Nairobi, often dubbed the "Silicon Savannah," is the beating heart of East Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem. It is a city of sharp contrasts: wildlife parks bordering skyscrapers, serene forests next to chaotic traffic, and a startup scene that rivals any in the continent. For digital nomads and expats, Nairobi offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with incredible coffee, fast 4G/5G, and a welcoming expat community.
The rental market here can be tricky. "Furnished apartments" are common, but true "coliving" (community-focused shared living) is a newer concept that is rapidly growing. Security is a primary consideration in Nairobi; coliving spaces solve this by offering secure, gated complexes with 24/7 guards (askaris) and backup generators—essential for dealing with occasional power outages.
While you can find an apartment in Kilimani for $500, the "Coliving Premium" here buys you reliability: backup power, high-speed fiber internet, and instant access to a social network in a city where making friends can sometimes take time. The list below covers the operators you need to know.
For a quick overview of the best options, here is the full list at a glance:
Top Nairobi Coliving Companies (Quick Reference)
- Edens Coliving: (Eden Nairobi) A boutique art-gallery-meets-hotel retreat in Langata/Karen, offering a high-end, tranquil living experience.
- KOFISI Westlands: The premier coworking brand in Africa; while primarily workspace, they facilitate the corporate nomad lifestyle.
- Westlands: (Neighborhood Focus) The entertainment and business hub, hosting high-end apartments and expats.
- Gigiri: (Neighborhood Focus) The diplomatic zone (UN HQ), offering lush, secure, and quiet residential shared homes.
- Parklands: (Neighborhood Focus) A central, vibrant area bridging Westlands and the forest, home to new coliving developments.
- Africa Nomads: A community-first operator running curated "Nomad Experience" cohorts in Westlands.
- Mapmelon: A trusted aggregator platform for finding vetted coliving spaces across Africa.
- Mosaic Coliving: A newly launched, purpose-built coliving residence in Parklands catering to young professionals.
Edens Coliving
Often referred to as Eden Nairobi, this is less of a traditional "tech bro" dorm and more of a soulful sanctuary. Created by fashion designer Anna Trzebinski, it is a living art gallery and boutique hotel that functions as a high-end retreat. It is perfect for the "slomad" (slow nomad) who wants to be surrounded by art, nature, and culture rather than a bustling city center.
Location: Located in Langata/Karen on the edge of the Giraffe Sanctuary forest. It offers a green, tranquil escape accessible to the city via the Southern Bypass.
Website: https://www.eden-nairobi.com
Pricing: Luxury rates apply ($200+ per night). Costs reflect the exclusive, curated experience, though long-stay rates can sometimes be negotiated.
Deposit: Standard booking terms. Deposits or credit card holds are required to secure these high-demand boutique suites.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms. Ideal for short-term retreats or peaceful workcations rather than year-long residential leases.
Amenities: Features lush gardens and an on-site art studio. Guests enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, concierge services, and proximity to the Giraffe Centre.
KOFISI Westlands
KOFISI is Africa's leading provider of premium workspaces, not a residential building. However, for a digital nomad in Nairobi, KOFISI is the "anchor" of your lifestyle. They offer world-class offices with "hospitality" services (baristas, concierge). Many nomads live in nearby apartments (like Le Mac or Skynest) and use KOFISI as their daily community hub.
Location: Located in Westlands, the central business district for expats. It is surrounded by malls, rooftop bars, and international hotels.
Website: https://kofisi.africa
Pricing: Workspace Membership ($150 - $300/month). This covers your office needs; accommodation costs are separate.
Deposit: None for coworking. Monthly memberships typically require upfront payment but no residential-style deposit.
Rental Terms: Monthly. Very flexible workspace contracts allow you to scale up or cancel as needed.
Amenities: Includes best-in-class internet and rooftop cafes. Members access meeting rooms, podcast studios, and a high-level professional network.
Westlands
Neighborhood Focus: Westlands is the "Manhattan" of Nairobi. Coliving here usually means renting a room in a high-rise apartment with other expats. It is chaotic, loud, fun, and walkable (to an extent). It is where the nightlife is.
Location: Situated North-West of the CBD. It is the primary entertainment and business hub for Nairobi's international crowd.
Website: Check Africa Nomads or Airbnb for listings. Property portals like BuyRentKenya are also useful for finding apartments here.
Pricing: $800 - $1,500 per month. High demand from expats and convenient access to offices drives prices up.
Deposit: Standard. Usually one to two months' rent is required for long-term private rentals.
Rental Terms: Mid-to-Long Term. Most landlords prefer leases of 6 months or more, though serviced apartments offer shorter terms.
Amenities: Close to Sarit Centre and Westgate malls. The area features rooftop bars, 24/7 gyms, and proximity to major corporate offices.
Gigiri
Neighborhood Focus: Gigiri is the diplomatic heart of Nairobi, hosting the UN and US Embassy. It is extremely secure, leafy, and quiet. Coliving here often takes the form of large, shared mansions with gardens. It is perfect for those working in development or diplomacy who want a suburban feel.
