By: Cynthia Soita
When it comes to the best area to live in Nairobi, no one place is ideal.
The key factors to consider when choosing an area to live in are:
The cost of living in the area:
The most important question to ask is, “what are the trade-offs and advantages of living somewhere?”
Karen and its environs offer scenic roads, such as Twiga and Koitobos, which are excellent for jogging. The area features abundant greenery, chirping birds, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Karen may feel too quiet for some younger residents, with a calm environment often perceived as better suited for rural living.
So choosing an area to stay depends on personal preference and cost.
The leafy suburbs are the city's prime areas. Their population density, scenery, and house pricing differentiate them.
Karen is a high-lying area in the Southwest of Nairobi in Langata area.
It is a prime area in the suburbs of Nairobi, offering unmatched serenity. It’s a low-density area with stable temperatures year-round. A majority of homes are owner-occupied, with either bungalows, villas, townhouses, or maisonettes.
It is one of the best places, with structure through the Karen and Langata District Association (KLDA) that protects Karen residents from noise pollution, and ensures that residents adhere to its zoning regulations.
Amenities: Karen Blixen Museum, Oloolua Nature Trail, Giraffe Centre, Galleria, The Hub, international schools such as Brookhouse and Hillcrest, and Karen Country Club.
Ward: Karen Ward
Best areas to live: Hardy, Bogani, Koitobos road, and Karen plains.
Ideal for: those seeking privacy, security, and nature lovers.
Kitisuru is located in Westlands County, northwest of central business Nairobi, and covers Loresho, Lower Kabete, and kyuna. It is one of the best places to live in and near the Gitathuru River.
Encourages low-rise buildings. Apartment construction is allowed, but should not exceed four storeys.
Key amenities: Sarit Centre, Westgate Shopping Mall, Village Market, Aga Khan University Hospital, and MP Shah Hospital.
Ward: Kitusuru ward.
Best places to live in: Rosslyn Riviera Area, Lower Kitisuru, and Kitisuru Springs.
Runda is located near Limuru and Kiambu road in Northern Nairobi, within Westlands. It is also adjacent to Karura forest, bordering Mutaiga, Ruaka, Gigiri, and Ridgeways. Runda is a low-density area.
The most common types of houses in Runda include villas, townhouses, and maisonettes. New Runda features houses with smart home technology, eco-conscious designs, private pools, and advanced automation.
Amenities: Village Market and Two Rivers Mall.
Ward: Runda ward
Best places to live: Old Runda, New Runda, Runda Mimosa, and Runda Evergreen.
Muthaiga is also referred to as the “Beverly Hills of Kenya”. It is located near Gigiri, the United Nations, Runda, and Parklands. Muthaiga borders Karura forest to the north and Mathare River to the south. It is notorious for its expansive mansions and large gardens. Common for its large plots and low density.
Amenities: Getrude’s Children Hospital, Muthaiga Golf Club, and Muthaiga County Club. Many embassies are also located in Gigiri, adding to its convenience.
Ward: Karura
Best places to live: Old Muthaiga, New Muthaiga, and Muthaiga North. Old Muthaiga is one of the most expensive areas in Kenya, with large, heavily guarded homes located near the forest.
Note: When living in these areas, ensure it is not on riparian land that could flood your home.
Common features: A gated community that provides maximum security by controlling access to people. They are also premium areas reserved for the wealthy.
Kilimani is one of the vibrant neighbourhoods in Nairobi, approximately 3-7 kms from the CBD. This makes it ideal for young professionals commuting to the CBD.
Kilimani offers a range of modern housing options, including apartments, condos, and townhouses.
Kilimani is easily accessible via public and private transport. It also offers 24/7 protection because it is a gated community.
Congestion: Kilimani is a high-density area due to rapid development in commercial and residential hubs. There is also traffic congestion and infrastructure strain on roads such as Kindaruma, Ngong Road, Valley Road, and Argwings Kodhek Road, which contribute to heavy traffic during peak hours.
Amenities: Nairobi Women’s Hospital, the Nairobi Hospital; Riara School, Braeburn School, and Cavina School; malls such as Yaya Centre, The Circle Mall, and Prestige Plaza; and buzzing clubs such as Tamasha, Kiza, B-Club, Explorer Tavern, Space Lounge, among others.
Challenges: Thick traffic during peak hours
Ward: Kilimani ward
Ideal for: Those who love the urban lifestyle for its diverse amenities, an energetic, fast-paced environment, and proximity to the CBD. Kilimani is an upper-middle-income neighborhood that accommodates the upper middle class and the affluent, making it ideal for young professionals, expatriates, and diplomats.
Kileleshwa is a suburban setting located between Lavington and Kilimani.
Kileleshwa is also known as the “quiet city” because of its lush, low-density environs that are becoming increasingly high-density and serene, compared to its other bustling areas, such as Kilimani.
Kileleshwa police station ensures the area is safe, and the gated communities have controlled access.
Amenities: The University of Nairobi, Daystar University, and The Nairobi International School; hospitals such as Kileleshwa Medical Plaza, Chiromo Lane Medical Centre; and parks and nature such as the Nairobi Arboretum, Nairobi National Museum Gardens, and the Nairobi Arboretum Drive.
Challenges: Due to rapid development, Kileleshwa is prone to traffic congestion during peak hours, noise pollution, and loss of privacy. Modern high-rise buildings now overshadow low-rise buildings, leading many to refer to high-rise apartments as “vertical slums”. Therefore, the lush, serene, low-density areas are now turning into a concrete jungle.
An increase in population threatens the area's security.
Ward: Kileleshwa ward
Ideal for: Upper-middle-class citizens and the affluent
Some areas commonly considered suitable for living are low-lying and prone to flooding, resulting in sewage issues affecting some homes.
Living in a low-density area can provide privacy, though this may also foster individualism and limited neighbor interaction due to high fences and fortified homes.
Karen and Kitusuru are particularly notable for their cathartic environments, with the balance of serenity and accessibility seen as a positive trade-off.
Karen is a low-rise, low-density area that supports single-family homes amidst pressure from developers.
Buildings in Karen must comply with the Karen Local Physical Development Plan (KLDA), which excludes commercial buildings and bars in residential areas, as well as buildings exceeding the permissible height. Commercial buildings have designated areas to operate.
Isn’t that wonderful! Meaning even matatus and buses are restricted from entering residential areas, which is contrary to most places.
They also have a majority of mansionettes and bungalows rather than apartments, which often intrude on our privacy by creating close-knit neighbourhoods.
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