You’ve probably just relocated to Kenya, either for work or visiting for some time or you’re a resident, looking for fun things to do. Top on your list is your favourite sport – Tennis! You’re wondering, “where can I play Tennis here?”, “Are there any free Tennis courts in Nairobi?”, “Can I get someone to play with?”, What about lessons, “Are there good coaches around?”
If this describes you, then look no further. After getting many such enquiries about playing Tennis in Nairobi, or in Kenya at large, we decided to create a resource that can help visitors navigate the Tennis scene easier. We will do our best to answer as many of your questions as possible.
So, Are there any free tennis courts in Nairobi?
Unfortunately, there are no free Tennis courts in Nairobi. At least, none that we know of. Most Tennis courts in Nairobi Kenya are owned by sports clubs. To play you have to pay court fees. The clubs charge usage on an hourly basis. Some sports clubs require you to be a member in order to access their facilities but you still have to pay court fees – albeit discounted.
That said, there were reports in the media (In December 2022), that construction of Tennis Kenya public Tennis courts would start in January 2023. Read article here. As per the article “The facility was commissioned four years ago (2018) by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and International Tennis Federation President, David Haggerty”
In a nutshell, we may not know how long it’ll take for the courts to be completed but we choose to remain optimistic.
That said, even when they’re complete, will the tennis courts be free or accessible to everyone in Nairobi? Not sure. What we know for sure is that for now we have to pay to play Tennis.
Later on in the article we’ll list all the Tennis courts in Nairobi that we know of, their location and requirements. This information will be accurate to the date of publishing this article. If things change please drop us a comment and we’ll update the content asap. Sharing is caring!
How Much is the Tennis Court Fee in Nairobi?
Most sports clubs charge between 400 Kshs and 1000 Kshs per hour for the public to use their Tennis Courts. To get discounted rates, you need to be a member of the club. Membership (Joining) fees start from around 180,000 Kshs. In addition to that members pay an annual fee of about 20,000 Kshs upwards. It ranges from one club to another.
Membership allows you access to all sporting and recreational facilities. From swimming, to squash, badminton, football, rugby, the gym… The list is endless. Therefore if your goal is to just play Tennis, then being a member may not be an attractive prospect.
Are there any floodlit Tennis courts in Nairobi?
There are some floodlit Tennis courts in Nairobi but they charge a higher fee because of the extra cost of electricity. One such example is Arena One. It’s situated in Karen at the Galleria Mall. (Photo Courtesy)
Do the tennis courts in Nairobi have Ball Machines?
Most Tennis courts offer basic services and do not have ball machines. However you can rent a ball machine from iQTennis and we’ll deliver it to any Tennis Court you wish to use – provided they have electricity access. To learn more about our Tennis Ball machine Rental service click here.
Are racquets provided for free at Tennis Courts in Nairobi?
At most Tennis courts, players are advised to carry their own racquets. However, some coaches within the Tennis facility do provide racquets to their clients. Some do it for free but others do charge a fee.
At iQTennis our policy is:
-
- New students to the game will be given a racquet free of charge to use during class.
- Tiny tots shall be issued with a racquet for use during class free of charge throughout their year.
- Individuals who register for termly classes shall be issued with a racquet free of charge for use during the tennis lesson.
- All other categories of players shall be charged 500 per session for a racquet.
List of Publicly Available Tennis Courts in Nairobi
-
Karura Tennis Courts – Karura Forest
The courts are murram courts, maintained by the Kenya Forest Environment Education Trust (KFEET). Their requirements are as follows(2023):- Both single and doubles games are allowed.
– Proper tennis shoes should be worn on courts Two and Three.
– All bookings should be done one day in advance to avoid inconvenience.
– All bookings should be done through email info@karurafriends.org or phone 0791 398371.
– The court charges are KES 200/= for adults and KES 100/= for children under 12 years exclusive of entrance fee to the forest and parking fees. Entry and parking fees must be paid separately (see Fees).
– The charge for the use of the courts is on a per hour basis; any extra time spent on the court will attract extra fees -
Impala club Tennis Courts – Ngong Road Kenya.
The club has 6 murram courts. Unfortunately they’re not very well maintaned as of April 2023.They charge 300 Kshs per person per hour.
-
Royal Nairobi Golf Club Tennis Courts – Off Ngong Road.
Murrum courts
-
Public Service Club Tennis Courts – Mara Road, Upperhill.
The Club has 8 well maintained murram courts. The court charges are 400 Kshs per person per hour.
-
Arena One Tennis Courts – Galleria Mall, Karen.
This is a nicely done and well maintained hardcourt.
-
KCB Tennis courts – Karen Area
2 decently maintained murrum courts at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen.
-
Yaya Hotel & Apartments – Argwings Kodhek
This is a nicely done and well maintained hardcourt but you need to be a guest at the hotel in order to use the Tennis courts.
-
Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club Tennis Courts
The hotel has 3 fairly maintained outdoor Hard/asphalt Courts. The courts are accessible day and night because they are floodlit.
-
Utalii Hotel Tennis Court – Thika Road
The hotel has 2 well maintained murrum courts. The courts are open daily from 10am to 6pm at Kshs. 500/= per hour. (2023)
-
Invergara Club Tennis Courts – Vanga Road
Vanga RdThe club has 2 fairly well maintaned murrum courts.
What else do we need to know about the Tennis courts in Nairobi?
Add Comment