Expat Advice: Living in Nairobi, Kenya
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Nairobi
How long have you lived there?
30 years on and off
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
Nairobi is one of those rare places where you may be as invisible as you wish. It has this vibe where many people disappear home with their families not to be seen for months; they are chilling out, watching their gardens, writing books, taking their kids to the cinema, being romantic old fashioned families. Schools are a main socializing point its very old school and traditional. Malls and gyms provide many points of contact. We have harriers, which I hear is a great way to meet people. Java coffee shop with its world famous coffee and cuisine is also a fine way to meet up. There are wonderful art galleries such as Ramoma. The Alliance Francaise has film festivals and very good exhibitions and plays.
Nightlife and Eating out we have a wide array of wonderful places to eat check out; http://www.eatout.co.ke such a lovely array of wonderful places to eat. Nightlife = www. xpatlink.info
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
People are very accepting but tough like New Yorkers they want to know what you are doing here and if it is deemed of true value. They are all very smart and take great pride in hard work and professionalism.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
NGOs obviously big business. Advertising, banking, tourism, agriculture.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Be prepared to live in a beautiful place.
Moving to Kenya soon?
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guestWow, it's nice to read nice things about Kenya including those that I sometimes take for granted e.g. the free foreign films at Alliance & other cultural events there. May I also suggest the Nairobi Museum, which is a venue for lots of free or affordable events e.g. Classical Evenings once a month. As a former Kenyan/New Yorker, I'd have to disagree on the New Yorker comment. Life in Nairobi is much slower than in NY. People here stroll compared to NYC, which is actually a good thing for those who don't mind the less frantic pace.
