Apartment Security Tips for Nairobi Residents and Landlords
Apartment living is growing fast across Nairobi, from Kilimani and Kileleshwa to Westlands, South B, Syokimau and Ruaka. Apartments bring a sense of safety in numbers, but they also bring specific risks: many people sharing one gate, strangers blending in with visitors, parking areas that are hard to watch and residents who assume “someone else” is responsible for security. Getting apartment security in Nairobi right means planning for all of these.
Good apartment security in Nairobi depends on two things working together: the building’s shared security, managed by the landlord or management company, and each resident’s own habits. This guide covers both, with practical tips for tenants, owners and property managers.
The main risks to apartment security in Nairobi
| Risk | How it happens |
|---|---|
| Unauthorised entry at the gate | Guards wave in people claiming to visit or deliver |
| Tailgating | Strangers follow residents or cars through the gate |
| Break-ins while residents are away | Doors forced or keys copied |
| Balcony and window entry | Especially on lower floors or near stairwells |
| Car theft and break-ins in parking | Poor lighting, no cameras |
| Theft by people with legitimate access | Workers, cleaners, contractors |
| Opportunistic theft from common areas | Deliveries, bicycles, gas cylinders |
Part 1: Building-level security (for landlords and managers)
A controlled main gate
The gate is the heart of apartment security in Nairobi. It should have:
- A trained guard present 24 hours a day
- A visitor register, with every visitor confirmed with the resident before entry
- A resident vehicle register and stickers or access cards
- A pedestrian gate separate from the vehicle gate
- CCTV covering the gate and road
For large blocks, consider two guards at busy times: one for vehicles and one for pedestrians. Our guide on how many security guards you need explains how to size the team.
Access control inside the building
- Lock entrances to stairwells and lifts, with keys or cards for residents
- Fit a door intercom so residents can confirm visitors
- Control access to rooftops, water tanks and plant rooms
Read more about access control systems in Kenya.
Parking security
- Light the parking area brightly, with backup power
- Cover it with CCTV
- Assign parking slots and record resident vehicles
- Patrol the parking area regularly at night
See our post on car park security.
Lighting and CCTV
Common areas, corridors, stairwells and the perimeter should be well lit. CCTV at the gate, lobby, parking and stairwells deters crime and provides evidence. See our CCTV monitoring services.
Clear rules for workers and contractors
Cleaners, caretakers and contractors should be registered, identified and recorded at the gate. Keys to common areas should be controlled and logged.
Manage an apartment block? Call us for a free building security assessment
Talk to a Bestcare Security adviser now: call 0709 004 600. We answer 24/7 and the first site assessment is free.
Part 2: Unit-level security (for residents)
Your front door
- Fit a steel security door or strong solid door with a good lock
- Use a door viewer or camera to see visitors before opening
- Change locks when you move in, since previous tenants or workers may have keys
Windows and balconies
- Fit grilles on windows and balcony doors, especially on lower floors
- Make sure grilles can be opened from inside in case of fire
- Do not leave valuables visible from balconies or windows
Your routines
- Tell the gate guard to confirm all your visitors with you
- Do not let strangers follow you through the gate or building door
- Collect deliveries yourself, or give the gate clear instructions
- Keep your travel plans private
- Get to know your neighbours, so you notice unfamiliar people
Personal alarms and cameras
A small alarm or a smart camera inside your unit can alert you to entry while you are away. Some residents also use panic buttons. See panic buttons and safe rooms for homes.
Tips by apartment type
| Apartment type | Security priorities |
|---|---|
| Small block (8–20 units) | One guard at a time, 24 hours; visitor confirmation; CCTV at the gate |
| Large block (50+ units) | Two guards at busy hours; access control to stairwells; parking patrols; CCTV throughout |
| Serviced apartments | Front desk, key card access, visitor registration, guest ID |
| Short-stay and Airbnb units | Guest registration, key handover rules, clear host contacts. See Airbnb and short-stay security |
Worked example: a 40-unit block in Kilimani
A management company for a 40-unit block in Kilimani received complaints about stolen gas cylinders, a car break-in and strangers in the stairwells. An assessment found that the gate guard had no visitor register, the pedestrian gate was often left open, and the parking area was dark. The company moved to a licensed security provider with 24-hour guards and relief cover, introduced a visitor register with resident confirmation, fitted lighting and CCTV in the parking area, and added card access to the stairwells. Complaints dropped, and residents reported feeling safer coming home at night.
