Coworking in Nairobi // 4 Members Share Their Experiences

In honour of this, we spoke to 4 of our members to understand what Coworking in Nairobi means to them.

Times have changed. In the old days, renting office space for a young entrepreneur would be challenging, to say the least. Now, you have the option of coworking.

Coworking has become a preferred way of working for many entrepreneurs, freelancers and remote employees. This type of space has been proven to encourage productivity and stimulate work, because of the close proximity and connection that it offers to like-minded employees, entrepreneurs and startups.

With approximately over one million people working in coworking spaces worldwide. So why do people love coworking? Mostly it could the human element of what coworking brings to people’s lives that makes this movement rock!

Most of the coworkers we spoke to, stated that coworking meant independence, productivity, efficiency, accessibility, networks, flexibility and a fresh breathe into how people do business

All in all, it is amazing how all of the responses we received focus on how coworking has impacted folks personally as well. Still, in the spirit of International Coworking Week, we wish to celebrate the good that makes coworking so special. Here are four interview experts from our members who also shared with us their thoughts around coworking in Nairobi and how it has had an impact on how they do business

Paul Mbugua – Founder Rubanipix

Rubanipix is a Company that focuses primarily on storytelling visual solutions through Photography, Film & Animation. They are based in our Karen location. We provide end-to-end solutions for SMEs, Corporate as well as Private Clients. This is from the concept stage, through to production & post-production. Rubanipix also provides Live Feed, Live Streaming, Design and Digital Marketing Solutions.

1. What drove you into joining a coworking space? People are at the core of what we do. The moment we heard about Nairobi Garage and the concept of co-working; we were eager to be part of a community where we could forge business partnerships, make friends and exchange ideas.
2. How did you get introduced to Coworking? A friend of mine told me about Nairobi Garage and introduced me to Luna. The rest is history.
3. How has coworking helped your business so far? There are lots of benefits we have enjoyed so far. Thanks to coworking, we’ve been connected to clients that we would not otherwise have met. The shared resources mean that our overheads are kept at a minimum as we focus on our core business.
4. As a coworker what are some of your highlights in the space? The particular space that we are part of has arguably the most beautiful ambience you can find anywhere. It’s located in a business park that allows one to take a relaxing walk around the park, sit out in the well-manicured lawns or listen to the birds chirping during work breaks.
5. What challenges have you faced while trying out coworking? With coworking, we cannot hide from our (in-house) clients. LOL. We are also forced to ‘behave’ while in the office… since we never know who could be watching us. 🙂
6. What has been the most fun thing when it comes to coworking? Game and members’ nights have been great for unwinding after a busy time at work; we have not needed to go out on a Friday evening looking for fun… it’s right here with us.
7. Describe Nairobi Garage in 3 words? Nairobi Garage is a HIP & very PRACTICAL workspace. It is THE PRESENT & FUTURE when it comes to coworking in Africa.

Wambui Karebe // Marketing and Content Lead at UNCAP

Uncap is a funding platform seeking to revolutionize access to early-stage funding in Africa. Uncap just opened applications for its next investment cohort were plans to invest in over 100 early-stage companies in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Nigeria.

1. What drove you into joining a coworking space? I hadn’t been in an office setting since October 2019, when I started pursuing an MBA full time abroad. After moving back home and 6 months of working from my bedroom, I began frequently feeling a little couped up. I felt that I needed the feeling of going somewhere new beyond the gym, at least a few days a week.
2. As a coworker what are some of your highlights in the space? The boardrooms accommodate different numbers of groups. I like that we can hire the space to work with partners for a day.
3. How did you get introduced to Coworking? I was familiar with restaurants that offered the same concept abroad.
4. What challenges have you faced while trying out coworking? Sometimes people can be distracting. 🙂
5. What has been the most fun thing when it comes to coworking? Networking!
6. Describe Nairobi Garage in 3 words. The Karen location is well-spaced & peaceful.

Robert Wambani // CTO JabJab Group

JabJab Group is a company that helps in transforming Enterprises into digitally automated working ecosystems that deliver breakthrough IT innovations

1. What drove you into joining a coworking space? More networking opportunities, cost efficiency and flexibility
2. How has coworking helped your business so far? Increased productivity and greater flexibility
3. As a coworker what are some of your highlights in the space? The People, process and technology one is exposed to.
4. How did you get introduced to Coworking? Through a mutual friend.
5. What has been the most fun thing when it comes to coworking? Creating more networking relationships and business opportunities
6. Describe Nairobi Garage in 3 words. Connect, cowork and create

Joe Mulwa // Founder MobiKenya

Mobikenya is an extension of our physical retail business dealing in mobile phone and fashion accessories at various locations in Nairobi. The company looks into making Mobikenya.net Kenya top shopping site for mobile phone accessories and Gadgets.

1. What drove you into joining a coworking space? I chose to join a co-working space so as to build structures around my workday. Working primarily from home has various drawbacks such as power outages, working hours can either be too little due to distractions or putting in too many hours which in the long term is unhealthy.
2. How has coworking helped your business so far? My productivity has increased and our business is doing much better. I also really enjoy working in an office with other people as opposed to being alone in the house! It can drive you crazy.
3. As a coworker what are some of your highlights in the space? I love the ambience at Karen. Especially the trees! The co-working space staff are very friendly and helpful as well.
4. How did you get introduced to Coworking? I got introduced to this particular co-working space by my business partner. He had been following Nairobi Garage on Instagram.
5. What challenges have you faced while trying out coworking so far? I really wouldn’t say I have faced any challenges so far and I am grateful for that.
6. What has been the most fun thing when it comes to coworking? The most fun about this space is the people. I meet new people every other day and we engage in business, family and just random conversations. It’s therapeutic if you ask me ..hehe
7. Describe Nairobi Garage in three words. Nairobi Garage is Productive, fun and well thought out