Nairobi Prime Stay

About Nairobi

The Relocation Journal

Honest, well-travelled writing on moving to, living in and loving Nairobi — 100 in-depth guides on neighbourhoods, visas, cost of living, safety, schools and the small things that make a city home.

Editor's pick · Relocating

Moving to Nairobi

An honest, practical guide to moving to Nairobi as an American — visas, cost of living, safe neighborhoods, healthcare, schools and your first 30 days.

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Every guide, by theme

Cover graphic: “Moving to Kenya as an African American” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Relocating

Moving to Kenya as an African American

An honest guide to relocating to Kenya as an African American: the welcome and community, identity, visas, housing, work, schools and the real trade-offs.

Read · 15 min →
Cover graphic for the Nairobi Prime Stay guide to American and IB schools in Nairobi
Schools

American and IB Schools in Nairobi

American and IB schools in Nairobi for US families: ISK, Rosslyn Academy, the IB Diploma and AP, real 2026 fees, college prep and how admissions work.

Read · 19 min →
Cover graphic: “Banking in Nairobi — accounts, cards, fees and M-Pesa for expats,” a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Money

Banking in Nairobi for Expats

How banking works for expats in Kenya — the main banks, opening an account, USD vs shilling accounts, cards, fees and linking your bank to M-Pesa.

Read · 21 min →
Cover graphic: “Bringing Pets to Kenya — How to Move Your Dog or Cat” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Relocating

Bringing Pets to Kenya

How to bring your dog or cat to Kenya in 2026: the DVS import permit, rabies rules, USDA health certificate, flying as cargo, quarantine, costs and timeline.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: British Schools in Nairobi, IGCSE and A-Levels — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Schools

British Schools in Nairobi

British-curriculum schools in Nairobi for Americans: how IGCSE and A-levels work, the main schools, 2026 fees, admissions and which areas suit.

Read · 29 min →
Cover graphic: “Buying a Car in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide for 2026
Transport

Buying a Car in Nairobi

Buy a used car in Nairobi without getting burned: where to look, what models cost in 2026, the NTSA logbook transfer, insurance, and the scams to dodge.

Read · 16 min →
Cover graphic: “Corporate Housing in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Serviced apartments

Corporate Housing in Nairobi

How corporate housing and relocation packages work in Nairobi — serviced apartments for assignees, what packages cover, billing, areas and budgets.

Read · 19 min →
Cover graphic: “Nairobi vs the US — Cost of Living” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Cost of living

Cost of Living

Nairobi vs US cost of living in 2026: rent, groceries, childcare, healthcare and schools compared, and what a US salary really buys you in Nairobi.

Read · 23 min →
Cover graphic: “Coworking & Cafés to Work From in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Remote work

Coworking Spaces & Cafés to Work From in Nairobi (2026 Guide)

Coworking spaces and laptop cafés in Nairobi — Nairobi Garage, Ikigai and more, with honest 2026 day-pass and membership prices by area.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: "Dentists and Specialists in Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Healthcare

Dentists and Specialists in Nairobi

Where Americans find good dentists and specialists in Nairobi — honest 2026 costs, where clinics cluster, insurance tips, and what to fly home for.

Read · 28 min →
Cover graphic: “Hiring House Help in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide to fair pay, legal duties and finding trusted help
Cost of living

Domestic Help in Nairobi

An honest guide to hiring domestic help in Nairobi: fair 2026 pay for a nanny, cook or house help, your legal duties (NSSF, SHIF, leave) and how to find trusted help.

Read · 30 min →
Cover graphic: “Driving in Nairobi — A Practical Guide” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Transport

Driving in Nairobi

An honest 2026 guide to driving in Nairobi as an American: your US license, converting to a Kenyan licence, traffic, insurance and safety.

Read · 22 min →
Cover graphic: “East Africa From Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay travel guide
Travel

East Africa From Nairobi

How to travel regionally from Nairobi — Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia: flights, the East Africa Tourist Visa, real costs and an honest plan.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Embassy, UN & NGO Housing in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide to how diplomatic housing works
Serviced apartments

Embassy, UN and NGO Housing in Nairobi

How housing works for embassy, UN and NGO staff in Nairobi: the diplomatic belt, residential security rules, allowances, leases and a soft landing.

