Imara Daima is a residential area off Mombasa Road, in the south-east of Nairobi. Many people look for houses to rent in Imara Daima because it sits close to Industrial Area, the city centre and the road out towards the airport. This guide covers what living in Imara Daima is like, what to check, and nearby areas worth comparing.

Imara Daima at a glance

  • Location: South-east Nairobi, off Mombasa Road.
  • Housing: Mostly apartments, with some older estate houses.
  • Main roads: Mombasa Road, with the Nairobi Expressway running along it.
  • Good for: People working in Industrial Area, town or along Mombasa Road.

Rent: As of 26 Oct 2026, ISHI Homes has no published listings in Imara Daima yet, so we do not quote rent figures here. Live houses will appear on the Imara Daima area page on ISHI Homes as agencies list them. Until then, compare asking rents from several viewings before you decide.

Who it suits and who it does not

It may suit you if:

  • You work in Industrial Area, along Mombasa Road or in town and want a shorter commute.
  • You prefer living in an apartment block with a caretaker.
  • You drive and want quick access to the expressway.

It may not suit you if:

  • You want a big compound or a standalone house with a garden.
  • You dislike traffic noise and heavy trucks near main roads.
  • You work on the other side of the city, such as the west or north.

Getting around

Mombasa Road is the main link. It connects Imara Daima to the city centre in one direction and towards the airport and Syokimau side in the other.

Diagram of Imara Daima and nearby areas: Industrial Area, Kwa Njenga, Kware, Pipeline, South B
Imara Daima and the areas around it, in their real directions (not to scale)
  • Matatus: Many matatus pass along Mombasa Road. Ask locals and the caretaker which stage is closest and which matatus go where you need.
  • Expressway: If you drive, the Nairobi Expressway can save time at peak hours. It charges a toll, so check current toll costs and the nearest entry and exit points for your route.
  • Industrial Area: Access is one of the area's main selling points. Test the trip at the time you would actually travel.
  • Traffic: Mombasa Road can jam badly in the morning and evening. Do a trial commute before signing.

Tip: Check how far the house is from the main road. Some blocks are a long walk in, which matters late at night or in the rain.

Water and power

Water supply in many Nairobi areas can be irregular. Before you rent, ask:

A raised water tank with drops of water
  • How many days a week does county water flow?
  • Does the building have a borehole or storage tanks?
  • Is water billed separately, and how? Ask to see a recent bill.

For power, ask if the unit has its own prepaid meter (token meter). A shared meter can cause disputes. Also ask how often outages happen and whether there is backup for lifts and security lights.

Safety

Safety can differ a lot from one street or block to another. Instead of relying on reputation, check for yourself:

A shield in front of a gate
  • Is there a guard at the gate, and is the gate controlled at night?
  • Are the stairs, parking and paths well lit?
  • Is the walk from the matatu stage to the gate busy and lit after dark?
  • Ask current tenants how safe they feel and if there have been break-ins.

Visit once during the day and, if you can, once in the evening.

Shopping and daily life

You will usually find small shops, kiosks, vegetable vendors and butcheries close to most apartment blocks. For bigger shopping, Mombasa Road has larger shopping options. Walk around the block during your viewing to see what is within reach for daily needs.

Schools and health

There are schools and clinics in and around the area, but quality and fees vary. If you have children, visit schools yourself, ask about fees and transport, and talk to other parents. For health, find the nearest clinic for small issues and know the route to a larger hospital in an emergency.

Internet

Several home internet providers serve parts of Nairobi, but coverage varies by building. Ask the caretaker which providers are already connected to the block. Check your phone signal inside the house too, especially if you work from home.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Close to Industrial Area and Mombasa Road Heavy traffic at peak hours
Expressway access for drivers Expressway tolls add to costs
Many apartments to choose from Few large compounds or gardens
Easy matatu access on the main road Road noise near Mombasa Road

Nearby alternatives

  • South B: An older, established estate closer to town. Worth comparing if you want a more settled area.
  • Industrial Area: Mainly business and factories, with limited housing. Good only if you must live right next to work.
  • Pipeline: Dense area with many apartments. Compare it if budget matters most, but check water and safety closely.
  • Kware and Kwa Njenga: Nearby areas with many rental blocks. Check access roads, drainage and safety carefully before choosing.

View houses in at least two of these areas so you can compare value fairly.

Before you pay anything

  • Never pay before viewing. Do not send a deposit or "booking fee" for a house you have not seen.
  • View the house in person. Check water, power, security and the route home yourself.
  • Use verified listings. Find verified houses on ISHI Homes at homes.ishi.digital.