Location: Located in North Nairobi, near Karura Forest. It is a highly secure zone due to the presence of the United Nations.
Website: Look for "UN Housing" groups on Facebook. Platforms like Mapmelon also list vetted shared homes in this area.
Pricing: Premium pricing applies. Rents are generally higher here due to the target market of diplomats and UN staff.
Deposit: Standard. Security deposits are consistent with high-end residential leases.
Rental Terms: Mid-Term. Leases often align with contract lengths for UN or embassy staff.
Amenities: Easy access to Karura Forest and Village Market. The area boasts top-tier security and a quiet, leafy environment.
Parklands
Neighborhood Focus: Parklands sits between Westlands and the forest. It is historically an Asian residential neighborhood now booming with modern developments. It offers a great balance: cheaper than Westlands but walking distance to it.
Location: Situated bordering Westlands and Karura Forest. It offers a central location with a slightly more residential feel.
Website: Check Mosaic Coliving for purpose-built options. Local agents also list many private apartments in this district.
Pricing: Affordable to Mid-Range. Offers great value for money, often providing larger spaces for less than Westlands.
Deposit: Standard. Typical rental deposits apply.
Rental Terms: Flexible. Many new developments cater to young professionals with flexible lease structures.
Amenities: Home to Diamond Plaza and Aga Khan Hospital. Residents enjoy easy access to the forest and vibrant local food scenes.
Africa Nomads
Africa Nomads is a community operator that runs curated "Nomad Experiences." They rent large, high-quality apartments in Westlands and turn them into coliving hubs for 2-6 week cohorts. It is the best way to land in Nairobi and instantly have a tribe of 10+ people to explore with.
Location: Hubs are in Westlands. They secure prime apartments near the action to ensure easy access to city life.
Website: https://www.africanomads.co
Pricing: Package Based ($600 - $900/month approx). This fee includes rent, a community manager, and often a local SIM card.
Deposit: Booking Fee. A deposit is required to secure your spot in the cohort group.
Rental Terms: Fixed Dates. You commit to the duration of the cohort to maximize the community bonding experience.
Amenities: Includes housekeeping and vetted Wi-Fi. Packages also cover airport transfers and a full calendar of social activities.
Mapmelon
Mapmelon is a trusted aggregator platform for coliving spaces. In Nairobi, they list vetted independent operators and shared houses. It is a vital tool for verifying that a "coliving" space actually has reliable Wi-Fi and a community before you book.
Location: City-wide listings. The platform covers various neighborhoods, helping you find the right location match.
Website: https://mapmelon.com
Pricing: Variable. Prices depend on the specific operator or host listed on the platform.
Deposit: Varies. Deposit terms are set by the individual host but are clearly stated on the listing.
Rental Terms: Flexible. most listings cater to the digital nomad market with monthly or weekly terms.
Amenities: Filters help you find "Generator" (Backup Power) and "Fiber Internet". This verification is crucial for working professionals.
Mosaic Coliving
Mosaic is a new, purpose-built coliving residence in Parklands. It is designed specifically for young professionals and modern students. It features fully furnished studio apartments with shared amenities, offering a "plug-and-play" lifestyle that is rare in the traditional Nairobi rental market.
Location: Located in Parklands, close to the CBD and Westlands. This strategic spot balances cost with convenience.
Website: Search "Mosaic Coliving Nairobi" online. Their social media channels often have the most current availability updates.
Pricing: Affordable. Rates are designed to be accessible for young professionals and students starting out.
Deposit: Standard. A security deposit is required to secure the furnished studio.
Rental Terms: Flexible. Leases are designed to accommodate the dynamic needs of the younger workforce.
Amenities: Features a rooftop terrace and communal lounge. Residents also benefit from an on-site gym, high-speed Wi-Fi, and 24/7 security.
Nairobi is an electrifying city that offers a unique blend of urban grit and natural beauty, but it requires a bit of local know-how to navigate smoothly. Choosing the right coliving space is your first step to a successful stay.
- Prioritize Infrastructure: The most critical question to ask any operator is, "Do you have a backup generator?" Nairobi experiences occasional power outages, and for a remote worker, reliable power is non-negotiable. Purpose-built spaces like Mosaic and community cohorts like Africa Nomads will guarantee this, whereas independent apartments might not.
- Safety & Mobility: Nairobi is generally safe for expats in the main hubs, but you should avoid walking at night. The city relies on ride-hailing apps; Uber and Bolt are ubiquitous, cheap, and safe. Living in a central area like Westlands or Parklands minimizes your commute and keeps you close to the social action.
- The Social "Soft Landing": If you are new to Africa, consider starting with a cohort like Africa Nomads. The instant community they provide is invaluable for navigating the cultural nuances, finding the best weekend safari deals, and feeling safe. For a quieter, more diplomat-heavy vibe, look towards the leafy suburbs of Gigiri.
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