Read · 28 min →
Cover graphic: "Building a Social Life as an Expat in Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Relocating

Building a Social Life as an Expat in Nairobi (2026)

How to make friends in Nairobi as a newcomer: the expat scene, clubs, sports, faith and online groups, and how to beat the first-months loneliness.

Read · 21 min →
Cover graphic for the Nairobi Prime Stay guide to family life and things to do with kids in Nairobi
Relocating

Family Life in Nairobi

An honest 2026 guide to things to do with kids in Nairobi — animal parks, forests, malls, sports clubs, weekend trips and finding your community.

Read · 24 min →
Cover graphic: “Furnished vs Unfurnished in Nairobi — what to rent, and when serviced wins,” a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Serviced apartments

Furnished vs Unfurnished in Nairobi

Furnished or unfurnished in Nairobi? An honest 2026 guide to the cost gap, what each really includes, who each suits, and when a serviced apartment wins.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Furnishing a Home in Nairobi — where to buy, and what it costs,” a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Cost of living

Furnishing a Home in Nairobi

Where to buy furniture in Nairobi and what it costs in 2026 — Ngong Road, malls, custom carpenters and secondhand expat sales, with real budgets for a 1–2 bed.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Getting Around Nairobi — Transport Options Explained” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Transport

Getting Around Nairobi

How to get around Nairobi in 2026: Uber and Bolt, matatus, boda boda safety, taxis, the Expressway and tolls — and whether you actually need a car.

Read · 22 min →
Cover graphic: “Gigiri vs Westlands” — a Nairobi Prime Stay comparison guide
Neighborhoods

Gigiri vs Westlands

Gigiri or Westlands? An honest 2026 comparison of vibe, rents, commute, schools and nightlife — so you pick the right Nairobi neighborhood for your move.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: "Gyms, Fitness and Wellness in Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Lifestyle

Gyms, Fitness and Wellness in Nairobi (2026)

An honest 2026 guide to staying fit in Nairobi — gyms and boutique studios, the altitude running bonus, running clubs, yoga and the city's green outdoors.

Read · 24 min →
Cover graphic: "Health Insurance in Kenya for Expats" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Healthcare

Health Insurance in Kenya for Expats

An honest 2026 guide to health insurance for expats in Kenya — international vs local plans, why evacuation matters, what SHA covers, and real costs.

Read · 24 min →
Cover graphic: “How to Rent an Apartment in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay step-by-step guide
Serviced apartments

How to Rent an Apartment in Nairobi

An honest guide to renting an apartment in Nairobi — where to search, agents and fees, deposits and leases, scams to avoid, and a soft first month.

Read · 19 min →
Cover graphic: "Hurlingham Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Hurlingham Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Hurlingham, Nairobi — central, convenient and well-priced, between Kilimani and Upper Hill, with Yaya Centre and top hospitals close.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: Importing a Car to Kenya — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Transport

Importing a Car to Kenya vs Buying Locally

Importing a car to Kenya in 2026: the 8-year rule, right-hand drive, how the duties stack, clearing timelines, and whether to import or buy local.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “International Schools in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Schools

International Schools in Nairobi

An honest 2026 guide to Nairobi's international schools — American, British, IB, French and German curricula, real fee ranges and how to get a place.

Read · 19 min →
Cover graphic: “JKIA Airport Guide — Arriving in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Transport

JKIA Airport Guide

What to expect arriving at JKIA in Nairobi: eTA and immigration, SIM and cash at the airport, and the fastest, safest ways into the city in 2026.

Read · 15 min →
Cover graphic: “Karen vs Runda” — a Nairobi Prime Stay comparison guide
Neighborhoods

Karen vs Runda

Karen or Runda? An honest 2026 comparison of space, schools, commute, security and rent — so you pick the right leafy family suburb in Nairobi.

Read · 23 min →
Cover graphic: “Kilimani vs Kileleshwa” — a Nairobi Prime Stay comparison guide
Neighborhoods

Kilimani vs Kileleshwa

Kilimani or Kileleshwa? An honest 2026 comparison of rents, density, noise, investor yields and lifestyle — so you pick the right central Nairobi apartment.

Read · 29 min →
Cover graphic: "Lang'ata Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Lang'ata Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Lang'ata, Nairobi — leafy, spacious and better value than Karen, beside Nairobi National Park, with rents, safety and schools.

