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Kenya: Developers in Nairobi are converting vacant apartments into coliving spaces as they look to improve rental returns and attract remote workers, expatriates and digital nomads.
The move is driven by declining returns from conventional long-term rentals and an excess of apartments in certain parts of the city. Furnished bedrooms, communal workplaces, high speed internet and flexible weekly/monthly renting are being added to many existing properties.
Coliving in Kenya aims to resonate with remote workers with developments offering communal facilities, backup power, smart technology and hotel-style services. Some operators are also pricing accommodation in US dollars to attract international residents and generate higher rental income.
The report said developers are changing the way they use apartment buildings by creating flexible, hotel-style living spaces for remote workers, expatriates and other short-term residents, with many adding shared workspaces, high-speed internet and flexible rental options to attract more tenants.
However, the report said coliving developments continue to face regulatory challenges because many operate in residential apartment buildings. It added that mixed-use zoning classifications could help recognise and regulate these developments.
Highlights:
- Nairobi developers are converting vacant apartments into coliving spaces as they respond to declining long-term rental returns and growing demand from remote workers and expatriates
- Property owners are refurbishing existing apartment developments with furnished rooms, communal workspaces, high-speed internet and flexible weekly or monthly rental options
- Coliving developments are targeting international residents by offering hotel-style amenities, backup power, smart technology and rental rates priced in US dollars
- The report said developers are adopting more flexible, hospitality-style living models to attract remote workers, expatriates and other short-term residents
- The report added that clearer planning rules and mixed-use zoning could support the future growth of Nairobi’s coliving sector and provide greater certainty for developers
