If you’re looking for a new home in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, or other major towns in Kenya, you’ve probably come across the terms apartment and condo. At first, they might seem the same — multi-storey buildings with similar amenities like parking, elevators, and security.

But when it comes to ownership, costs, lifestyle, and legal responsibilities, apartments and condos in Kenya are very different.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the right option for renting, buying, or investing in real estate.

What Is an Apartment in Kenya?

An apartment in Kenya usually refers to a rental unit within a building owned by one individual, a company, or a property developer. These units are leased to tenants for residential purposes.

Common features of apartments in Kenya:

• Units are strictly for renting

• Managed by a landlord or property manager

• Uniform designs across most units

• Rent is paid monthly, often with an upfront deposit

• Repairs and maintenance handled by the landlord or caretaker

If you’ve ever rented a house in Kilimani, Westlands, Ruaka, or Mombasa’s Nyali area, chances are it was an apartment.
You sign a lease (usually 6 months to 1 year) and pay rent monthly. The landlord or property manager handles any major repairs—leaking taps, broken gates—.

What Is a Condo in Kenya?

A condo (short for condominium) is privately owned. Each unit within the building has a different owner, meaning you can buy a condo just like a standalone house.

Condos in Kenya are more common in areas like:

• Kilimani

• Kileleshwa

• Lavington

• Westlands

• Parklands

• Mombasa’s Nyali and Shanzu

Key features of condos in Kenya:

• Units are sold to individual owners

• Owners may live there or rent it out

• Buyers pay a management fee (like service charge) to maintain common areas

• Unit owners can customize interiors

• There’s a Residents’ Association or Management Company overseeing shared amenities

If you see listings saying “for sale: 2-bedroom condo in Kilimani with pool and gym access,” that’s what it means.
You can buy the unit, live in it, or even rent it out to tenants as your investment property.

Main Differences Between Apartments and Condos in Kenya

Renting an Apartment vs. Renting a Condo in Kenya

In Kenya, you can rent either an apartment or a condo. However, there are slight differences:

• Apartment rental: The process is straightforward. Rent is fixed, deposits are standard (usually 1 or 2 months’ rent), and repairs are the landlord’s responsibility. Perfect for university students, young professionals, and short-term tenants.

• Condo rental: You deal directly with an individual owner. Rental terms can vary — some landlords allow minor adjustments to the unit, while others treat it strictly. The unit might be better furnished, and you may pay slightly higher rent because condos often have better amenities like swimming pools, backup generators, and gyms.

Buying a Condo vs. Renting an Apartment in Kenya

If you’re planning to settle down or invest in Kenyan real estate, here’s what you should know:

Buying a condo:

• Requires paying a deposit (typically 10%-30%) and mortgage financing

• Owners also pay a service charge for shared facilities

• You gain a valuable asset that can appreciate over time

• You have the freedom to renovate, furnish, or rent out the property

Renting an apartment:

• Lower upfront cost

• Flexibility to relocate easily

• No maintenance headaches

• No property appreciation benefits

Buying a condo might be your entry point if you dream of owning property in Kenya. Condos are usually cheaper than standalone homes and easier to manage.

Are Condos More Expensive Than Apartments in Kenya?

In Nairobi or Mombasa, condos are typically more expensive to buy than apartments, but depending on the location, renting a condo could cost about the same (or slightly more).

For instance:

• Renting a standard 2-bedroom apartment in Syokimau might cost Ksh 30,000 per month.

• Renting a furnished 2-bedroom condo in Westlands could cost Ksh 80,000 – 120,000 per month, but with access to swimming pools, gyms, backup water, and security.

So yes, condos come with more amenities, and that is reflected in the price.

Which One Should You Choose in Kenya?

Your choice depends on your goals and lifestyle:

If you’re fresh from campus and looking for your first house in Nairobi, renting an apartment in Kasarani or Embakasi makes sense.
If you’re a working professional looking to invest in a home in Kilimani, Parklands, or Kileleshwa, buying a condo could be a smart move.

Common Misconceptions in Kenya

1. Condos Are Only for the Wealthy:
Not true. With mortgage financing now more accessible in Kenya, many middle-income earners are buying condos especially along Thika Road, Ngong Road, and Syokimau.

2. Apartments Are Poorly Managed:
While some old apartments suffer from poor maintenance, many new apartments in Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kisumu are well-kept by professional companies.

3. Condo Owners Don’t Pay Rent:
Correct — condo owners don’t pay rent, but they do pay service charges to maintain lifts, generators, water tanks, and security.

Final Thoughts

Although apartments and condos in Kenya’s cities look very similar, ownership, cost structures, and responsibilities vary greatly.

Renting an apartment could be your best option if you’re looking for affordable housing without a big commitment.
If you’re serious about building wealth, enjoying better amenities, and having control over your home, then owning a condo is worth considering.

Before deciding, consider your budget, plans, and lifestyle needs. With Kenya’s real estate market growing rapidly, there’s never been a better time to make an informed choice!