Apartment and Rental Building Plans in Kenya: Bedsitters, Flats and High-ROI Designs

Apartment and rental building plans in Kenya are the starting point for one of the country's most reliable investments. Kenya's towns are growing fast, and millions of people rent. Consequently, a well-designed rental block on a 50×100 plot can earn steady monthly income for decades.

However, rental buildings are not just big houses. They need efficient layouts, strong structures, fire safety, parking and approvals. In this guide, we explain how to plan a profitable rental project. We cover bedsitters, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom flats, student hostels, Airbnb apartments and mixed-use blocks. Additionally, we share costs and location advice for Nairobi, Kiambu, Juja, Kitengela, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and Mombasa.

Why Invest in Rental Apartments in Kenya?

Demand for rental housing keeps rising. For instance, young professionals, students and families moving to towns all need homes. Meanwhile, many cannot yet afford to buy. As a result, well-located rental units fill quickly.

Rental blocks also make efficient use of land. A single bungalow on a 50×100 plot houses one family. By contrast, a four-storey block on the same plot can house 12 to 32 households. Therefore, the rent per square foot of land is far higher.

Furthermore, rental income is relatively stable. Tenants pay monthly, and good buildings in good locations rarely stay empty for long. Many Kenyans use rental blocks to fund retirement, school fees or further investments.

Types of Rental Buildings in Kenya

Bedsitter Blocks

A bedsitter is a single room with a sleeping and living area, a small kitchen and a bathroom. It is the most affordable rental unit. Consequently, bedsitter blocks are common near universities, industrial areas and busy town centres.

Our Githurai rentals design fits 32 bedsitter and 1 bedroom units over four floors on a 50×100 plot. It is a proven high-density layout.

1 Bedroom Apartments

One bedroom units suit young professionals and couples. They rent for more than bedsitters and attract longer-staying tenants. Read our guide to 1 bedroom house plans in Kenya for more.

2 Bedroom Apartments

Two bedroom flats are the most popular family rental in Kenya's towns. Our Umoja apartments design has 12 two bedroom units over three floors on a 50×100 plot. Similarly, the Eldoret apartments mix 1 and 2 bedroom units on a 40×80 plot.

3 Bedroom Apartments

Three bedroom flats suit families in middle and upper-middle income areas. For example, the Kasarani apartments offer 20 units over five floors. Meanwhile, the Westlands residences offer 24 luxury 3 bedroom units over six floors with a lift.

Duplexes and Townhouses

Some investors prefer fewer, larger units. The Rongai fourplex has four 3 bedroom duplex units on a 50×100 plot. Similarly, the Kiambu townhouses fit four units on a quarter acre. These attract families who want a house feel.

Mixed-Use Buildings

Mixed-use blocks put shops on the ground floor and apartments above. They earn commercial and residential rent from one plot. Our Biashara plaza is a four-storey mixed-use design.

Student Hostels

Near universities such as JKUAT in Juja, Kenyatta University in Kahawa, Moi University in Eldoret and Maseno University, student hostels are in constant demand. They need shared kitchens, study areas, laundry and strong security.

Airbnb and Serviced Apartments

In Nairobi's Kilimani, Westlands and Kileleshwa, and at the coast in Nyali and Diani, serviced apartments and Airbnb units earn premium rates. However, they need better finishes, furnishing and management.

Browse all our apartment and rental plans.

Designing a Profitable Rental Block

Maximise Lettable Area

Every square metre of corridor or stair earns no rent. Therefore, we design compact circulation and repeat efficient unit layouts on every floor.

Match Units to the Market

The right unit mix depends on the location. For example, near JKUAT, bedsitters and 1 bedroom units rent fastest. In Kitengela or Ruiru, 2 and 3 bedroom family units do better. We research your area before designing.

Plan Parking

Counties set parking ratios for apartments. Moreover, tenants value secure parking. Consequently, we plan parking early, sometimes on the ground floor under the building.

Separate Meters

Tenants and landlords both prefer separate prepaid electricity meters and water meters. Therefore, we design services so each unit can be metered.

Water Storage

Water rationing is common in many towns. As a result, large storage tanks and, where possible, a borehole make a building more attractive.