Read · 19 min →
Cover graphic: “Lavington vs Westlands” — a Nairobi Prime Stay comparison guide
Neighborhoods

Lavington vs Westlands

Lavington or Westlands? An honest 2026 comparison of vibe, rents, commute, schools and nightlife to help you pick the right Nairobi neighborhood for your move.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: "Learning Swahili: The Basics That Help" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Relocating

Learning Swahili in Nairobi

Do you need Swahili in Nairobi? An honest guide for Americans: the phrases that earn warmth, a starter phrasebook, pronunciation, and the best ways to learn.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: "Having a Baby in Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Healthcare

Having a Baby in Nairobi

An honest 2026 guide to having a baby in Nairobi as an expat: top maternity hospitals, real delivery costs, insurance, and registering the birth.

Read · 24 min →
Cover graphic for the Nairobi Prime Stay guide to moving to Nairobi with kids
Relocating

Moving to Nairobi With Kids

An honest 2026 guide to moving to Nairobi with kids: the best family suburbs, schools, pediatric care, nannies, safety and a first-months plan.

Read · 16 min →
Cover graphic: “M-Pesa Explained for Newcomers” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide to Kenya's mobile money
Money

M-Pesa Explained

How to use M-Pesa in Kenya as a foreigner — getting a SIM and registering, paying for everything, fees and limits, linking your bank, and staying safe.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Nairobi to the Coast — Mombasa, Diani & Beyond” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Travel

Nairobi to the Coast

How to get from Nairobi to the Kenyan coast by train, flight or road — plus Diani vs Mombasa vs Watamu vs Lamu, and the best time to go.

Read · 28 min →
Cover graphic: "Kenyan Culture & Etiquette" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Relocating

Kenyan Culture and Etiquette

An honest guide to Kenyan culture and etiquette for Americans in Nairobi: greetings, time, tipping, dress, faith, business manners and faux pas to avoid.

Read · 24 min →
Cover graphic: "Nairobi Nightlife and Going Out" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Lifestyle

Nairobi Nightlife and Going Out (2026)

An honest guide to Nairobi nightlife: where to go out in Westlands and Kilimani, what a night costs in 2026, the calmer side, and how to get home safely.

Read · 28 min →
Cover graphic: "Nairobi Weather & Climate" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Relocating

Nairobi Weather and Climate

An honest 2026 guide to Nairobi's weather — mild year-round temperatures, the two rainy seasons, strong high-altitude sun, the best time to move, and what to pack.

Read · 17 min →
Cover graphic for the Nairobi Prime Stay guide to nursery and daycare in Nairobi
Schools

Nursery and Daycare in Nairobi

Nursery and daycare in Nairobi for expats: Montessori and international options by area, real 2026 fees, hours, the nanny combo and what to check first.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: "Nyari Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Nyari Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Nyari, Nairobi — the secure, gated estate near Gigiri. Rents, safety, schools, the commute to the UN and serviced apartments.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: “Opening a Bank Account in Kenya as a Foreigner” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Money

Opening a Bank Account in Kenya as a Foreigner

How a foreigner opens a Kenyan bank account in 2026: resident vs non-resident routes, the exact documents, KRA PIN, FATCA, and which banks are easiest.

Read · 15 min →
Cover graphic: "Parklands Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Parklands Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Parklands, Nairobi — central, diverse, great value, with the city's best Indian food and top hospitals next door.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: "Restaurants and Dining in Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Lifestyle

Restaurants and Dining in Nairobi (2026)

Where and what to eat in Nairobi as a newcomer: the food scene, real 2026 prices, the best areas, nyama choma, and honest food-safety advice.

Read · 21 min →
Cover graphic: “Retiring in Kenya” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Relocating

Retiring in Kenya

An honest guide to retiring in Kenya as an American: the Class K visa, real monthly costs, healthcare and insurance, best areas and the trade-offs.

Read · 14 min →
Cover graphic: "Ridgeways Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Ridgeways Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Ridgeways, Nairobi — a leafy, gated family suburb off Kiambu Road: rents, safety, schools and the Kiambu Road traffic truth.

Read · 19 min →
Cover graphic: "Rosslyn Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Rosslyn Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Rosslyn, Nairobi — the calm, leafy suburb by the top international schools and the UN. Rents, safety, schools and apartments.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: “Safaris from Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Travel

Safaris from Nairobi

An honest guide to safaris from Nairobi — Nairobi National Park, the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo, with 2026 park fees, real costs and how to book.

