Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪
#377
-1.283253, 36.817244
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, known for its rich cultural heritage and as a hub for business and technology in East Africa. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4.5 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with fiber options available in many neighborhoods. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Kenyan Shilling (KES). 1 USD ≈ 140 KES. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not generally regarded as drinkable; it's advisable to use bottled or filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | Power supply is 240V, 50Hz. Sockets are Type G. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Safaricom and Airtel. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from kiosks at the airport and around the city. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major international banks like Standard Chartered and local options like Equity Bank offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local rental services. Expect to pay between $300-$1,000/month depending on location. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted, especially with mobile money services like M-Pesa. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and short-term rental agencies are available, particularly in neighborhoods like Westlands and Karen. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Tazama Hostel and Khweza Bed & Breakfast offer affordable lodging starting around $15/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nairobi Garage in Westlands is a popular coworking space with ample networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Java House in various locations offers a conducive environment for working with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often hosted at the iHub and Nairobi Garage, focusing on entrepreneurship and tech. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Nairobi' often organize meet-ups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt are the most reliable ride-hailing options in Nairobi. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bodaboda (motorcycle taxis) are popular for short distances, and bike rentals are available through platforms like Tazama. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is in Diani, approximately 1 hour's flight from Nairobi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kenya Airways offers excellent regional connectivity. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways is the primary international carrier, alongside other airlines like British Airways. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Nairobi is well-connected via major highways like the Mombasa Road and the Southern Bypass. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nairobi Railway Station serves as the main transit hub, offering train services to Mombasa. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Nairobi has a matatu system (public mini-buses) which are affordable, but no specific public transport passes are commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and easy matatu services connect Nairobi to nearby cities like Nakuru and Kisumu. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Nairobi Hospital is one of the best healthcare facilities in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Institute in lavington offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Habit Gym and Genesis Gym are popular fitness centers offering various workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Companies like Quick Wash provide reliable laundry services throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Jumia Food are the most used food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nyama Choma (grilled meat) is a must-try, available at various local grills. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Bistro and The Alchemist are known for their vegetarian-friendly menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Mug Coffee Roasters and Cake City are popular for desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Maasai Market is a great place for budget shopping and local food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kilimall and Jumia are popular online marketplaces for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tuskys and Carrefour offer grocery delivery services in Nairobi. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Westlands is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brew Bistro is a popular local brewery offering various crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Boutique in Westlands offers a great selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls around Kenyatta market serve local snacks and meals, offering a taste of local cuisine. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like sarit Center host numerous international restaurants, including Italian and Indian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Nairobi National Park and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are essential attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Nairobi National Museum and Nairobi Gallery showcase local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Karen Blixen Museum is a must-visit for its historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of the Holy Family is a prominent religious site in Nairobi. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Nairobi Restaurant Week and the Nairobi International Book Fair are notable events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Westlands and Karen neighborhoods are known for their vibrant cultural scenes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Sarakasi Dome and Kenya National Theatre host various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kibera Market and Toi Market are popular for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like The Alchemist host live music and are popular with locals and expats. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The CBD features vibrant street art, especially around the graffiti wall on Kenyatta Avenue. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available through Intach Kitchen teach traditional Kenyan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Kuona Trust and Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Mutual Building is a notable historical landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Maasai culture is a vital part of Nairobi's heritage, celebrated through art and performances. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Karura Forest offers walking and biking trails within the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nairobi National Park, located just outside the city, is home to native wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Nairobi Railway Museum features paths for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Kereita Forest offers numerous scenic lookout points. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nairobi National Park is great for birdwatching, hosting various species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Karura Forest has designated areas for picnics and bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and G4S provide reliable parcel delivery service in Nairobi. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Nairobi Computer Repair Center offers various tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Nairobi Table Tennis Center hosts regular games and tournaments. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Alliance Française offers French language classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Nairobi National Library provides quiet study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Karura Community Chapel hosts various community events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The M-Cube Gaming Lounge offers a variety of video games and tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino at Intercontinental Hotel offers gaming facilities for visitors. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individuals earning over KES 1,000,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, controlling foreign corporations may face additional taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the annual rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% of the property purchase price. |