Kitengela Leads List of Nairobi Areas Where House Rents Declined, New HassConsult Report Shows

House rental prices fell in seven estates across Nairobi and its satellite towns during the second quarter of 2026, according to the latest HassConsult Property Price Index released on Tuesday, August 4.

The report shows that Kitengela recorded the biggest decline in rental prices, with rents dropping by 1.9 per cent between April and June. Other areas that experienced lower rents include Nyari Estate, Parklands, and Mlolongo, where rental prices each fell by 0.8 per cent. 

Riverside also recorded a 0.7 per cent decline, while Muthaiga and Kilimani posted drops of 0.4 per cent and 0.3 per cent, respectively.

Despite these decreases, the report indicates that the overall rental market remained strong. Rental prices in Nairobi's suburbs increased by 1.4 per cent, while satellite towns recorded an average increase of 1.1 per cent during the same period.

Among Nairobi's suburbs, Runda registered the highest rent growth at 3.4 per cent, followed by Ridgeways at 3.2 per cent, Spring Valley at 2.9 per cent, and Karen at 2.7 per cent. 

Other areas that recorded increases include Loresho (2.6 per cent), Gigiri (2.0 per cent), Langata (2.0 per cent), Westlands (1.8 per cent), Kileleshwa (1.1 per cent), Kitisuru (0.8 per cent), and Lavington (0.5 per cent).

In the satellite towns, rents also rose in several locations, including Thika (2.9 per cent), Tigoni (2.6 per cent), Ruaka (2.2 per cent), Ongata Rongai (2.0 per cent), Ngong (1.8 per cent), Kiambu (1.6 per cent), Athi River and Juja (1.5 per cent each), Ruiru (1.4 per cent), Kiserian (1.0 per cent), and Limuru (0.1 per cent). Only Kitengela and Mlolongo recorded rental declines among the satellite towns.

According to HassConsult Creative Director Sakina Hassanali, satellite towns continue to experience greater pricing pressure than Nairobi's suburbs because many residents are more affected by the rising cost of living and tougher economic conditions.

She also noted that inflation climbed from 4.4 per cent in March to 6.7 per cent in May before easing slightly to 6.4 per cent in June, reducing the purchasing power of many households.

However, Hassanali said the country's long-term demand for housing remains strong, driven by rapid urban growth, population increase, and low mortgage uptake. 

She added that the continued rise in rental prices and stable rental returns show that demand for housing in Nairobi remains healthy despite the current economic challenges.