Commercial Office Space To Let – Westlands, Nairobi CBD & Upper Hill

Commercial Office Space To Let – Westlands, Nairobi CBD & Upper Hill

A Comprehensive Market Guide to Features, Prices, Office Grades, Amenities, and Leasing Considerations in Nairobi’s Prime Business Districts

1. Nairobi as East Africa’s Commercial Capital

Nairobi has firmly established itself as East Africa’s financial, diplomatic, and corporate nerve centre. Hosting regional headquarters for multinational corporations, development agencies, financial institutions, technology firms, and professional services, the city’s commercial real estate sector plays a pivotal role in supporting economic activity across the region.

Despite global shifts in workplace dynamics—remote work, hybrid models, and space rationalization—demand for quality office space in well-located, professionally managed buildings remains resilient. Organizations continue to value physical offices as centres for collaboration, governance, brand presence, and operational control.

Among Nairobi’s many commercial nodes, Westlands, Upper Hill, and the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) stand out as the city’s most established and recognisable office markets. Each location serves a distinct tenant profile, offers different pricing structures, and reflects varying levels of infrastructure maturity, prestige, and functionality.

This article provides a detailed, professional overview of commercial office space to let in these three prime locations, highlighting:

• Office grades and building standards

• Rental pricing benchmarks and occupancy costs

• Typical amenities and specifications

• Tenant profiles and use cases

• Strategic considerations for occupiers

The aim is to equip corporate decision-makers, investors, consultants, and occupiers with practical, market-relevant insight.

2. Understanding Nairobi’s Office Market Structure

Before analyzing individual locations, it is important to understand how Nairobi’s office market is structured.

2.1 Office Grades Explained

Office buildings in Nairobi are commonly categorized into Grade A, Grade B+, Grade B, and Grade C, based on a combination of age, design, building services, and management quality.

Grade A Offices

• Modern developments (typically post-2010)

• Central air-conditioning

• High-speed lifts

• Professional property management

• High parking ratios

• Prime locations

• Designed for multinational and institutional occupiers

Grade B+ Offices

• Good-quality buildings, sometimes slightly older

• May lack full central air-conditioning

• Reliable utilities and security

• Competitive rents with strong functionality

Grade B Offices

• Older stock

• Functional but limited amenities

• Often refurbished

• Attractive to cost-sensitive tenants

Grade C Offices

• Basic office accommodation

• Minimal services

• Typically found in older CBD buildings

Understanding these grades helps occupiers balance cost against image, efficiency, and long-term operational needs.

3. Westlands – Nairobi’s Premier Commercial and Lifestyle District

3.1 Location Overview

Westlands has transformed over the last two decades from a low-density residential suburb into Nairobi’s most vibrant mixed-use commercial hub. Today, it combines:

• Grade A office towers

• High-end retail malls

• International hotels

• Serviced apartments and residential developments

• Entertainment and dining precincts

Its proximity to the CBD, Gigiri (UN offices), and major transport corridors such as Waiyaki Way makes it exceptionally accessible.

3.2 Office Grades and Building Profile

Westlands hosts the highest concentration of Grade A office space in Nairobi. Newer developments often meet international standards, making the area attractive to global firms seeking consistency across regional offices.

Typical buildings include:

• Multi-storeyed corporate towers

• Mixed-use developments with retail podiums

• Purpose-built headquarters buildings

3.3 Office Space Sizes and Configurations

Office space to let in Westlands typically ranges from:

• 1,000 – 2,500 sq ft fitted offices for SMEs

• 5,000 – 10,000 sq ft half or full floors

• 15,000 – 50,000+ sq ft for regional headquarters

Most buildings offer open-plan layouts, allowing tenants to customize fit-outs based on operational requirements.

3.4 Rental Pricing and Occupancy Costs

Indicative rental levels in Westlands:

• KES 130 – 200 per sq ft per month (exclusive of VAT)

• Service charge: KES 25 – 45 per sq ft

• Parking: KES 8,000 – 12,000 per bay

Premium Grade A towers with superior location, views, and specifications command the upper end of this range.

