The True Cost of a New Office Setup in Nairobi: 2026 Report

If you are planning to launch a new office or scale up your existing space in Kenya, understanding the cost of office setup in Nairobi is the most crucial step. Without a realistic office furniture budget Kenya, your project is destined for delays and financial overruns.

At MR OFFICE KENYA, we've helped hundreds of businesses establish their physical spaces. Based on our 2026 market analysis, we’ve created this comprehensive Nairobi office expenses guide to give you total clarity.

This is more than a guide—it’s your roadmap to a successful, financially sound launch.

Part I: The Fixed Costs (The Rental/Lease Foundation)

The largest upfront investment will be securing the physical space. The cost varies wildly based on location and building grade.

The Real Estate Price Tag: Rent vs. Purchase

The majority of businesses in Nairobi opt for a commercial lease. Lease agreements typically range from 3 to 6 years, with the first year often being the heaviest financially.

Hidden Rental Costs & Fees

Be warned—the headline rent price is only half the story. Always budget for these critical hidden expenses:

1. Service Charge: This is the fee for building maintenance, security, and cleaning of common areas. It is usually charged per sqft and can add 25%–50% to your rent.

2. Security Deposit: Standard leases require a deposit equivalent to 3 months of rent + VAT. This is a large, non-negotiable upfront sum.

3. Legal Fees: Budget for professional drafting and review of the lease agreement, typically around KES 50,000 – KES 150,000.

Part II: The Fit-Out & Furniture Costs (Your Expertise)

This is the most controllable and critical part of your setup. The quality of your furniture directly impacts productivity and staff retention. This is where MR OFFICE KENYA steps in to ensure your office furniture budget Kenya is spent wisely.

Boardroom & Meeting Room Budgeting

Remember to budget for common areas, which are often the first impression a client gets:

• 10-Seater Boardroom Set: Budget for KES 180,000 – KES 450,000 for a high-quality table and comfortable Boardroom Furniture Kenya chairs. (Internal Link: Boardroom Furniture Kenya)

• Visitor Seating: A small separate budget for reception or waiting area chairs. (Internal Link: Ergonomic Office Chairs Kenya)

The MR OFFICE KENYA Advantage (Your USP)

We understand that time is money in Nairobi. By choosing MR OFFICE KENYA, you save on two critical costs:

• Affordable Quality: Our products start affordably from KSh 10,000, ensuring you get durable quality without the "premium" import price tag.

• Fast Delivery & Installation: We offer fast Nairobi delivery and professional installation, cutting down on time, complexity, and the cost of hiring third-party assembly teams.

Part III: The Operating Costs (The Ongoing Reality)

These recurring costs must be factored into your long-term Nairobi office expenses guide.

Day-to-Day Operations & Technology

• Internet/Connectivity: Business Fibre internet subscription rates (e.g., Safaricom Business Fibre 50 Mbps) start at approximately KES 5,000 per month.

• IT Infrastructure: Budget KES 150,000 – KES 400,000 for initial network cabling, a high-quality router, and basic server setup for a medium-sized office.

• Utilities: Electricity and water costs are variable but budget approximately KES 2,000 – KES 3,500 per employee per month.

Security and Maintenance

• Office Security: The cost of a professional, unarmed security guard (Manned Guarding, Day Shift) in Nairobi is mandated to be around KES 30,000 per month. If you require 24/7 or armed guards, the cost is significantly higher.

  • Tip: Budget for KES 30,000 – KES 40,000 per month per full-time guard post.

• Cleaning/Janitorial: Budget KES 20,000 – KES 45,000 per month for professional maintenance and cleaning staff.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line & Your Free Resource

Setting up an office in Nairobi is a significant investment, but with smart planning and a reliable partner like MR OFFICE KENYA, you can control your budget and maximize your returns.

We’ve seen that the average total upfront cost of office setup in Nairobi (Rent + Furniture + IT) can range from KES 1,800,000 for a small 5-person office (3-month deposit included) to well over KES 6,000,000 for a corporate entity.

To help you perfectly manage every shilling, we have created the most detailed budget tool available:

Your Free 2026 Office Setup Budget Calculator . Input your own square footage and watch the MR OFFICE KENYA tool calculate your accurate furniture and fixed costs.