Foreign Investment in Nairobi

Many expatriates and foreign investors set up camp in Nairobi due to the city’s advanced infrastructure and easy entry and exit from the country. In addition to strong rental returns and a growing real estate industry, Nairobi has it all: Chinatown, Little Mogadishu, and even Nairobi’s own Beverly Hills.

As anyone, both local and foreign, can live anywhere, most of the time, foreign investors from the same region or country invest in an area of ​​the city to be close to other Europeans, Indians, Chinese, Somali or americans.

Nairobi’s Chinatown

If there is a population that has been effective when it comes to settling around the world and setting up their own towns, that is the Chinese. Nairobi is no different and although Chinatown here is not as sprawling and established as in other parts of the world, it is very vibrant and alive.

• The Kilimani area of ​​Nairobi is Kenya’s Chinatown and most of the foreign investors in this area are of Chinese origin.

• The Chinese invest in Kilimani by establishing wholly owned or joint ventures and by investing in commercial and residential properties, both rental and other.

• When you visit Zen, a popular Chinese joint offering Chinese culinary delights located in Kilimani, you literally enter the bustle of a Chinatown.

Nairobi Mogadishu

Eastleigh, located in the Eastlands of Nairobi, is the small city Mogadishu (Mogadishu is the capital of Somalia).

• Initially, the area was occupied by a significant number of Somali immigrants, but recently, wealthier Somalis are investing in this area, purchasing land and investing billions of dollars in high-rise commercial and residential properties.

• Little Mogadishu is making a name for itself as a growing area that contributes substantial amounts of resources to the growth of the city due to the immense trade that takes place here.

• However, poor infrastructure and insecurity characterize Little Mogadishu.

Beverly Hills Nairobi

Foreign investors from the United States and even from Europe invest and reside mostly in Muthaiga, popularly known as Nairobi’s Beverly Hills.

• Located 20 minutes from the city center, Muthaiga is a very trendy suburb that is very close to the Gigiri area which is home to the United Nations Complex, Canadian Embassy and US Embassy etc.

• Muthaiga is also close to residential areas popular with Westerners, such as Runda and Ridgeways.

• The area is ideal for foreign investors due to its proximity to the city, favorable climate and environment, high security, efficient infrastructure including golf courses, and its easy access to international schools such as Nairobi German School, etc.

• Most of the wealthy American and European foreigners, international organizations and NGOs, diplomats and the very wealthy of Kenya invest here in high end residential and commercial properties.

• The interest of these special groups has raised the cost of ownership in Muthaiga with an acre of land in these areas with excesses of up to Ksh500 million.

For Americans and Europeans who want a more out-of-town vibe, opt for Karen’s surbab in south-west Nairobi.

Indian/Asian people in Nairobi

The Indian/Asian city of Nairobi is situated in parts of Nairobi known as Westlands.

• The area is teeming with Indian restaurants, temples, commercial and residential properties owned and developed by the South Asian community.

• Even for members of the South Asian community who don’t own property, they prefer to lease and operate from here.

• Aga Khan IV spent his childhood in the Westlands.

• Until recently, the area has been a residential area, although it is now growing as a commercial district.

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