Best Places to Rent a House for University Students in Nairobi
Best Places to Rent a House for University Students in Nairobi
Nairobi city is home to many of the best public and private universities and colleges. Students are admitted from various parts of Kenya to join the institutions in the city; choosing the right place to live is as important as selecting a course. This helps students save time and money on transportation while enjoying a conducive learning environment. This guide lists the best places to rent a house for university students in Nairobi, offering affordable and convenient options.
How to use this guide
Each university entry below includes:
- Short note about the campus hostel availability and the off-campus houses.
- The nearest available rental houses to consider.
- House budgeting costs for a single room, a bedsitter, and a shared room.
The list below has the best places to rent a house for university students in Nairobi. Select and verify recommended hostels and off-campus providers.
Best Places to Rent a House for University Students in Nairobi
1. University of Nairobi (UoN)—Best nearby: Pangani / Ngara / Parklands / Umoja (budget options)
The University of Nairobi’s main branch is located near the Nairobi CBD, and it has limited on-campus hostels and alternative off-campus hostel organizations like Qwetu.
Some prefer not to stay in hostels and instead rent bedsitters or private hostels that are within 20 to 30 minutes of the Main Campus by matatu.
The cost of rent for private hostels and houses near the Nairobi CBD is usually high; hence, some students opt for alternatives in other areas.
The nearest affordable rental places for a UON student
- Pangani / Ngara / Parklands: These areas have older buildings with bedsitter and single-room units; some students share accommodations to reduce the rent cost. Bedsitter costs range from Ksh 12,000 to Ksh 20,000, and single rooms cost between Ksh 6,000 and Ksh 9,000.
- Shauri Moyo, Makongeni, and Umoja are further from campus, but rent is lower. Compared to areas near the CBD, students in these locations pay less but may incur higher daily transport costs.
- The cost of a bedsitter ranges from Ksh 8,000 to Ksh 12,000, while a single room costs between Ksh 4,000 and Ksh 6,000.
2. Kenyatta University (KU)—Best nearby: Kahawa / Kahawa West / Ruiru / Kasarani / Zimmerman
Kenyatta University’s main campus is located along the Thika Super Highway, a short distance from Ruiru estate. The campus has hostels, but not enough to accommodate all students, so some opt for rentals nearby.
Nearest affordable rental places for Kenyatta University Students
- Kahawa/Kahawa West & Kahawa Wendani: These areas offer affordable apartments, and they are conveniently located near campus.
- Ruiru is located some distance from Kenyatta University, and it is also along Thika Road. It has good apartments that are well-constructed. Students from Zetech University’s Ruiru branch stay in the area.
The campus hostels are paid per semester and are usually cheaper, although they offer no privacy; they are mostly used by first-year students.
The cost of rental apartments around KU ranges from Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 8,000 for a bedsitter and from Ksh 9,000 to Ksh 15,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment. They are mostly shared among students to reduce the cost.
3. Strathmore University—Best nearby: Madaraka / Karen Road / Langata (student hostels in Madaraka)
Strathmore University is located along Karen Ole Sangale Road, off Langata Road. The campus administration recommends private hostels in Makadara estate due to its proximity, just a walking distance.
Nearest affordable places for Strathmore University Students
- Makadara Estate is located near Strathmore, offering private hostels and rental bedsitters.
- Langata/Karen Road: It is a bit further and offers some affordable apartments.
The Strahmore University administration recommends that students use the list provided by the university to avoid rogue landlords.
4. USIU-Africa (United States International University)—Best nearby: Gigiri / Kitisuru / Garden Estate hostels; officially recommended off-campus list
USIU has both on and off-campus hostels, with the limited on-campus hostels given priority to international students. The university administration has published a recommended list of all campus hostels, including their distance from the school and amenities.
Nearest affordable neighbourhoods to look for
- Off-campus hostels: Paid on a per-semester basis, they are well-managed and offer good security.
- Roysambu: Alternative, affordable apartments are available in Roysambu, which is conveniently located near USIU, just a few minutes’ ride away.
5. JKUAT (Nairobi / Juja students) & JKUAT satellite students—Best nearby: Juja / Thika / Ruiru (for Juja campus)
JKUAT’s main campus is located in Juja Town, and the campus offers both on-campus and off-campus facilities, including a variety of rental apartments in Juja.
Nearest affordable neighbourhoods to look for
- Juja Town: It has several rental houses, ranging from single rooms and bedsitters to 1-bedroom units, which are purposely built near the JKUAT campus.
- Ruiru, located along Thika Road, is situated some distance from JKUAT and also offers good housing.
6. Technical University of Kenya (TUK) / other technical colleges—Best nearby: Ngara / Ngong Road / Langata (varies by campus)
The Technical University of Kenya is located in Nairobi CBD along Haile Selassie Road. It has no on-campus hostel, but there are off-campus hostels in South B. The hostels cost from Ksh 9,000 to Ksh 12,000 per semester. A large number of students stay in rented apartments near Nairobi.
Nearest affordable neighbourhoods to look for
- Makongeni/Shauri Moyo/South B/Ngara: Most TUK students reside in these areas in rental apartments, with some sharing a room to reduce costs.
- Landi Mawe: The area features small, space-efficient houses for students, located next to the railways and accessible via a footbridge from TUK. The rent ranges from Ksh 4,000 to Ksh 5,000. The units can only fit one bed and a chair.
7. Other alternative places that are budget-friendly include Rongai, Kayole, Embakasi, Syokimau, Fedha, and Pipeline.
These places are located in Nairobi’s outskirts, where the rents are low, but the distance is quite long. Students need to wake up early to avoid traffic jams and arrive at classes on time. In areas like Kayole, you should exercise caution regarding security.
What should students consider before renting a house or hostel?
- Consider security first: choose buildings with CCTV, guards, near a police station, and a perimeter wall.
- Fare and commute time: Calculate if lower rent in distant areas is offset by higher daily transport costs. Closer apartments typically have higher rent but lower fare expenses.
- Internet Availability: Since most classes are occasionally conducted online, internet access becomes a priority.
- Amenities: Check the house condition, cleanliness, study area, water availability, furnishing, and mattress condition.
Safety nets & extra student tips
- Use the university-recommended list when booking a house in the first year.
- Room sharing reduces the cost of rent; choose a housemate to share the bills.
- Book early to get the best options.
Conclusion
The best place to rent in Nairobi depends on your budget and preferences. Always prioritize safety, assess transportation costs, and, for first-year students, consider university-recommended housing before exploring other options.
