List of posh estates that Nairobians are exiting for cheaper digs

Piece by: Grace Kerongo
Lifestyle

Middle-class Nairobians are experiencing the scourge of the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This has caused them to move from the suburbs to more affordable housing.

Some have lost their jobs while others have lost their sources of income.

Also there is a group of Kenyans who have decided to move back into houses they built, but abandoned, in satellite towns like Kitengela, Kiserian, Ruai etc. While others have moved back to upcountry.

A survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in May indicated 69 per cent of households were unable to pay rent as effects of COVID-19 take a toll on the economy.

According to the Hass Consult second-quarter property index released on August 13, overall rents recorded a marginal drop of just 0.3 per cent.

However, apartments recorded a 2.2 per cent growth in rents quarter on quarter.

Among suburbs, apartments in Parklands registered the highest rent price increase at 2.4 per cent quarter on quarter, while Donholm recorded the biggest drop at 4.8 per cent.

In the satellite towns, rents in for apartments in Mlolongo recorded the biggest drop of 2.6 per cent.

Here is a list of the most affected suburbs.

1. Langata

2. Kileleshwa

3. Riverside

4. Kilimani

5. Lavington

6. Westlands

7. Upper Hill

8. Parklands

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