If there is a thing Nairobi’s culture has refused to embrace, it is the culture of a roommate. Having a roommate has been largely an American way of living. Most people in Kenya will prefer to work harder to at least afford the whole cost of renting an apartment, and if that doesn’t work out well, they will go for something cheaper. If that doesn’t work out still, they will stay in their parent’s houses until they are able to afford a place of their own.
This is not a question of copying the West- it is a question of reducing the cost of housing and affording a better apartment in a better neighborhood. A one-bedroom house in Buruburu will cost one approximately 20,000/- PM. If you can find someone you can live peacefully with, then get an apartment in Kilimani where you will pay each as much as you would have in Buruburu, what is stopping you?
Some believe that it is tricky finding someone to live with under one roof. Not every friend qualifies to be a roommate. Sometimes, even strangers make better roommates. Friendships sometimes come to an end when people decide to share a space. Probably one of the reasons people would rather live in a cheaper apartment is because it is not easy finding someone uncomplicated to live with. Having a roommate means invasion of privacy, something that people are never ready to lose. Sometimes money becomes an issue, where one party is unwilling to honor their part of the cost-sharing deal.
However, a roommate might be worth a trial especially for those who are starting out and just got their new job. It will save your wallet the agony of emptiness. But certain things need to be put into consideration first before moving in. Budgetary policy for shared expenses, personal space, schedules etc are some of the things that need to be agreed upon first.
It is not easy to live with another person. Even siblings born in the same home fight over the smallest things like the remaining apple in the fridge. Married couples too have a thing or two to say about this. Roommates come with their own special set of problems as well.
But what would you be willing to forgo – lower housing expense or less privacy?