Expat Advice: Moving to Nairobi, the whole country, Kenya
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Nairobi, the whole country
Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.
Food stuffs, but that is unrealistic since you can adjust quickly to local foods.
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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
Although Kenyans are generally good people, don't trust everyone. It's a very corrupt country. Oh, one more thing, don't be late to get home, car jacking and robbery at night are common.
How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?
Was born here so I am somewhat familiar with the areas, but after so many years away, use someone local that you trust. Keep in mind "Help" is not free in Kenya, even when people are supposed to do their job.
Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?
Higher, we paid $560 for a townhouse in a small town in Norway and now we pay 900 for an apt simply because of the area and locals jack up the price for foreigners.
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Comments about this Report
guestUnfortunately I'd have to agree with you on this post. It's true that some people are unscrupulous (although that's in every country). The robbery/car jacking stuff is also true :'( but people said that about NY and it wasn't as bad as I expected. However, you also need to be smart. There are areas that even a native black Kenyan wouldn't dare go to after dark. Kenyans are generally nice people but again often - esp if your foreign & look foreign - they will expect a tip even for the smallest things. The thing is, pay for the service and let that be that. If you keep tipping for pointless stuff, then they'll keep expecting it. I admit that I'm shocked at the price difference in your rent. Pole sana...good luck. I still think you'll find much more to love than to regret in Kenya. Try to find those and enjoy them; this is an experience you won't have in any other country (in a good way :)
chrismoroentI think,this is not the correct picture about Nairobi,in every country you get some bad elements,you cannot generalize,i do rentals for expatriates.None of them as complained,here rental property for the high end market are quite high it has nothing to do with the locals,it has to with cost of living,and the high demand for housing and property market and also the high cost in terms of putting up such and investment,coupled with the high interest rates.Therefore owners have no choice but to put rental charges,that will help them recoup over certain period. Its always good even for the locals to avoid walking alone at night,in secluded places,people can take advantage especially if you are a foreigner,these are difficult times for everyone,and some people is especially the bad elements can take advantage.Corruption is a matter of the heart,its the condition of the human heart,and all of us have flaws,its only the degree that varies,it is up to an individual,to manage and conduct there affairs in a manner that does not raise eyebrows,questions,or suspicion,Business should be conducted in an open,and proffessional manner
