Westlands Apartment Rents Among the Highest in Nairobi
According to JLL Africa data, Westlands has the highest monthly rents for apartments in Nairobi, as well as high-end properties that offer property developers lucrative returns.
Leah Mukangai 
The middle-income Kenyans and expatriates have a high demand for properties in the area. According to reports, the monthly rent for one and two-bedroom apartments in the suburb ranges between Kshs. 65,000 to Kshs. 110,000 while a three-bedroom apartment rents between Kshs. 70,000 to Kshs. 140,000.
The price range is estimated to be more expensive by up to Sh30,000 compared to other areas such as Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Parklands, and Muthaiga.
The high rents in Westlands' highlight demand for the units by highly-paid working class and entrepreneurs in an area that boasts close proximity to Nairobi’s CBD, the United Nations complex in Gigiri, and a host of blue chip firms that have set base in Westlands.
“Apartments in neighborhoods such as Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Lavington and Westlands have seen strong rental growth,” JLL Africa reported.
One and two-bedroom apartments in Kilimani and Kileleshwa cost between Sh60,000 and Sh80,000, while similar units in Lavington cost between Sh65,000 and Sh85,000.
Three-bedroom apartments in Kilimani and Kileleshwa rent for between Sh70,000 and Sh130,000, while similar units in Lavington start at Sh75,000 and go up to Sh140,000.
Westlands' allure has been enhanced by the construction of the Nairobi Expressway, which allows motorists to bypass traffic jams on their way to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Nairobi Expressway. PHOTO FILE
People who live near major cities also pay a higher rent because they are closer to jobs and a variety of social and economic amenities, such as top hospitals and restaurants. People have also been attracted to the easy access to different facilities without having to access the Central business district (CBD).
