This archive report was first published on 21 August 2020.
August 21, 2020
Kenya's economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic has led to a mass exodus of middle-class Nairobians from posh estates in search of cheaper housing.
According to a survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in May, 69 per cent of households were unable to pay rent as the effects of COVID-19 take a toll on the economy.
While some have lost their jobs, others have lost their sources of income, forcing them to seek more affordable housing options.
Some have even moved back to their ancestral homes in upcountry, while others have decided to move back into houses they built but abandoned in satellite towns like Kitengela, Kiserian, and Ruai.
Despite the economic downturn, the overall rents in Nairobi recorded a marginal drop of just 0.3 per cent, according to the Hass Consult second-quarter property index released on August 13.
However, apartments recorded a 2.2 per cent growth in rents quarter on quarter, with Parklands registering the highest rent price increase at 2.4 per cent.
On the other hand, Donholm recorded the biggest drop at 4.8 per cent, while Mlolongo recorded a 2.6 per cent drop in rents for apartments.
The following suburbs have been affected by the economic downturn:
- Langata
- Kileleshwa
- Riverside
- Kilimani
- Lavington
- Westlands
- Upper Hill
- Parklands
