What a bedsitter includes
In Kenya, a bedsitter (often shortened to "bedsit") is a self-contained single room. You sleep and live in the same space, there is a kitchenette or cooking corner, and in most cases a private shower and toilet. Listings often say "bedsitter self-contained" or "bedsitter with own bathroom" to make that clear.
It sits between two other common rentals:
- A single room is one room with no internal partition, often with shared toilets and washing areas, typical of rental "plots".
- A studio apartment is also one room plus a kitchenette and bathroom, but usually in a newer apartment block, more finished, often furnished, and priced higher.
Bedsitters are found across Nairobi's estates (Kasarani, Roysambu, Ruaka, Rongai, Kitengela, Embakasi and many more), usually in blocks owned by one landlord and run day to day by a caretaker. Rent is normally paid monthly, with a deposit at the start.
Business Daily, reporting KNBS survey data, found that studios and bedsitters earn landlords some of the lowest rental yields in the market.
On Kenya Property Centre bedsitters are listed under flats and apartments, in the "Bedsitter (Single Room)" sub-type.
What to check
- Is the bathroom and toilet inside the unit, or shared?
- Is there a separate kitchen area, and is there space for a cooker?
- How is water supplied, and is there a backup tank?
- What does the deposit cover, and is it refundable? Get it in writing.
- Who manages the block: the landlord or a caretaker?
Things to watch for
- A "caretaker" asking for a viewing fee or deposit before you have seen the unit or confirmed the landlord.
- A listing that says bedsitter but turns out to be a single room with shared toilets.
- Pressure to pay immediately because "many people want it".
Bedsitter vs Studio apartment
| Aspect | Bedsitter | Studio apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | One room with a kitchen area; usually own bathroom | One room with a kitchenette and bathroom |
| Typical building | Rental blocks and plots | Newer apartment blocks |
| Finish | Basic | More finished, often furnished |
| Typical areas | Estates across Nairobi and satellite towns | Kilimani, Westlands, Kileleshwa and similar |
Find property
Questions
What is a bedsitter?
A one-room home where the same room is bedroom and sitting room, with a kitchen area and usually its own bathroom.
What is the difference between a bedsitter and a studio apartment?
Both are one-room homes. A studio is usually in a newer block, better finished and often furnished; a bedsitter is the more basic option. See the comparison table.
Is a bedsitter the same as a single room?
Not quite. A single room often has shared toilets; a bedsitter usually has its own bathroom and a kitchen area.
Where can I find bedsitters to let in Nairobi?
Use the bedsitter listings for Nairobi linked below, and filter by area and budget.
Related terms
Sources
- 1. The allure of Sh55,000 studio apartments Business Daily · checked 13 October 2026
- 2. Diaries of a plot tenant The Standard (Eve Woman) · checked 13 October 2026
Cite this definition
"Bedsitter", Kenya Property Centre Property Glossary, last checked 13 October 2026, https://kenyapropertycentre.com/glossary/bedsitter
You may reuse this definition under CC BY 4.0 with credit to Kenya Property Centre and a link to this page.
Something wrong or out of date?
Thanks, we'll check this.
You've sent several reports already. Please try again later.