Read · 16 min →
Cover graphic: “Sending Money To and From Kenya” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Money

Sending Money To and From Kenya

How to move money between the US and Kenya in 2026: Wise, Remitly, Sendwave, banks and M-Pesa compared - real fees, FX spreads and big-transfer tips.

Read · 23 min →
Cover graphic: “Shipping Your Belongings to Kenya — ship, sell or buy local,” a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Relocating

Shipping Your Belongings to Kenya

Should you ship to Kenya or buy local? An honest 2026 guide to sea vs air freight, customs duties, the duty-free First Arrival rule and what not to ship.

Read · 17 min →
Cover graphic: “Shopping in Nairobi — Malls, Markets & Groceries” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Lifestyle

Shopping in Nairobi

Where to shop in Nairobi as an expat — the best malls, supermarkets like Naivas and Carrefour, fresh and Maasai markets, and what's hard to find.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Taxes for Expats in Kenya” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Money

Taxes for Expats in Kenya

Kenya's 183-day tax residency rule, KRA tax bands and what US remote workers owe — plus FEIE, the Foreign Tax Credit and the missing US–Kenya treaty.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: “Leases, Deposits and Tenant Rights in Kenya” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Serviced apartments

Leases, Deposits and Tenant Rights in Kenya

Your rights renting in Kenya in 2026 — leases, deposits and getting yours back, notice periods, and what a fair tenancy agreement should include.

Read · 28 min →
Cover graphic: “Thigiri Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Thigiri Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Thigiri, Nairobi — a leafy, upscale, diplomatic pocket beside Gigiri. Rents, safety, schools and serviced apartments.

Read · 14 min →
Cover graphic for the Nairobi Prime Stay guide to universities and higher education in Kenya
Schools

Universities and Higher Education in Kenya

Higher education in Nairobi for expat teens: USIU-Africa, Strathmore, Aga Khan and UoN, applying to US colleges from Kenya, real costs and gap years.

Read · 19 min →
Cover graphic: “The Dollar & the Shilling” — a Nairobi Prime Stay currency guide for movers
Money

USD to KES in 2026

The dollar buys about 129–130 Kenyan shillings in 2026. An honest guide for movers: today's rate, where to change money, and how to budget around it.

Read · 16 min →
Cover graphic: “Power, Water & Internet” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide to setting up utilities in Nairobi
Cost of living

Setting Up Utilities in Nairobi

How to set up power, water, gas and internet in a Nairobi home — KPLC prepaid tokens, the water-storage reality, backup power and what it costs in 2026.

Read · 27 min →
Cover graphic: “Weekend Trips from Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Travel

Weekend Trips from Nairobi

The best weekend trips from Nairobi — Naivasha, the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki and Mount Kenya — with 2026 drive times, park fees and how to book.

Read · 15 min →
Cover graphic: “Where UN Staff Live in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide to the Gigiri diplomatic belt
Neighborhoods

Where Do UN Staff Live in Nairobi? The Diplomatic Belt Guide (2026)

Where do UN and diplomatic staff live in Nairobi? An honest guide to the Gigiri belt — Gigiri, Nyari, Rosslyn, Runda, Muthaiga — with rents, commute and security.

Read · 19 min →
Cover graphic: Airbnb & Short-Let Investment in Nairobi — the honest 2026 guide — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Airbnb & Short-Let Investment in Nairobi

Is an Airbnb or short-let in Nairobi a good investment in 2026? Real occupancy, nightly rates, costs, the new rules, and a worked short-let vs long-let example.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: Best Areas to Invest in Nairobi Real Estate (2026) — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Best Areas to Invest in Nairobi Real Estate (2026)

Where to buy investment property in Nairobi in 2026 — prime apartment areas vs growth corridors, honest rental yields, and who actually rents where.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: Building a House in Kenya vs Buying — costs and the process, 2026 — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Building a House in Kenya vs Buying

Is it cheaper to build or buy in Kenya? An honest 2026 guide to construction costs per m², approvals, timelines, financing and building from abroad.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: Buy-to-Let in Nairobi — Yields & the Real ROI (2026) — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Buy-to-Let in Nairobi

What rental yield can you really earn from a Nairobi apartment? Honest 2026 gross and net numbers, the costs that eat returns, and a worked example.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Buying Land in Kenya” — a safe due-diligence guide by Nairobi Prime Stay
Property investment

Buying Land in Kenya

How to buy land in Kenya safely in 2026: official searches, due diligence, surveyors and beacons, the scams to avoid, and what foreigners can own.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Can Foreigners Buy Property in Kenya?” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Kenya? An Honest 2026 Guide

Yes, but only on leasehold up to 99 years. An honest 2026 guide to what foreigners can and can't own in Kenya, the apartment route and the legal traps.