What residents can ask their landlord or manager
If you rent, you can reasonably ask:
- Is the security company licensed and supervised?
- Does the guard confirm all visitors with residents?
- Is there CCTV at the gate and parking?
- Is there relief cover when the guard is absent?
- How are workers and contractors controlled?
- Who do I call if there is a security problem at night?
Landlords: why good security pays
For landlords, strong apartment security in Nairobi is also good business. Safe buildings keep tenants longer, attract better tenants and reduce disputes. Security costs are usually shared across all units, making professional guarding affordable per household. Read our guide on rental property security for landlords.
How Bestcare Security helps apartment blocks
We provide guards, visitor management, patrols and CCTV for apartment blocks across Nairobi, with supervision, relief cover and regular reports for managers and resident committees. Learn more about our residential security services and manned guarding services.
Handling deliveries safely
Online shopping and food delivery have made gates much busier. Every rider or driver is a potential entry point. Agree a clear delivery policy for the building:
- Deliveries are received at the gate, not delivered to the door, unless the resident comes down or confirms by phone.
- The guard records the delivery company, rider’s name and phone number.
- Parcels left at the gate are kept in a secure place, not on an open table.
- Residents collect parcels in person or send a known household member.
This simple policy protects residents from people posing as delivery riders to get inside, which is a common trick.
Security for residents who live alone
Residents who live alone, including older residents and young professionals, can take extra steps: share your number with a trusted neighbour, ask the guard to watch you into the building at night, avoid posting your home location online, and keep your phone charged with emergency numbers saved. Management can help by keeping stairwells and corridors lit and making sure the guard knows which residents may need extra assistance.
Fire safety is part of apartment security
Grilles, locked stairwells and access control all make buildings safer from intruders, but they must never trap residents in a fire. Make sure grilles have internal release mechanisms, fire exits are kept clear and unlocked from the inside, extinguishers are in date, and guards know the evacuation procedure. Our guide to fire safety for businesses covers principles that apply to residential blocks too.
Monthly review for property managers
A short monthly review keeps apartment security in Nairobi blocks on track. Check the visitor register for gaps, review any incidents, walk the building at night to test lighting and gate procedures, and ask residents for feedback. Share a brief summary with residents so they can see that security is actively managed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important part of apartment security in Nairobi?
A well-run main gate: trained guards, visitor confirmation with residents, a vehicle register and CCTV.
Should I change the locks when I move into an apartment?
Yes. Previous tenants, workers or agents may have copies of the keys.
How many guards does an apartment block need?
Small blocks usually need one guard at a time on 24-hour cover; large blocks often need two at busy times, plus patrols.
Are grilles on balconies necessary?
On lower floors and near stairwells or other access points, they are strongly recommended. Make sure they can be opened from inside for fire safety.
Who is responsible for apartment security?
The landlord or management company is usually responsible for shared areas and the gate; residents are responsible for their own units and habits.
Can CCTV reduce car theft in apartment parking?
Yes, especially combined with good lighting, assigned parking and night patrols.
What should I do if my guard lets in visitors without asking me?
Report it to the landlord or management and ask for the security company to retrain or replace the guard.
Should apartment guards carry parcels to residents’ doors?
Generally no. Leaving the gate to deliver parcels leaves the entrance unattended. Parcels should be held securely at the gate for residents to collect.
Do residents’ committees help apartment security?
Yes. An active committee can agree building rules, share concerns with management and hold the security provider to account through regular meetings.
How do we get a security plan for our apartment block?
Call 0709 004 600 for a free building security assessment.
Related reading
- Home Security Checklist for Nairobi Homeowners: 40 Things to Check
- Perimeter Wall and Gate Security in Kenya: A Homeowner's Guide
- Electric Fence vs Razor Wire in Kenya: Which Is Better for Your Home?
Explore our residential security services or see all our security services in Kenya.
Manage an apartment block? Call us for a free building security assessment
Speak to our team today for honest advice and a free, no-obligation site assessment anywhere in Nairobi.
