Life Saving Factors to Consider While Renting in Nairobi

A line of highrise rental houses in Nairobi
A line of highrise rental houses in Nairobi.
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According to the latest report from Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) released in 2020, Nairobi has been ranked among the most dangerous cities to live in.

The report noted that Nairobi residents stand a high risk of being victims of crime on any given day.

In recent months, the residents have increasingly been complaining of poor road infrastructure with some located in public places such as the downtown section of the city.

This is highly likely to lead to life threatening events such as lack of medical attention due to impassability. Nairobians can, however, make living choices to make their lives a lot safer.

A picture of a mugging incident.
A picture of a mugging incident.
File

Here are five life saving factors to consider before renting in Nairobi:

Secure Neighbourhood

As of 2020, OSAC ranked a number on Nairobi neighbourhoods among the most dangerous with crime cases reported almost on a daily basis.

Among the most dangerous places include Eastleigh, Kawangware, Githurai 45 and Jericho. 

All individuals are advised to survey the neighbourhoods they intend to rent houses and determine the security level which range from murder to muggings and armed robberies.

Several estates are now providing lockable gates with every household provided a single key for access hence keeping cheats outside.

Connectivity

Road link and cell phone connectivity to the estates one intends to occupy is very key in keeping them safe and healthy.

Many Nairobians have been increasingly lamenting poor road network especially to estates on the periphery of the county making it difficult for ambulances to access them in times of emergencies.

Network connectivity, on the other hand, is important as it allows residents in distress to access and make calls in an easy manner.

NMS Boss Mohammed Badi and Nairobi Acting Governor Anne Kananu at Uthiru Hospital
Former NMS Boss Mohammed Badi and Nairobi Acting Governor Anne Kananu at Uthiru Hospital.
Twitter

Amenities

In February 2021, Nairobi Metropolitan Services boss Mohammed Badi announced the launch of some 24 newly built hospitals in various estates across the country.

They were to be launched in Soweto kayole, Uthiru, Kiamiko, Ushirika, Viwandani, Majengo, Mathare, Korogocho, Kawangware, Gitare, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Reuben, Kibera and Githurai 44.

This addition has gone a long way to ensure that residents in the estates access medical services in a timely manner.

It is important to situate your next home close to amenities such as hospitals and schools to ensure that commute to the homestead is easy and seamless.

Public Health

Scenes from the demolitions at Githurai market on August 26, 2020.
Scenes from the demolitions at Githurai market on August 26, 2020.
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In February 2021, a story of raw sewage flowing freely into people's houses in Githurai 44, shocked the country exposing the dire situation of the current sewerage system.

Sewage is hazardous to human health and can expose people, especially children to water borne disease including Diarrhoea and typhoid which have been ranked among the highest killer diseases.

Latest available statistics indicate that the country recorded 97,762 typhoid cases in 2016 with over 1,000, 66% of whom were children.

It is important to survey the estate for proper sewerage system before settling down.

Flooding

Many Nairobi estates become a mess during the rainy season with deaths reported in some instances.

Most South B and South C (popularly referred to as 'South Sea' during the rainy season) are the most famous estates when it comes to floods.

For a number of years, images of living rooms in the area converted into swimming pools by the raging waters have been flooding the internet.

The regions also record colder houses which can be harmful to children and cause deadly diseases such as pneumonia. It is important to do a survey before moving in.

A flooded section of a highway in Nairobi.
A flooded section of a highway in Nairobi.
File
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