Kenya · Nairobi

Short-stay apartments in Nairobi.

Kenya's capital and East Africa's commercial hub. Five distinct accommodation districts, each suited to a different type of trip. Every property on Apatmento is priced by the host and paid to the host.

KES 2,500–12,000typical / night
18 kmCBD → JKIA airport
M-Pesa+ card accepted
5+great areas to stay

Choosing your base

Nairobi rewards choosing the right base. Kilimani has the city's densest stock of modern short-stay towers — walk to Yaya Centre, eat well along Argwings Kodhek Road, and sit midway between the CBD and Westlands. Westlands is the business and nightlife core: Sarit Centre, Westgate, rooftop bars, and a direct ramp onto the Nairobi Expressway for the airport. Karen trades density for gardens — leafy lanes near the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum, with villas rather than towers. Kileleshwa and Lavington stay quiet and residential, good for longer working stays. Upper Hill and the CBD put you beside conference venues and corporate offices.

First visit and torn? Kilimani is the safe, central pick. Flying out early or here on business? Westlands. Family trip or a slower pace? Karen.

What to budget

Nairobi short-stay rates run in Kenyan Shillings. Studios from KES 2,500–4,500 per night, one-bedrooms at KES 3,500–7,000, two-bedrooms at KES 6,000–12,000. Karen villas and premium Westlands towers sit above those ranges. Every listing on Apatmento displays the host's set rate, which is what you pay at checkout.

Arrival and city transport

JKIA sits 18 km southeast of the city centre. The Nairobi Expressway has made the airport-to-city run 25–45 minutes in standard traffic. Uber, Bolt and Little Cab operate at scale across the city; matatus cover every corridor for local travel. The SGR train departs from Syokimau station when the coast is the destination. M-Pesa is the standard payment across accommodation, food, transport and retail.

Studio
KES 2,500–4,500
Compact new-builds, most common in Kilimani
1 Bedroom
KES 3,500–7,000
Most popular: pool and gym towers
2 Bedroom
KES 6,000–12,000
Family and group stays; Karen villas above this

Guide prices for typical listings. Every live listing on Apatmento shows the host's exact rate, and that rate is final.

Nairobi: frequently asked

Which Nairobi area is right for a first visit?
Kilimani: central, highest apartment density, best value-to-standard ratio, walkable amenities. Westlands for business and international dining. Karen for residential quiet and space.
What is the short-stay rate range in Nairobi?
Studios: KES 2,500–4,500. One-bedrooms: KES 3,500–7,000. Two-bedrooms: KES 6,000–12,000. The price displayed on Apatmento is the host's rate and the amount charged at checkout.
What payment methods are accepted?
M-Pesa and card. At checkout you receive an instant STK push to your registered number.
How long is the drive from JKIA to central Nairobi?
About 18 km. Via the Nairobi Expressway, Westlands or Kilimani is usually 25–45 minutes depending on traffic; allow more at peak hours.

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Short-stay apartments across Kilimani, Westlands, Karen and the rest of the city.

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