If you’ve lived in Nairobi long enough, you know our weather doesn’t play nice. One minute it’s pouring—remember those heavy rains that turned the Expressway into a river—and the next, the sun’s beating down like it’s got a personal grudge. Then there’s the humidity, the dust from all the construction around town, and the occasional wind that sweeps through high-rise areas. It’s a lot for any building material to handle. At Nairobi Handrails, we’ve spent years working on projects across the city, from Syokimau to Naivasha, and we’ve learned that stainless-steel handrails are the best way to keep spaces safe and looking good, no matter what Nairobi’s climate throws at them. Let me walk you through why.
Withstanding the Rainy Seasons Rain is a big deal here, especially during the long rains from March to May. In places like Syokimau, where we worked on Eden School, the downpours can be intense. We installed stainless-steel handrails and glass railings across the school, and they’ve held up beautifully since 2021. Why? Stainless steel doesn’t rust, even when it’s soaked day after day. Unlike iron, which starts flaking after a few wet seasons, or wood that swells and cracks, stainless steel stays solid. It’s been the same story with the Presidential Pavilion we built for the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha—used every year from 2021 to 2025, those handrails have seen plenty of rainy rallies and still look as good as the day we put them up. In areas like Muthaiga, where tree cover keeps things damp, our handrails keep staircases safe without a hint of corrosion
Durability Then there’s Nairobi’s sun. We’re right on the equator, so the UV rays are harsh. Sunlight can fade paint or make some metals brittle over time, but stainless steel doesn’t budge. It keeps its strength and that polished shine, even after years of baking in the heat. We’ve seen this in Naivasha with the Pavilion, where the handrails have endured scorching rally days without a hint of wear. In Kilimani’s high-rise apartments, where we’ve installed handrails for modern balconies, stainless steel stands up to both sun and wind, keeping residents safe without losing its sleek look.
Humidity and Dust Tolerance Humidity and dust are part of Nairobi life too. The air can get heavy with moisture. That kind of dampness can make wood rot or let mold grow, but stainless steel doesn’t hold moisture, so it stays clean and smooth. With all the construction dust flying around, especially in places like Rongai and Pangani where new estates are popping up, stainless steel is a lifesaver. A quick wipe with a damp cloth, and it’s back to looking sharp. We did some metal fabrication work in Thome and our clients there love how easy it is to keep everything looking fresh
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Pairs Well with Architectural Glass Stainless steel also works hand-in-hand with our architectural glass solutions, which we’re really proud of at Nairobi Handrails. In Utawala, we installed glass railings for a church, using stainless steel to support the glass and create a bright, open feel that still feels secure. The steel holds everything steady, even in Nairobi’s windy conditions, while the glass lets light pour in, making spaces feel welcoming. Our metal fabrication skills go beyond handrails too—we’ve built custom frames and supports for projects across the city, from schools to high-rise balconies.
Long-term Durability On top of all that, stainless steel is a smart long-term choice. It’s recyclable, which matters to a lot of our clients who care about sustainability, and it saves you money over time because you’re not replacing it every few years. Nairobi’s weather can be tough, but stainless-steel handrails are tougher. We’ve seen how they stand up to the rain, sun, and everything in between, from the busy streets of Embakasi to the open fields of Naivasha. At Nairobi Handrails, we’re more than just a company—we’re part of Nairobi’s story, helping homeowners, contractors, and architects create spaces that are safe, stylish, and built to last. Whether you’re in Rongai looking to upgrade your home’s staircase or in Kilimani working on a new high-rise, we’ve got the expertise to bring your vision to life. Let’s make your next project shine—give us a call at 0716 171717 or visit our offices along Nanyuki Road, Nairobi to start the conversation today.