3.5 Key Features and Amenities

Westlands offices typically offer:

• Impressive reception lobbies

• Multiple high-speed passenger lifts

• Full backup power generators

• Fibre-optic internet connectivity

• Central or VRF air-conditioning

• CCTV surveillance and access control

• 24-hour security

• Basement and podium parking

• Proximity to banks, restaurants, hotels, gyms, and malls

3.6 Tenant Profile

Westlands is preferred by:

• Multinational corporations

• Technology and innovation firms

• Financial services and private equity

• Legal, accounting, and consulting firms

• Regional headquarters operations

3.7 Strategic Advantages

• Strong brand positioning

• Talent attraction and retention

• Walkable, lifestyle-oriented environment

• High-quality supporting infrastructure

4. Upper Hill – Nairobi’s Institutional and Corporate Core

4.1 Location Overview

Upper Hill has long been associated with corporate Nairobi. Originally developed as a low-density residential area, it evolved into a purpose-built office district housing banks, insurance companies, NGOs, and government-related institutions.

It lies immediately south of the CBD and is well connected to:

• Kilimani

• Ngong Road

• Mombasa Road

• Nairobi Expressway

4.2 Office Grades and Building Profile

Upper Hill primarily consists of:

• Grade A and B+ office towers

• Institutional campus-style developments

• Large corporate headquarters buildings

Buildings tend to prioritize efficiency, security, and scale over lifestyle integration.

4.3 Office Space Sizes

Upper Hill is particularly suited to large occupiers, offering:

• 2,000 – 5,000 sq ft office suites

• 10,000 – 30,000 sq ft full floors

• Multi-floor contiguous space for single tenants

4.4 Rental Pricing and Occupancy Costs

Indicative rents in Upper Hill:

• KES 90 – 150 per sq ft per month

• Service charge: KES 25 – 40 per sq ft

• Parking: KES 7,000 – 10,000 per bay

Upper Hill generally provides better value per square foot for large space requirements compared to Westlands.

4.5 Key Features and Amenities

Common amenities include:

• Large, efficient floor plates

• Multiple lifts

• Backup power and water storage

• Controlled access points

• High security standards

• On-site cafeterias in some developments

• Boardrooms and shared facilities in select buildings

4.6 Tenant Profile

Upper Hill attracts:

• Banks and insurance companies

• NGOs and international organizations

• Government-linked institutions

• Large corporates requiring structured environments

4.7 Strategic Advantages

• Cost efficiency for large space users

• Institutional credibility

• Proximity to hospitals, hotels, and the CBD

• Long-term lease stability

5. Nairobi CBD – Central, Cost-Effective, and Administrative

5.1 Location Overview

The Nairobi CBD remains the administrative and commercial heart of the city. While it has lost some corporate tenants to Westlands and Upper Hill, it continues to serve a critical role due to its unmatched accessibility and proximity to government services.

5.2 Office Grades and Building Profile

CBD office stock is dominated by:

• Grade B and C buildings

• Refurbished Grade B+ offices in select towers

• Mixed-use commercial buildings

5.3 Office Space Sizes

CBD offices typically offer:

• 300 – 1,500 sq ft small offices

• 3,000 – 8,000 sq ft medium-sized floors

• Flexible subdivision options

5.4 Rental Pricing and Occupancy Costs

Indicative CBD rents:

• KES 60 – 120 per sq ft per month

• Service charge: KES 15 – 30 per sq ft

• Parking often limited or separately arranged

5.5 Key Features and Amenities

• Excellent public transport connectivity

• Proximity to courts, banks, and government offices

• Fibre internet availability

• Refurbished lifts and upgraded security in modernised buildings

• Competitive lease terms

5.6 Tenant Profile

CBD offices are ideal for:

• Law firms and advocacy groups

• SMEs and professional practices

• Businesses dealing directly with government

• Cost-sensitive occupiers

6. Key Leasing Considerations Across All Locations

Tenants should evaluate:

• Total occupancy cost, not just headline rent

• Lease length, escalation rates, and break options

• Fit-out condition and reinstatement obligations

• Parking ratios and accessibility

• Power reliability and internet redundancy

• Quality of property and facilities management

7. Market Outlook and Future Trends

• Continued demand for Grade A and well-managed B+ space

• Increased emphasis on energy efficiency and ESG standards

• Hybrid work driving demand for efficient, flexible layouts

• Selective oversupply in some nodes, creating negotiation opportunities for tenants

8. Selecting the Right Office Location

Choosing office space in Nairobi is a strategic business decision, not merely a real estate transaction.

• Westlands offers prestige, lifestyle integration, and premium workspace.

• Upper Hill provides scale, structure, and value for institutional occupiers.

• Nairobi CBD remains cost-effective and administratively convenient.

Aligning location, building quality, and lease structure with business objectives ensures operational efficiency, brand strength, and long-term sustainability.