Rent Prices Across 8 Estates Along Waiyaki Way

One of the biggest factors people consider when house hunting in Nairobi is location. Proximity to work, accessibility to town, fare costs, and rent prices often determine where a tenant will settle.

Waiyaki Way, one of the major highways in Nairobi, offers a unique balance. It is generally faster and easier to connect to the CBD and Westlands compared to most highways. Many tenants also prefer it because of the few instances of traffic jams.

While traffic jams occur especially in Kangemi and Westlands during the evening rush, the traffic is usually moving.

For those working in Westlands or Nairobi’s CBD, Waiyaki Way provides a strategic location that saves both time and fare. On weekdays, matatu fares to town range between Ksh80 and Ksh100, though some saccos reduce it to Ksh50 on weekends. From Kangemi, the fare is as low as Ksh30 to the CBD.

Rental prices along Waiyaki Way vary significantly depending on the specific estate, the age of the building, available amenities, and proximity to the main road. The following prices represent averages based on recently advertised listings and feedback from residents.

Westlands

As one of Nairobi’s prime suburbs, Westlands remains among the most expensive residential areas along Waiyaki Way. Its proximity to the CBD, availability of malls, hospitals, schools, and offices make it highly attractive—especially for top-earning professionals and expatriates. The average rent for apartments in the area is as follows;

• Bedsitter: Ksh20,000 – Ksh60,000
• 1-Bedroom: Ksh50,000 – Ksh80,000
• 2-Bedroom: Ksh100,000 – Ksh220,000

Kangemi

Kangemi offers some of the most affordable housing along Waiyaki Way. Despite its reputation as a high-density estate, many residents choose it for its proximity to Westlands and affordable fare to town.

• Bedsitter / Single Room: Ksh5,000 – Ksh6,500
• 1-Bedroom: Ksh9,000 – Ksh15,000
• 2-Bedroom: Ksh15,000 – Ksh25,000

For students, low-income earners, or anyone working in Westlands on a budget, Kangemi provides a practical option.

Mountain View

Mountain View is located just after Kangemi. It is popular with middle-class families looking for security and quieter surroundings compared to Kangemi. The estate benefits from proximity to Mountain View Mall and quick access to Waiyaki Way.

• Bedsitter: Ksh10,000 – Ksh15,000
• 1-Bedroom: Ksh15,000 – Ksh30,000
• 2-Bedroom: Ksh40,000 – Ksh60,000

Uthiru

Uthiru lies between Kangemi and Kinoo and offers a blend of affordability and convenience. It has developed rapidly in the past decade, with new apartments and hostels attracting both students and working Kenyans.

The rental prices here make it a middle-ground option for those who cannot afford Mountain View but want something more expensive than Kangemi.

• Bedsitter: Ksh7,500 – Ksh10,000
• 1-Bedroom: Ksh12,000 – Ksh20,000
• 2-Bedroom: Ksh22,000 – Ksh28,000

Kinoo

The Kinoo area, covering 87 and Copa, has grown into one of the busiest rental hubs along Waiyaki Way. Its high number of newly built apartments and accessibility to Nairobi make it attractive to tenants.

• Bedsitter: Ksh8,000 – Ksh12,000
• 1-Bedroom: Ksh15,000 – Ksh22,000
• 2-Bedroom: Ksh18,000 – Ksh25,000

Muthiga

Just past Kinoo, Muthiga has rent rates that are slightly higher than Kinoo, reflecting the presence of newer buildings and improved infrastructure.

• Bedsitter: Ksh8,000 – Ksh15,000
• 1-Bedroom: Ksh15,000 – Ksh26,000
• 2-Bedroom: Ksh25,000 – Ksh40,000

Kikuyu

Kikuyu town serves as both a satellite town and a commercial hub for estates along Waiyaki Way. It is further from Nairobi CBD but remains attractive due to lower rental prices and strong amenities like hospitals, schools, and shopping centers.

• Bedsitter: Ksh7,000 – Ksh9,000
• 1-Bedroom: Ksh15,000 – Ksh24,000
• 2-Bedroom: Ksh22,000 – Ksh26,000
  

Kabete

Though not directly along the highway, some prefer accessing the estate through Waiyaki Way. It is popular among middle-class families who want affordable rent but quieter surroundings.

• Bedsitter: Ksh7,000 – Ksh12,000
• 1-Bedroom: Ksh12,000 – Ksh22,000
• 2-Bedroom: Ksh20,000 – Ksh30,000

Wrapping Up

Rent prices along Waiyaki Way vary widely—from as low as Ksh5,000 in Kangemi to over Ksh200,000 in Westlands. Tenants choose estates based not just on rent, but also on other factors such as:

• Proximity to work or school.
• Availability of water, internet, and parking.
• Security of the estate.
• Fare costs to Nairobi CBD or Westlands.