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Running a home in Nairobi takes time: dust, water problems, power faults, pests, security and a long list of errands. Most households end up relying on a handful of service providers, but finding good ones usually happens in a rush, after something has gone wrong. This guide lists ten services every Nairobi household should have lined up, how often you are likely to need each one, and what to ask before you hire, so you can save time and avoid paying for poor work. Why line up services before you need them When a pipe bursts or the power trips at night, you take whoever answers the phone. Shortlisting trusted providers in advance means faster help, fairer prices and less stress. Save their numbers in one place and share them with everyone in the house. 10 must-have services for a Nairobi home 1. Cleaning How often: weekly or fortnightly, plus a deep clean a few times a year. Nairobi's dust settles quickly, so regular cleaning keeps a home healthier. Ask: what is included, whether supplies are provided and how long the job takes. See how to choose a reliable home cleaning service or browse Cleaning Services. 2. Laundry How often: weekly. A Mama Fua or pick-up laundry service saves hours, especially in apartments with little drying space. Browse Laundry & Dry Cleaning. 3. Plumbing How often: as needed, plus a check of tanks and pumps once or twice a year. Leaks that are ignored become expensive. Fix small problems yourself with our DIY plumbing guide, and keep a plumber's number for the rest. Browse Plumbing Services. 4. Electrical How often: as needed. Electrical work should only be done by a qualified electrician. Ask: about their experience and whether they will explain the fault before starting. Browse Electrical Services. 5. Pest control How often: at the first sign of cockroaches, bedbugs, termites or rodents, and as a preventive treatment if your area is prone to them. Ask: which products they use, whether you need to leave the house and for how long. Browse Pest Control. 6. Gardening and landscaping How often: weekly or monthly for homes with compounds. A tidy garden adds value and reduces pests. Browse Landscaping & Gardening. 7. Home security How often: installation once, with regular checks. Alarms, CCTV and electric fences need proper installation and maintenance. Browse Security Systems. 8. Appliance repair How often: as needed. Repairing a fridge, washing machine or TV is often cheaper than replacing it. Browse TV & Appliance Repair. 9. Painting and small repairs How often: every few years for painting, plus small fixes as they come up. Browse Painting Services. 10. Moving How often: whenever you relocate. Professional movers pack, transport and protect your belongings. Ask for an itemised quote and whether they cover breakages. Browse Moving & Storage. Questions to ask any service provider What exactly is included in the price? Do you bring your own tools and materials, or should I buy them? How long will the job take? Can you share a reference or photos of past work? How do you prefer to be paid, and when? What happens if the problem comes back? Ways to save money on household services Book regular slots. Many providers offer better terms for weekly or monthly work. Fix problems early. A small leak or a few cockroaches cost far less to deal with than water damage or a full infestation. Get two or three quotes for larger jobs. Buy materials yourself when you know exactly what is needed. Hire locally. Providers near you spend less on transport and can come faster. Build your household contact list Keep a simple list on paper or in your phone: service, name, number, area and notes. Our guide to finding trusted local services across Nairobi neighbourhoods helps you find providers close to home. For service providers If you offer any of these services in Nairobi, list your business on Cottlink so households can find you. Current packages, each for 30 days: Basic free, Premium KSh 600, Elite KSh 1,000 and Featured KSh