Security

A single controlled entrance, perimeter wall, gate house, lighting and CCTV make tenants feel safe. We plan all of these.

Durable Finishes

Rental units take a lot of wear. Therefore, we specify hard-wearing tiles, solid doors and simple, replaceable fittings.

Rental Building Plans by Plot Size

40×80 Plot

A 40×80 plot can hold a small block of six to nine units over three floors. For example, the Eldoret apartments design fits nine units. Browse our 40×80 plot plans.

50×100 Plot

A 50×100 plot is the most common rental plot. It holds 12 two bedroom units over three floors, or up to 32 bedsitters over four floors. See our 50×100 plot plans.

Quarter Acre and Larger

Larger plots allow bigger blocks, more parking and amenities such as a gym or rooftop terrace. For instance, the Kasarani and Westlands designs suit quarter- and half-acre plots.

Corner and Narrow Plots

Corner plots allow shops on two frontages. Meanwhile, narrow plots need careful planning to bring light into every unit. We design for both.

For single-room units in detail, read our guide to bedsitter house plans in Kenya.

Multi-Storey Rental Buildings

The number of floors drives both income and cost. Counties set maximum heights by zone. Moreover, taller buildings need stronger structures, and buildings above a certain height need lifts.

Browse our 3 storey building plans, 4 storey building plans, 5 storey building plans and 6 storey building plans.

How Much Does a Rental Building Cost in Kenya?

Design Fees

Our architectural drawings for apartments and commercial buildings cost KSh 30,000 to 76,500. Every design includes free 3D renders, a walkthrough video, interior design, plumbing and electrical drawings, and a landscape plan. Structural drawings are priced by our engineer. See our pricing page.

Construction Costs

Rental blocks usually use basic to standard finishes. Here are 2026 guide figures:

These figures exclude land. Use our building cost calculator for your own estimate.

Calculating Rental Returns

A simple way to judge a rental project is the gross yield: annual rent divided by total cost. For example, if a block costs KSh 40M to build and earns KSh 4.8M a year in rent, the gross yield is 12 percent.

However, remember vacancies, maintenance, management, taxes and service charges. Therefore, the net yield will be lower. Location, unit mix and design quality have the biggest effect on returns.

Managing a Rental Building

Design affects management for decades. Therefore, think about the day-to-day running of the building from the first sketch.

First, a caretaker's room near the gate helps with security and repairs. Second, a single refuse collection point keeps the compound clean. Third, a clear meter room makes billing easy. Additionally, durable common-area finishes, such as terrazzo stairs and steel balustrades, cut maintenance costs.

Meanwhile, many landlords now use letting agents or property managers. They handle tenants, rent collection and repairs for a fee, typically a percentage of the rent. As a result, diaspora and busy owners can invest without daily involvement. A well-designed building is also easier for agents to market and manage.

Phasing a Rental Development

Not every investor can fund a full block at once. Fortunately, rental buildings can be phased. For example, you can build the ground and first floors, let them out, and use the rent to fund the upper floors.

However, phasing must be planned carefully. Consequently, the foundation and columns must be designed for the final height from day one. Moreover, the stair and services must be laid out so new floors connect easily. Finally, the county must approve the full building, even if you build it in stages. We design phased projects regularly, so your early tenants are not disturbed by later work.

Common Mistakes in Rental Projects

Building the Wrong Units

Building 3 bedroom flats next to a university, or bedsitters in a family suburb, leads to empty units. Therefore, study the local market first.

Skimping on Structure

Some developers cut steel and concrete to save money. However, this risks lives and invites demolition orders. Always follow approved structural drawings.

Ignoring Parking and Access

Counties enforce parking ratios. Moreover, tenants avoid buildings without safe parking. Plan it from the start.

Poor Water Planning

A block without enough water storage loses tenants during rationing. Consequently, we size tanks for at least a few days of supply.

No Approvals

Unapproved rental blocks face stop orders, fines and demolition. In addition, they are hard to finance, insure or sell.

Designing for Different Tenants

Different tenants want different things. For instance, students want security, Wi-Fi, a study corner and a short walk to campus. Young professionals want modern finishes, a balcony and easy transport. Meanwhile, families want space, parking, a play area and nearby schools.

