Nakuru, Kenya 🇰🇪
#381
-0.280272, 36.071204
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nakuru is the fourth largest city in Kenya, located in the Great Rift Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and proximity to Lake Nakuru National Park. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 500,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 15-30 Mbps (varies by provider and location) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Kenyan Shilling (KES), 1 USD ≈ 150 KES (November 2024 exchange rate) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom are the primary mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Barclays, KCB Bank, and Stanbic Bank provide services catering to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments (like M-Pesa) are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings on Jumia House offer various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Nakuru Backpackers and Budget Hotel Nakuru are available. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nakuru Hub offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Java House, known for good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at various cafes and tech hubs are common. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Nakuru' provide info on local meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Nakuru, providing safe and reliable transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is possible, although rental services are limited; consider local bike shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches; however, Lake Nakuru National Park offers beautiful lakeshore views. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kenya Airways operates flights to various domestic destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways & Ethiopian Airlines connect to major cities worldwide. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Nakuru is accessible via the A104 highway from Nairobi. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nakuru Railway Station, serving regional train routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Matatus (shared minivans) are the main public transport, generally cash-based. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses are available, such as from Kenya Bus Service. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Nakuru Level 5 Hospital is the main healthcare facility, offering various services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Sankara Wellness Center offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | West Kenyatta Sports Ground has gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at hotels and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is widely used for delivering meals from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nyama Choma (grilled meat) is a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie delis like Zucchini serve plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Corner is known for quality desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nakuru Town has local markets like the Central Market for affordable groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Kilimall are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Jumia Food delivers groceries from local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Outback Pub is popular among locals and expats for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local Breweries like Tusker Brewery are popular in Nakuru. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine House Nakuru offers a range of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Nakuru Town offer a variety of local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like Artcaffe offer a mix of local and international cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its flamingos and scenic views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Nakuru Museum offers insights into local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old Nakuru Railway station is a historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | CCCC Nakuru Church is a prominent religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Nakuru Music Festival takes place every December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Nakuru Town has a vibrant cultural community with local art displays. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kenya National Theatre hosts various performances periodically. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Central Market is a bustling spot for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music in venues like The Lounge & Rooftop Bar is popular. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen in various neighborhoods of Nakuru. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes offer lessons in Kenyan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Nakuru Arts and Crafts Centre showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Town Hall is a notable historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The cultural heritage is celebrated through various local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Menengai Crater offers hiking and breathtaking views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lake Nakuru National Park is a renowned national park nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails around Lake Nakuru are scenic and accessible. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at the rim of Menengai Crater provide stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Nakuru is famous for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in nearby parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services handle parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops provide tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Swahili and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Nakuru Public Library is a quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are mainly found in larger malls. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are limited; check local listings for any available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. KES 5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = KES 220,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. KES 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = KES 160,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. KES 6,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = KES 390,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. KES 5,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = KES 300,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. KES 7,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = KES 560,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. KES 5,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = KES 440,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income brackets. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules are applied. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on annual value assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 4% during property purchases. |