost of toll |
| Spacious living | Traffic without expressway |
Areas Along Jogoo Road
1. DONHOLM
A middle-class estate known for affordability and decent planning. Matatus to Donholm are boarded in Nairobi CBD, primarily at the Ambassadeur, Commercial (near National Archives), OTC, and Ronald Ngala Street areas. Popular routes are 34, 34A/B/C, and 70/71, with fares usually between KES 50–80 (depending on time and traffic) [10-14] and travel times ranging from 20–45 minutes.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 8,000 – 15,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 15,000 – 28,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 28,000 – 50,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 45,000 – 80,000
Routes
- Jogoo Road
- Outer Ring Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Affordable | Traffic |
| Planned estate | Distance |
| Good transport | Congestion |
2. UMOJA
A dense residential area offering some of the most affordable housing options. Matatus to Umoja in Nairobi are boarded at Ronald Ngala Street, Muthurwa Market, or near OTC/Salvation Army in the Central Business District. Fares range from Ksh 30–50 (off-peak) to KES 60 – KES 150. Travel time is roughly 25–45 minutes.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 6,000 – 12,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 10,000 – 20,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 20,000 – 35,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 30,000 – 55,000
Routes
- Jogoo Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very affordable | Congestion |
| Direct route | Crowding |
| Accessible | Infrastructure strain |
Areas Along Langata Road
1. MADARAKA
Madaraka is a quiet estate close to CBD, popular with students and professionals. Matatus to Madaraka Estate in Nairobi are mainly boarded in the CBD along Racecourse Road near St. Peter’s Clevers or near City Hall/Haile Selassie Avenue. Fares generally range from Ksh 50 to Ksh 100 depending on traffic, with a travel time of approximately 20 – 40 minutes from the CBD.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 10,000 – 18,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 18,000 – 35,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 35,000 – 60,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 55,000 – 90,000
Routes
- Lang’ata Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very close to CBD | Traffic |
| Quiet | Limited housing |
| Affordable | Congestion |
2. NAIROBI WEST
A well-established estate with strong proximity to CBD. Matatus to Nairobi West are primarily boarded at the Railways Bus Station or near Kencom/Hilton Hotel in the CBD. The fare usually ranges from KES 50 –KES 100, depending on traffic and time of day, with a typical travel time of 15–30 minutes from the center.
Rent Range
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 25,000 – 45,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 45,000 – 80,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 70,000 – 120,000
Routes
- Lang’ata Road
- Mombasa Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Close to CBD | Traffic |
| Multiple routes | Higher rent |
| Good infrastructure | Congestion |
Areas Along Kiambu Road
1. RIDGEWAYS
A quiet suburban area with modern housing and proximity to key amenities. Matatus to Ridgeways (Kiambu Road) are best boarded in Nairobi CBD near the National Archives or near Koja Mosque. Look for matatu route 100 (Kiambu road, CID center, Ridgeways) or similar vehicles heading to Kiambu, which take about 30 – 60 minutes depending on traffic. Fares are usually between KES 50 – 100 depending on traffic and time of day.
Rent Range
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 35,000 – 70,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 70,000 – 130,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 120,000 – 220,000
Routes
- Kiambu Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Serene | Traffic |
| Modern housing | Cost |
| Close to CBD | Limited transport |
2. THINDIGUA
A fast-growing residential area popular with young professionals. Matatus to Thindigua (along Kiambu Road) are primarily boarded at Ronald Ngala Street in Nairobi CBD or next to Odeon cinema. The journey takes approximately 20–30 minutes in low traffic but can exceed one hour during peak times, with fares usually costing around KES 50–100.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 10,000 – 18,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 18,000 – 35,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 35,000 – 65,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 60,000 – 100,000
Routes
- Kiambu Road
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Modern apartments | Traffic |
| Affordable mid-range | Limited planning |
| Growing area | Congestion |
Areas along limuru Road
1. RUAKA
Ruaka is a rapidly developing satellite town with a mix of affordable and mid-range housing. Matatus to Ruaka (Route 106, 116, or 107) in Nairobi are primarily boarded at the Koja (Old Nation) Stage or Odeon Cinema Stage in the CBD. Fares range from KES 50 – KES 100, depending on peak hours, with a travel time of approximately 30–50 minutes.
Rent Range
- Bedsitter: KSh 10,000 – 18,000
- 1-Bedroom: KSh 18,000 – 35,000
- 2-Bedroom: KSh 35,000 – 65,000
- 3-Bedroom: KSh 60,000 – 110,000
Routes
- Limuru Road
- Northern Bypass → CBD
Commuting Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Affordable options | Can exceed 1 hr commute |
| Growing infrastructure | Traffic |
| Modern housing | Distance |