Read · 17 min →
Cover graphic: Commercial Property in Nairobi — office, retail, industrial and mixed-use, 2026 — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Commercial Property Investment in Nairobi

Is commercial property in Nairobi a good investment in 2026? An honest look at office, retail, industrial and mixed-use — yields, leases, taxes and risk.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: Conveyancing in Kenya — what your property lawyer does and costs, by Nairobi Prime Stay
Property investment

Conveyancing in Kenya

Conveyancing in Kenya, explained for 2026 — what your property advocate does, the sale agreement and deposit, official search, stamp duty and fees.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: “Investing in Kenya From Abroad” — a Nairobi Prime Stay diaspora property guide
Property investment

Diaspora Property Investment in Kenya

How diaspora and overseas buyers invest in Kenyan property safely in 2026 — mortgages, escrow, power of attorney, moving money, and avoiding remote-buyer scams.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: “How to Buy Property in Kenya” — a step-by-step Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

How to Buy Property in Kenya

Buying property in Kenya in 2026, step by step: search, advocate, due diligence, deposit, stamp duty and transfer, with realistic timelines and costs.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Kenya REITs Explained” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Kenya REITs Explained

Invest in Nairobi real estate through REITs in 2026 — Acorn, ILAM Fahari, LAPTrust Imara and ALP. Minimums, how to buy, tax and the honest risks.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Kileleshwa” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Kileleshwa Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Kileleshwa, Nairobi — leafy, central and calmer than Kilimani. Rents, safety, schools, traffic and serviced apartments.

Read · 24 min →
Cover graphic: “Kilimani” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Kilimani Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Kilimani, Nairobi — the city's best-value modern apartments. Rents, safety, traffic, dining, schools and serviced apartments.

Read · 13 min →
Cover graphic: "Kitisuru Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Kitisuru Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Kitisuru, Nairobi — the gated, leafy, exclusive western suburb. Rents, safety, schools, security and serviced apartments.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Lavington” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Lavington Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Lavington, Nairobi — the leafy, central, family-friendly suburb. Rents, safety, schools, malls, apartments vs houses.

Read · 25 min →
Cover graphic: "Loresho Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Loresho Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Loresho, Nairobi — a leafy, spacious western family suburb near Westlands and ISK. Rents, safety, schools and apartments.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: "Muthaiga" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Muthaiga Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Muthaiga, Nairobi — the old-money diplomatic suburb of big-plot mansions. House rents, safety, schools and the trade-offs.

Read · 16 min →
Cover graphic: "New Developments Around Nairobi" — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

New Developments & Satellite Cities Around Nairobi

Nairobi's new developments and satellite cities in 2026 — Tatu City, Konza, Tilisi, Northlands and Two Rivers: what's real, who they suit, the risks.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: Nairobi Property Prices in 2026 — what homes really cost, a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Nairobi Property Prices in 2026

What does property cost in Nairobi in 2026? Honest price bands by area and type, rental yields, and which areas are rising or cooling.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: Buying Off-Plan Property in Nairobi — the honest 2026 guide — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Buying Off-Plan Property in Nairobi

Should you buy off-plan in Nairobi? An honest 2026 guide to the discounts, payment plans, real risks of stalled projects, and how to protect your money.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: Financing Property in Kenya — mortgages for foreigners and diaspora, a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Financing Property in Kenya

Can a foreigner or diaspora Kenyan get a mortgage in Kenya? An honest 2026 guide to rates, deposits, developer payment plans and the cash-buyer reality.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Investing in Kenyan Property” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Property Investment in Kenya

Can foreigners invest in Kenyan property? Yes. The honest 2026 guide to what you can own, the buying process, costs, taxes, yields, REITs and the risks.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Property Management in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Property Management in Nairobi

What a Nairobi property manager does, typical 2026 fees (~8–10% + VAT), how to choose an EARB-licensed agent, and when to self-manage instead.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: “Property Scams in Kenya & How to Avoid Them” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Common Property Scams in Kenya and How to Avoid Them (2026 Guide)

An honest 2026 guide to Kenya's property scams — fake title deeds, double sales, vanishing agents — and the simple checks that stop almost every one.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: Property Taxes in Kenya — every levy to buy and own, with 2026 rates, a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Property investment

Property Taxes in Kenya

An honest 2026 guide to the taxes on buying and owning property in Kenya — stamp duty, capital gains, rental income tax, land rates and rent, and VAT.

