Moving into an unfurnished apartment in Nairobi is common, but budgeting for furniture is often an afterthought. Here’s a realistic breakdown to help you plan.

Studio or bedsitter

For the essentials – bed, small sofa, dining set, wardrobe and basic kitchen items – expect to budget roughly KES 80,000 to 150,000 depending on whether you buy new or a mix of new and quality second-hand pieces.

One-bedroom apartment

With a separate living room and bedroom to furnish, budgets typically range from KES 150,000 to 300,000, covering a sofa set, coffee table, TV stand, bed, wardrobe and dining area.

Two- to three-bedroom apartment

Larger units with multiple bedrooms and a full living/dining setup often run KES 300,000 to 700,000+, especially once you add extra bedroom sets, curtains, and larger appliances.

Where the money goes

• Seating and living room: sofas, coffee table, TV unit
• Bedroom: bed frame, mattress, wardrobe, bedside tables
• Kitchen and dining: dining set, cookware, fridge, cooker
• Soft furnishings: curtains, rugs, lighting

Ways to save

Buying from local furniture makers along Kirinyaga Road or Ngong Road, choosing multi-purpose pieces, and furnishing gradually rather than all at once can significantly reduce upfront costs.

How Eleden Holdings helps

When we let a property, we help tenants understand exactly what’s included and what isn’t, so there are no surprises when you move in.