South-east of Nairobi, along Mombasa Road and the Namanga Road, Syokimau, Mlolongo, Athi River and Kitengela have grown fast. They offer lower rents, more space and new houses, close to JKIA and the SGR - with the commute as the trade-off.
The areas
- Syokimau - planned estates of maisonettes and apartments, with an SGR and commuter-rail station. Close to JKIA.
- Mlolongo - busy and cheaper, right on Mombasa Road.
- Athi River - industrial and residential, around the Export Processing Zone.
- Kitengela - a large, fast-growing town on the Namanga Road, with affordable houses and plots.
Rents
Rough asking rents in 2026 listings:
| What | Syokimau (KES a month) | Kitengela and Mlolongo (KES a month) |
|---|---|---|
| One bedroom | 15,000 - 30,000 | 10,000 - 18,000 |
| Two bedrooms | 25,000 - 50,000 | 15,000 - 30,000 |
| Maisonette or house | 45,000 - 90,000 | 25,000 - 60,000 |
Who they suit
- People who work at or near JKIA, the Industrial Area or Mombasa Road.
- Families wanting a house and garden on a mid-range budget.
- People buying land to build. See Buying land around Nairobi.
Getting around
- The Expressway runs from Mlolongo and Syokimau to Westlands, and makes the trip much faster for those who can pay the toll.
- Mombasa Road below it is slow at peak times, especially at Mlolongo.
- Commuter trains run from Syokimau to the CBD.
- Kitengela adds the Namanga Road, which jams near Athi River.
See Getting around Nairobi and the commute cost calculator.
Things to check
- Water - many homes rely on boreholes, tanks and water vendors.
- Roads inside estates - some are murram (dirt) and hard going in the rains.
- Security - ask about guards and the residents’ association.
Daily life
- Shopping: Gateway Mall and malls along Mombasa Road, and Kitengela’s own supermarkets and markets.
- Travel: JKIA and the SGR’s Nairobi terminus are close by.