As migrant numbers surge, Nairobi officials and experts warn of strain on services and housing

Nairobi's multicultural fabric is being tested as migration pressures mount, with city officials and experts sounding alarms over inadequate infrastructure and housing shortages in key transit zones like Eastleigh and South C.

The number of registered migrants and asylum seekers in Nairobi has grown significantly in recent months, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Officials at City Hall say they lack the budget to adequately manage integration services, while humanitarian organisations warn that informal settlements are becoming overcrowded as migrants search for affordable accommodation.

"We're seeing pressure points that weren't as acute two years ago," said a spokesperson for the Nairobi City County government's directorate of social services during a June briefing, without naming individuals. "Housing costs in established migration neighbourhoods have risen roughly 18 percent since early 2025, making it harder for newcomers to settle legally."

The Kenya Refugee Consortium, operating from offices near the Nairobi Central Business District, has documented the trend. Representatives at the organisation have flagged gaps in employment verification systems and language training programmes that help migrants secure formal work. They note that many skilled workers from the Horn of Africa, West Africa, and South Asia end up in informal sectors despite qualifications.

Eastleigh, known colloquially as "Little Mogadishu," remains the primary reception zone for East African migrants, while areas like Kilimani and Westlands increasingly attract higher-income international workers. Business improvement districts operating in these neighbourhoods report mixed outcomes—economic activity has grown, but tensions over resource allocation and service delivery have surfaced.

Dr. Kamau, a migration policy analyst at a local research institute, has emphasised that Nairobi lacks a comprehensive integration strategy. Experts stress that the city needs clearer pathways for work permits, improved housing regulations, and cultural orientation programmes to ease settlement.

County officials have indicated that a revised migration management framework is under discussion with national government partners. A June statement from the devolved government acknowledged the need for inter-agency coordination on housing permits, business licensing, and social services access.

Meanwhile, civil society organisations working in Kibera and Mathare have raised concerns about undocumented migrants facing exploitation. Service providers across these areas report increased demand for legal aid, healthcare, and education access.

Experts argue that rather than restrictive approaches, Nairobi should harness migration as an economic opportunity—citing the entrepreneurial success of migrant-led businesses along Moi Avenue and River Road. However, sustainable growth requires investment in infrastructure and policy clarity, they contend.

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