Furnishing & layout
Furnished Apartments with Fully Furnished Apartments in Nairobi
Furnished means different things at different price points in Nairobi, and the gap between them costs real money. A budget furnished let may be a bed, a sofa and a cooker; a full-serviced unit arrives with cutlery, linen, kettle, microwave, iron, and a housekeeper. Sea freight from Europe or North America typically takes six to ten weeks to Mombasa and onward to Nairobi, so what is in the apartment on day one is what you live with for two months.
What to ask the landlord
Ask for a written inventory before you sign, and photograph everything on move-in day with the landlord present. Specifically check the things people forget: whether there is a microwave, whether the cooker is gas or electric and who supplies the cylinder, whether there is a water dispenser, how many sets of bed linen, and whether curtains and blinds are included.
Supply and pricing across Nairobi
Full-serviced provision concentrates in Westlands, Kilimani, Riverside and Upper Hill. Standard and premium furnished lets are the norm in Kileleshwa, Lavington, Gigiri and Parklands, and in the satellite towns furnishing is generally basic to standard.
Where to find it, and what it costs
| Area | Share of furnished stock | Typical monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Westlands | 72% | KES 30,000 |
| Kilimani | 68% | KES 26,000 |
| Gigiri | 61% | KES 32,000 |
| Kileleshwa | 52% | KES 22,000 |
| Upper Hill | 66% | KES 28,000 |
| Syokimau | 34% | KES 12,000 |
Source: Shares and premiums are our own estimates from verified landlord submissions and listed asking rents, cross-checked against Cytonn and HassConsult market reporting. Individual buildings vary.
What our verification actually confirms
Our check records the furnishing level the landlord claims against what our checker observed, and flags any gap. We do not warrant the condition of individual items.
Frequently asked questions
What does fully furnished mean in Nairobi?
At the top end: furniture, white goods, kitchen equipment, linen, curtains and usually housekeeping. At the bottom end it can mean a bed and a sofa. Always ask for the written inventory.
Is furnished more expensive than unfurnished?
Yes, materially — commonly 20–40% more per month depending on band and area. Against the cost and delay of shipping, it is usually still the cheaper option for stays under two years.
Who repairs the furniture?
The landlord, on a furnished let. Fair wear and tear should be excluded from deductions — get that phrase into the lease.
Can I remove furniture I do not want?
Usually the landlord will store it if there is space, but they are not obliged to. Agree it before signing and record it in the inventory.
How long does shipping to Nairobi take?
Sea freight typically runs six to ten weeks to Mombasa plus clearance and inland transport, which is exactly why furnished lets dominate the relocation market.
Related pages
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