Westlands is Nairobi’s second city centre: office towers, malls, hotels, restaurants and most of the city’s nightlife, with apartment blocks packed around them. Living here means a short walk or ride to a great deal, and paying for it. It is on the map.
Who it suits
- People who work in Westlands or along Waiyaki Way, who can skip the worst of the traffic.
- Those who want city life - restaurants, bars and malls on the doorstep.
- Less so anyone who values quiet evenings, or families wanting space.
Rents
Rough asking rents for unfurnished flats in 2026 listings:
| What | Rough rent (KES a month) |
|---|---|
| Studio | 35,000 - 70,000 |
| One bedroom | 45,000 - 90,000 |
| Two bedrooms | 80,000 - 200,000 |
| Three bedrooms | 130,000 - 300,000 |
Westlands has many new towers with gyms, pools and rooftop lounges, which push the averages up. Furnished and serviced flats are common, and cost more. Use the move-in cost calculator to budget.
The main areas
- Central Westlands - around Sarit, Westgate, The Mall and Woodvale Grove. Busy and noisy, walkable.
- Parklands - next door, more residential, with the Aga Khan hospital and City Park.
- Riverside and General Mathenge - quieter, leafier, and pricier.
- Spring Valley and Loresho - further out, with houses and gardens.
Getting around
- To the CBD - 15 to 45 minutes; the Expressway starts nearby.
- To the airport - often around 30 to 40 minutes on the Expressway.
- To Kilimani and Upper Hill - 15 to 40 minutes.
- Walking works in daylight within central Westlands.
Waiyaki Way and the roundabouts around Westlands clog at rush hour, so live near where you work if you can.
Safety
Central Westlands is busy late into the night, which helps, but crowds bring phone theft and pickpocketing, especially around bars. Use ride-hailing at night, keep your phone out of sight on the street, and choose a building with controlled access. See Safety in Nairobi.
Daily life
- Malls: Sarit, Westgate, The Mall and others, with supermarkets, cinemas and banks.
- Health: Aga Khan University Hospital and many clinics.
- Nightlife: the busiest in Nairobi. See Nightlife in Nairobi.
- Coworking: many spaces for remote workers. See Working remotely.
Checklist before signing
- Noise. Ask whether there are bars or clubs nearby, and visit on a Friday night.
- Parking and traffic getting in and out of the building at rush hour.
- Water and backup power.
- Read Finding housing for deposits and scams.