Process, prices, taxes, zones — everything for a successful investment.
Every year, dozens of Swiss, French and German citizens choose Kenya for their retirement. Exceptional climate, affordable cost of living, well-established expat community and breathtaking nature: Kenya ticks all the boxes. In this guide, we detail point by point what awaits you.
1. Why Kenya for retirement?
Kenya attracts European retirees for several reasons:
- Cost of living 50 to 70% lower than in Switzerland or France
- Subtropical highland climate: 20-28 °C year-round, without excessive rainy season in the highlands
- Active French-speaking community in Nanyuki, Nairobi and Diani
- Improving healthcare system: international-standard private clinics in Nairobi, medical evacuation covered by insurance
- Accessible retirement visa (Class G): monthly income of USD 1,000 sufficient
- Proximity to Europe: 7-8 hours flight from Geneva or Zurich
🌎 Kenya in numbers (2026)
+15,000 European expatriates including approximately 3,000 French-speakers. 75% of retired expats choose Nanyuki, Nairobi or the coast. Annual growth of 12% in the number of retirement visas issued.
2. Monthly budget: Kenya vs Switzerland
One of the most striking advantages is the difference in cost of living. Here is a realistic comparison for a retired couple living comfortably:
| Expense item | Kenya (Nanyuki/Nairobi) | Switzerland (Geneva/Vaud) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (3-room house) | USD 550 – 1,100 | USD 2,200 – 3,900 | -75% |
| Food (groceries + markets) | USD 330 – 550 | USD 900 – 1,300 | -60% |
| Domestic help (part-time) | USD 170 – 330 | N/A (not in standard budget) | — |
| Electricity + water + internet | USD 110 – 200 | USD 280 – 440 | -55% |
| Health insurance | USD 170 – 390 | USD 550 – 1,300 | -65% |
| Leisure + restaurants (x2/week) | USD 220 – 440 | USD 660 – 1,100 | -60% |
| Transport (car + fuel) | USD 220 – 390 | USD 440 – 780 | -50% |
| Total estimated monthly | USD 1,820 – 3,300 | USD 5,030 – 8,820 | -60 to 65% |
Bottom line: With a Swiss pension of USD 3,300 to 4,400 per month, a couple lives very comfortably in Kenya, with domestic help and regular outings. The same standard of living in Switzerland would require at least USD 7,700 to 8,800 per month.
💰 Budget optimization
By choosing Nanyuki over Nairobi, you reduce your housing budget by an additional 30-40%. Buying land and building a custom home also reduces your long-term rental costs.
3. Housing in Kenya: buying or renting
Renting is the ideal solution for a first year. It allows you to discover different regions, get a feel for the lifestyle and choose the ideal location for your future home.
Indicative monthly rents (2026):
- 2-3 bedroom house in Nanyuki: USD 440 – 770
- 3-bedroom house in Nairobi (residential area): USD 880 – 2,000
- Villa with pool in Diani: USD 660 – 1,300
- Furnished apartment in Nakuru: USD 330 – 660
Buying land then building remains the preferred strategy for French-speaking retirees. A 100-120 m² house in a secure estate near Nanyuki costs between USD 33,000 and 55,000 to build, compared to USD 660,000 to 1.1 million in Switzerland. Read our complete guide to buying land.
4. Healthcare and insurance
Healthcare quality is a legitimate concern for retirees. Here is the situation in 2026:
- Public hospitals: for life-threatening emergencies, variable standards by region
- International private clinics: excellent level in Nairobi (Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi Hospital). Western standards, English-speaking staff
- General practitioners and specialists: available in all medium-sized towns. Consultation: USD 30 – 60
- Pharmacies: well-stocked in urban centers
- Mandatory international insurance: budget USD 170 – 390/month depending on age and coverage (Cigna, Allianz, AXA)
⚠️ Recommendation
Choose an insurance policy that includes medical evacuation to Europe. In case of serious illness, Nairobi clinics provide initial care, then evacuation to Geneva or Paris can be arranged within 24-48 hours.
5. Climate and lifestyle
Kenya offers remarkable climate diversity, allowing everyone to find their ideal:
- Nanyuki (alt. 1,950 m): 16-26 °C year-round. Cool mornings (10-14 °C), sunny afternoons. Rainy seasons: March-May and October-November (short showers). Climate comparable to permanent Mediterranean spring.
- Nairobi (alt. 1,795 m): similar to Nanyuki, slightly warmer. Dynamic city with all services.
- Diani / Coast (alt. 0 m): tropical climate, 26-33 °C. Humid March-June. Ideal for beach and warm-weather lovers.
- Nakuru (alt. 1,850 m): similar to Nairobi, quieter.
Kenya's main asset for retirees is the light: more than 300 days of sunshine per year in the highlands, a determining factor for morale and health.
6. Kenya retirement visa: 2026 procedures
Kenya offers a Class G Retirement Pass, specifically designed for foreign retirees:
Eligibility conditions
- Minimum age: 55 years (spouse can be younger)
- Minimum monthly income: USD 1,000 (retirement pension, savings)
- Clean criminal record
- Health insurance covering Kenya
- Proof of accommodation in Kenya (rental or ownership)
Procedure
- Prepare file: application form, passport, photos, criminal record extract, income proof, insurance
- Submit to Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi (or online via eCitizen)
- Processing time: 4 to 8 weeks
- Visa issued for 2 years, renewable
🛠️ LiGo support
We prepare your file from A to Z and accompany you during submission in Nairobi. Since 2020, we have successfully assisted over 30 French-speaking retirees in obtaining their Class G visa.
7. Expat community and integration
Integration in Kenya is facilitated by an active French-speaking expat community, especially in Nanyuki and Nairobi:
- Nanyuki: epicenter of the French-speaking community in Kenya. Several associations, bridge clubs, hiking groups, Swahili classes. Village atmosphere, mutual aid among expats.
- Nairobi: more dispersed but very active community. French Club, Alliance Française, French schools, regular cultural events.
- Diani: more seasonal, cosmopolitan community. Relaxed beach atmosphere.
The language barrier is limited: English is the official language and is widely spoken, and Swahili is easy to learn for everyday exchanges.
8. Testimonial: "I have been living my retirement in Nanyuki for 3 years"
"After 35 years in finance in Geneva, my wife and I sold everything to settle in Nanyuki. We bought land with LiGo, built a 120 m² house with garden, and our total monthly budget is approximately USD 2,700. We live better than in Switzerland with a cost of living reduced by 60%. The climate is perfect, the people are welcoming, and we have no regrets."
— Marc and Christine, Swiss retirees settled in Nanyuki since 2023
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