Remote Work Is Changing Where Kenyans Call Home
Remote work housing trends in Kenya are reshaping how and where people choose to rent. With office towers fading into the background of Zoom calls, Kenyans—especially Nairobians—are rethinking everything from location to lifestyle.
Where once the CBD was king, a new wave of renters is prioritizing space, affordability, and tranquility.
As Google Meet replaces morning traffic and Slack replaces water-cooler chat, people are moving differently—and landlords are taking notes.
This article explores how remote work is affecting where people rent in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi and its top neighbourhoods for first-time renters. Whether you work remotely full-time or on a hybrid schedule, the transformation is already underway—and it could affect your next move.
1. Location No Longer Rules Everything
Before the remote work boom, Nairobi renters often paid a premium to live close to job hubs like Upper Hill, Kilimani, or Westlands. The shorter the commute, the higher the rent.
Now, the tables have turned.
People are trading location for livability. Here’s what that looks like in 2025:
- A designer leaves Westlands for Kitengela, gaining space and slashing rent.
- A data analyst swaps Ngong Road for Ruiru, escaping the noise for peace and better air.
- A couple leaves a CBD apartment for a three-bedroom in Juja—at nearly half the cost.
To avoid overpaying, it helps to understand the hidden costs of renting in Nairobi before signing a lease.
2. What Renters Want Is Evolving
When your home becomes your office, your priorities shift—dramatically.
Remote workers are asking for more. A couch and a TV aren’t enough anymore. People want homes that support both work and rest.
Here’s what remote-focused tenants are seeking today:
Feature | Why It Matters |
Extra room or desk nook | Ideal for focused work or video meetings |
Reliable internet & power | Keeps productivity stable and meetings seamless |
Quiet surroundings | Helps with concentration and reduces mental fatigue |
Natural lighting | Boosts mood, reduces screen fatigue |
Balcony or outdoor space | Offers escape from indoor confinement |
For strong internet connections, always check providers’ maps—Faiba, Safaricom Fibre, or Zuku.
Landlords offering WFH-friendly features like reliable connectivity and power backup are becoming hot property.
3. Satellite Towns Are Seeing a Rental Boom
In past years, areas like Kitengela, Ruiru, and Ngong were often dismissed as “too far.” Not anymore.
With the rise of remote work, these once-sidelined towns are thriving:
- Kitengela: Spacious estates, schools, affordable homes.
- Ruiru: Thika Road convenience with a quieter atmosphere.
- Ngong & Rongai: Scenic views, family-oriented neighborhoods.
- Juja: Popular among tech-savvy renters and students.
With rent starting at KSh 10,000 for a modern one-bedroom, these towns offer serious value to the remote crowd.
Not sure whether to go compact or cozy? Compare bedsitters vs one-bedroom apartments for your specific needs.
4. What Nairobi Landlords Are Doing to Keep Up
As outer towns boom, central Nairobi landlords are feeling the pinch.
High-rent, compact apartments in the CBD, Kilimani, or Parklands are sitting vacant longer than usual. To compete, landlords are making smart adjustments:
- Dropping rent prices or adding value (e.g., Wi-Fi, water bills included)
- Highlighting remote-friendly perks in listings (“Strong Safaricom signal,” “Quiet for Zoom calls”)
- Creating shared workspaces within apartment complexes
- Offering flexible lease terms to attract freelancers or hybrid workers
Those marketing properties as “WFH-ready” or including fiber internet from Faiba Fibre are seeing higher interest and faster occupancy.
5. The Rise of the Remote Side-Hustle Tenant
It’s not just salaried tech professionals driving these changes. Kenya’s remote revolution is powered by a growing army of side-hustlers and freelancers, including:
- Online tutors and course creators
- Virtual assistants
- Social media managers
- E-commerce resellers
- Customer support reps
- Hybrid NGO and research staff
For insights on how this shift is playing out across Africa, check out Upwork’s report on remote work in Africa.
These renters need affordable housing, fast internet, and quiet spaces—not necessarily proximity to Nairobi’s commercial zones.
6. Remote Workers: What to Look for in a Rental
If you’re a remote worker hunting for a new place, ask these questions before signing the lease:
- Is the power supply reliable, and is there backup? Use Kenya Power’s token portal to estimate usage.
- What’s the internet coverage like (Safaricom, Faiba, Zuku)?
- Is there a space you can convert into an office?
- Can you walk to get essentials like groceries and water?
- Is the neighborhood quiet enough for virtual meetings?
Pro Tip: During your apartment tour, run a speed test using Fast.com or Ookla. If the speed is poor, negotiate for an upgrade or include it in your lease terms.
Final Thoughts: Nairobi Is Spreading—and That’s a Good Thing
What we’re witnessing isn’t just a housing shift—it’s a lifestyle reimagination.
Remote work housing trends in Kenya are:
- Reducing pressure on Nairobi’s city center
- Increasing demand in formerly overlooked suburbs
- Forcing landlords to rethink pricing and design
- Empowering renters to prioritize quality of life
If you’re a tenant, now is a great time to rethink where you want to live. And if you’re a landlord? It’s time to modernize your listings and lean into this new normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to live and work remotely from Kitengela or Ruiru?
Yes. Most estates are gated and well-lit. Security is improving as demand grows. Always check reviews and visit during different hours.
Are there rentals designed specifically for remote workers?
Some Nairobi and suburban listings now include desks, fiber, and quiet workspaces. Search for “WFH-ready” or “remote work-friendly.”
Can I get fast internet in satellite towns?
Yes. Faiba, Safaricom Fibre, and Zuku are rapidly expanding coverage.
Will I save money by living outside Nairobi?
Definitely. Rent, food, and transport costs drop significantly when you move to towns like Juja or Rongai.
Is it possible to work remotely in a bedsitter?
Yes, but you’ll need to get creative with space. Use furniture or curtains to zone off your work area. Compare bedsitter vs one-bedroom options to decide what fits your needs.
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