North of the city centre, Runda, Gigiri, Muthaiga and Rosslyn are Nairobi’s diplomatic suburbs: large houses, embassies, the United Nations Office at Nairobi, and several international schools. They are quiet, green and among the most expensive places to live. They are on the map.
The areas
- Gigiri - home to the UN complex and many embassies and residences.
- Runda - a large, planned estate of big houses on half-acre plots, with an active residents’ association.
- Muthaiga - Nairobi’s oldest wealthy suburb, with large colonial-era homes and the Muthaiga Club.
- Rosslyn - near the International School of Kenya and Rosslyn Academy, with townhouses and newer compounds.
Rents
Rough asking rents in 2026 listings:
| What | Rough rent (KES a month) |
|---|---|
| Two- or three-bedroom apartment | 120,000 - 250,000 |
| Townhouse in a compound | 200,000 - 400,000 |
| Four-bedroom house with garden | 220,000 - 400,000 and up |
Many homes are rented through agents, and leases for diplomatic and UN staff are often quoted in US dollars.
Who they suit
- UN, embassy and NGO staff working at Gigiri.
- Families at ISK, Rosslyn Academy and nearby schools.
- Less so people working in the south of the city, or anyone on a budget.
Getting around
- A car is needed. Walking is limited and matatus are few.
- To Westlands - 15 to 40 minutes on Limuru Road or the Northern Bypass.
- To the CBD - 30 to 60 minutes at peak times.
- To JKIA - via the Northern and Eastern bypasses or the Expressway.
Security
Security is taken seriously: gated compounds, guards, alarms and response companies, and some areas with extra police presence around diplomatic sites. UN and embassy staff usually follow their organisation’s security rules on housing.
Daily life
- Shopping: Village Market, Two Rivers, Rosslyn Riviera and Ridgeways malls.
- Health: clinics in the malls, with the Aga Khan and MP Shah hospitals in Parklands.
- Outdoors: Karura Forest is close by.