Expanding Affordable Self-Storage in Nairobi: Storage Central’s Ambitious Plans

In this section of the interview, Storage Central’s CEO, Gerardo Segura, offers a clear and detailed update on the company’s current operations, recent developments, and strategic direction. He explains how the company recently raised $700,000 to expand its Nairobi facility by 1,800 square meters, adding 180 new secure storage rooms. This modern self-storage facility in Nairobi now boasts nearly 7,900 square meters of leasable space, designed to meet the growing demand for secure, affordable, and flexible storage solutions.

Gerardo emphasizes that self-storage in Nairobi offers a clear advantage because of its fixed cost base—meaning all revenue from added capacity goes straight to the bottom line. Demand remains strong, with the facility reaching 90 percent occupancy last year, prompting the latest expansion. Current occupancy is around 75 percent, confirming the city’s appetite for dedicated storage solutions that beat traditional, often inefficient alternatives.

Looking ahead, Storage Central’s strategy is to expand aggressively across East Africa, with plans to open 15 to 20 modern self-storage facilities in key cities such as Kampala, Dar es Salaam, and Mauritius within the next decade. Gerardo also shares clear growth projections, with revenue expected to climb from $1.2 million in 2025 to $2.4 million by 2027 from the Nairobi facility alone.

He explains their careful market assessment, considering factors like urban density, income levels, and the SME sector’s strength. Cities like Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam show strong potential, while existing competition remains limited—mostly basic container rentals, with no comparable purpose-built self-storage facilities offering the same level of service.

This part of the interview showcases Storage Central’s commitment to affordable and secure self-storage in Nairobi, its ambitious expansion plans in East Africa, and its role as an early mover shaping the future of self-storage in Africa.