Read · 19 min →
Cover graphic: “Riverside Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Riverside Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living on Riverside Drive, Nairobi — central, leafy and calmer than Westlands. Rents, safety, embassies, dining and serviced apartments.

Read · 15 min →
Cover graphic: “Runda” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Runda Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Runda, Nairobi — the gated, diplomatic suburb beside the UN. House rents, safety, schools and the car-dependent reality.

Read · 14 min →
Cover graphic: “Spring Valley Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Spring Valley Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Spring Valley, Nairobi — a leafy, upscale family suburb near Westlands. Rents, safety, schools and serviced apartments.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: Title Deeds in Kenya Explained — freehold, leasehold and sectional title, by Nairobi Prime Stay
Property investment

Title Deeds in Kenya Explained

Freehold, leasehold and sectional title in Kenya, explained for 2026 — certificate of title vs lease, share certificates, and what foreigners can own.

Read · 18 min →
Cover graphic: “Upper Hill Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Upper Hill Nairobi Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Upper Hill, Nairobi — the city's prime office district. Rents, who it suits, hospitals, traffic and serviced apartments.

Read · 16 min →
Cover graphic: “Westlands” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Westlands Neighborhood Guide

An honest guide to living in Westlands, Nairobi — rents, safety, traffic, malls, coworking, nightlife, schools and the best serviced apartments.

Read · 17 min →
Cover graphic: “Best Neighborhoods in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhoods in Nairobi for Expats

Where should expats live in Nairobi? Compare Gigiri, Karen, Westlands, Kilimani, Lavington, Runda and more — character, rent, commute and who each suits.

Read · 17 min →
Cover graphic: “The Cost of Living in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Cost of living

Cost of Living in Nairobi for Americans

What it really costs to live in Nairobi as an American — sample monthly budgets, rent by neighborhood, groceries, transport, schools and domestic help.

Read · 17 min →
Cover graphic: “Gigiri” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Gigiri Neighborhood Guide

A complete guide to living in Gigiri, Nairobi — the diplomatic suburb by the UN. Safety, rents, schools, shopping, commute and the best apartments.

Read · 20 min →
Cover graphic: “Healthcare in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Healthcare

Healthcare in Nairobi for Expats and Retirees (2026 Guide)

An honest guide to healthcare in Nairobi — the best private hospitals, what care costs, why international insurance matters, pharmacies and emergencies.

Read · 16 min →
Cover graphic: “Internet & Remote Work in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Remote work

Internet, Wifi & Remote Work in Nairobi

Is the internet good in Nairobi? A 2026 guide to home fibre, Starlink, wifi speeds, backup power, coworking and remote work in Kenya's Silicon Savannah.

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Cover graphic: “Is Nairobi Safe?” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Safety

Is Nairobi Safe? An Honest Guide for Expats and Americans (2026)

Is Nairobi safe for Americans? A balanced guide to the real risks, the travel advisory, the safest neighborhoods and how to set up a secure home.

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Cover graphic: “Karen” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Neighborhoods

Karen Neighborhood Guide

A complete guide to living in Karen, Nairobi — the leafy, family-friendly suburb. Safety, rents, schools, shopping, the commute and the best homes.

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Cover graphic: “Kenya Visas for Americans” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Visas

Kenya Visas for Americans

Which Kenya visa do Americans need to visit, work or live in Nairobi? The eTA, digital nomad, work and investor permits explained — with the smart sequence.

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Cover graphic: “Serviced Apartments in Nairobi” — a Nairobi Prime Stay guide
Serviced apartments

Serviced Apartments in Nairobi

Everything on serviced apartments in Nairobi — what's included, costs by neighborhood, who they suit, what to check, and how monthly booking works.

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