City Profile: Nairobi, Kenya
Summary: One member shares experiences living in Nairobi, Kenya. From the family-centric culture to a lively social scene, Kenya has a lot to offer in spite of its crime and social unrest.
How long have you lived there?
1 year
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
There are lots of social clubs. A good place to start is the notice board in many of the city's main malls.
In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?
Kenyans are very family-centric and will be flattered if you show an interest in their home life. "Harambee" is the name of a family or community party which will require a small donation but is well worth attending. If you are invited to one by a Kenyan colleague, be sure to make a donation and attend, you won't regret it. Music and nightclubs, bars and fun carnivals are regular events.
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
This is an incredibly diverse city with tens of thousands of white, Indian, Chinese and other foreign residents. You might have to look hard to see them though as people tend to stay in their own locales.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
Tourism, finance, NGOs and welfare organisations. The UN's Africa HQ is here.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Do it! This is a great city. Ignore the reputation. Kenya does have some crime and social unrest issues but with care and caution these can be avoided. This is a beautiful city in a beautiful, friendly country.
Additional Information:
- Kenya Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Kenya
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Kenya
- Best Places to Live in Kenya
- Real Estate in Kenya
- Guide to Real Estate in Kenya
- Pros & Cons of Living in Kenya
- Cost of Living in Kenya
- Christmas in Kenya
- Dengue Virus in Kenya
- Culture Shock in Kenya
- Homeschooling in Kenya
- Pros and Cons of Living in Kenya 2024
Comments
HalfLight77I'm a Brit, with limited experience of Kenya and Africa, who's looking to relocate to Kenya for work and lifestyle after a break up...This article is positive, encouraging, and covers most areas of importance. My only wish would be that it had links to more detailed subjects, lol. Mr C Grove.
guestDo you even know where Kenya and Egypt is? Kenya is on the east coast and Egypt in on the Northwest coast of Africa. There are no train from Nairobi to Cairo. That's like taking a train from east coast of Canada to the west of Canada execpt it's more dangerous. You need visa to enter Kenya and Egypt. You can fly from Kenya to Cairo, that's about 6-7 hours of flight time..
GarySevenI am thinking about moving to Kenya. I have visited there several times and enjoy the friendly people. Even though I have never contracted malaria, I am concerned. If I stay within the city of Nairobi, how safe am I?