Kitchen vs Bathroom Renovation Costs in Nairobi: Which Adds More Value?
When renovating a Nairobi home or apartment, two spaces usually dominate the budget and impact: kitchens and bathrooms. Both drive property value, improve lifestyle, and attract premium tenants or buyers. But which one gives you the best return on investment (ROI)?
This guide compares kitchen vs bathroom renovation costs in Nairobi, breaking down per-m² costs, neighborhood effects, ROI factors, and lifestyle impact—so you can make informed decisions.
About us: Prestige Bluestar was named Kenya’s Top Interior Design Brand 2025 at the Kenya Excellent Brands Awards (Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi, Sept 5th 2025). We specialize in kitchens, bathrooms, and full-house renovations, serving Nairobi’s premium estates with diaspora-friendly systems for transparency and trust.
Quick Cost Comparison (Nairobi 2025 Benchmarks)
| Renovation Type | Refresh (paint/fixtures) | Mid-Range | High-End | Luxury/Ultra Custom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | 6,000 – 12,000/m² | 25,000 – 40,000/m² | 45,000 – 65,000/m² | 70,000 – 120,000+/m² |
| Bathroom | 10,000 – 20,000/m² | 30,000 – 45,000/m² | 50,000 – 70,000/m² | 75,000 – 120,000+/m² |
👉 Kitchens cost more per room (because of size + cabinetry) while bathrooms cost more per m² (because of plumbing + waterproofing).
Neighborhood Multipliers (Both Kitchens & Bathrooms)
- Karen / Runda / Muthaiga / Rosslyn / Nyari: ×1.25 – 1.40
- Lavington / Kileleshwa / Riverside: ×1.10 – 1.20
- Kilimani / Westlands / Parklands: ×1.05 – 1.15
- Ruaka / Ridgeways / Roysambu: ×1.00 – 1.10
- South B / South C / Lang’ata / Donholm / Embakasi: ×1.00 (baseline)
ROI: Which Adds More Value?
🥇 Kitchens – Higher ROI (8–15%)
- Kitchens are the center of Nairobi homes and the first thing buyers/renters notice.
- A well-done kitchen boosts property value by 8–15%, especially in Kilimani, Lavington, and Karen.
- Best ROI upgrades: cabinetry, countertops, layout improvements.
🥈 Bathrooms – Moderate ROI (6–12%)
- Bathrooms matter for lifestyle and rentals (Airbnb, serviced apartments).
- A renovated bathroom increases value by 6–12%.
- Best ROI upgrades: tiling, showers, vanities, waterproofing.
👉 Bottom line: Kitchens usually bring higher resale/rental value, but bathrooms tip the lifestyle experience.
Lifestyle Impact
- Kitchen Renovations: Improve family life, hosting, and rental appeal. Kitchens in Karen, Runda, Lavington, Kilimani often include islands, premium appliances, and open layouts.
- Bathroom Renovations: Add spa-like comfort. A luxury bathroom in Kilimani or Westlands can make a modest apartment feel like a hotel suite.
Sample Budgets (Nairobi Scenarios)
Kitchen Example – Kilimani 2-Bedroom Apartment (12 m² kitchen, high-end)
- CFS: 55,000/m² × 12 = KSh 660,000
- Design & PM (~7%): KSh 46,200
- Contingency (~10%): KSh 70,620
- Appliances (~8%): KSh 52,800
- Estimated total: ~KSh 829,600 (excl. VAT)
Bathroom Example – Kilimani Master Ensuite (8 m², high-end)
- CFS: 55,000/m² × 8 = KSh 440,000
- Design & PM (~7%): KSh 30,800
- Contingency (~10%): KSh 47,080
- Estimated total: ~KSh 518,000 (excl. VAT)
👉 In Kilimani, renovating the kitchen costs ~60% more than renovating a single master bathroom—but delivers higher resale impact.
When to Prioritize Kitchen First
- You plan to sell or rent the property soon.
- The current kitchen is small, outdated, or poorly planned.
- You want to add an island, open layout, or modern appliances.
- ROI is your primary goal.
When to Prioritize Bathroom First
- The kitchen is functional but the bathrooms are leaking or outdated.
- You want to create spa-like luxury for lifestyle comfort.
- You’re targeting Airbnb/short-term rentals.
- You’re phasing renovations (bathrooms are quicker to complete).
How to Stretch Budgets in Both
- Kitchens: Keep plumbing in place, mix imported stone counters with local finishes, reuse good appliances.
- Bathrooms: Invest in waterproofing and fittings first, use porcelain tiles with feature walls instead of all-marble.
- Both: Phase non-critical items, add contingency (10%), and choose a contractor who documents BoQs clearly.
Choosing the Right Partner
- Award-winning credibility: Prestige Bluestar = Kenya’s Top Interior Design Brand 2025.
- Diaspora-friendly systems: Milestone billing, remote updates, transparent procurement.
- Luxury design: Kitchens with imported cabinetry, bathrooms with spa fittings.
- Turnkey service: From demolition to handover, fully managed.
Prestige Bluestar Advantage
- Recognized excellence (Kenya Excellent Brands Award 2025).
- Luxury craftsmanship in kitchens & bathrooms.
- Diaspora trust systems for peace of mind abroad.
- Coverage: Karen, Runda, Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Westlands, South B/C, Ruaka, and more.
Final Takeaway
- Kitchens = higher ROI (best for resale and rentals).
- Bathrooms = higher lifestyle impact (best for comfort and Airbnb).
- Ideally, renovate both together for synergy in resale and tenant appeal.
📞 +254 714 444 4516 | +254 745 730 042
📧 info@prestigebluestar.com
📍 Westlands, Nairobi – Muthithi Road