Therefore, we tailor finishes and amenities to your target tenants. For example, a block in Juja may include a study room and bike storage. Similarly, a block in Kitengela may include a children's play area and more parking.

Amenities That Raise Rents

Small extras can lift rents and cut vacancies. For example, a rooftop terrace with seating gives tenants a place to relax. Similarly, a backup generator or solar system for common areas keeps lifts, lights and pumps running during outages. Moreover, a small gym, a children's play area or a laundry room helps your building stand out.

However, every amenity costs money to build and maintain. Therefore, match amenities to your target tenants and rent level. In a bedsitter block, reliable water and security matter most. Conversely, in a luxury block in Kilimani, a gym, a pool and a backup generator are expected.

Timeline for a Rental Project

First, design and approvals usually take three to five months for an apartment block. That includes feasibility, architectural and structural drawings, the BQ and county, NCA and NEMA approvals. Next, construction typically takes 12 to 18 months for a four-storey block on a 50×100 plot. Finally, allow time for fitting meters, connecting services and marketing the units. Overall, plan for roughly 18 to 24 months from idea to first tenant.

Taxes and Compliance for Landlords

Rental income is taxable in Kenya. Therefore, budget for rental income tax and keep proper records from the start. Additionally, many counties charge land rates and, in some cases, levies on commercial buildings. A good accountant or property manager can help you stay compliant. Meanwhile, proper approvals and occupation certificates protect you if the county inspects the building.

Selling Units Off-Plan

Some developers sell apartments off-plan to fund construction. In fact, this is common in Nairobi, Kiambu and Mombasa. However, buyers want confidence. Therefore, approved plans, quality 3D renders and a clear payment schedule are essential. We provide renders and walkthrough videos that help you market units before the first slab is cast.

Financing a Rental Building

Banks and SACCOs finance rental developments. They usually require a title deed, approved plans, a BQ and a business case. We prepare the drawings, BQ and documents your bank needs. Learn more on our financing page.

Approvals for Apartments

Apartment blocks need county approval, structural drawings, NCA registration and, often, a NEMA environmental licence. Moreover, counties check parking, fire safety and access. Read our guide to building plan approval in Kenya.

Best Locations for Rental Buildings in Kenya

Nairobi

In Kasarani, Embakasi, Roysambu and Kilimani, demand is strong across all unit types.

Kiambu

In Juja, Ruiru, Thika and Ruaka, students and young families drive demand along Thika Superhighway and the Northern Bypass.

Machakos and Kajiado

In Syokimau, Mlolongo, Kitengela and Ongata Rongai, family rentals are popular.

Upcountry Towns

Nakuru, Eldoret and Kisumu have growing rental markets, driven by universities, hospitals and county governments.

The Coast

In Mombasa and Kilifi, both long-term and holiday rentals do well.

Our Services for Apartment and Rental Building Plans in Kenya

Rental Building Architectural Design

We design apartment blocks, bedsitters, hostels and mixed-use buildings for every county. Our architect visits your plot and studies the local market.

Then we design a building that maximises lettable area and rent.

Feasibility and Unit Mix Advice

Not sure what to build? We help you choose the right unit mix and number of floors for your plot and location.

As a result, you invest with confidence.

Structural Engineering for Multi-Storey Buildings

Our registered engineers design frames, slabs, stairs and foundations for buildings up to six floors and beyond.

They also handle soil tests and lift shafts.

MEP and Metering Layouts

We design plumbing, drainage and electrical layouts with separate meters for each unit. Additionally, we plan water storage and fire safety systems.

Bill of Quantities

A BQ is essential for financing and tendering. It lets you compare contractors and control costs.

County, NCA and NEMA Approvals

We prepare and submit your plans, and guide you through NCA and NEMA requirements.

3D Renders for Marketing

Every design includes 3D renders and a walkthrough video. Consequently, you can market units before construction is complete.

Start Your Rental Investment

A well-designed rental block can earn income for generations. Browse our apartment and rental plans, explore commercial designs, or order your plan. Call 0725 310 112 to discuss your project.