Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi was originally founded in 1890 as a railroad city between African cities. The city's name is derived from a water hole known to the Maasai founders as Enkare Nairobi, or "Cold Water." The British had been colonizing Kenya and eastern Africa throughout the late 19th century, and it continued by colonizing Kenya in 1920; Nairobi became the colonial capital.

The capital of Nairobi was established in 1954, despite being under British control; Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963. This allowed Kenya to expand its metro area, leading to more railroad construction and an increase in migrants from rural Kenya moving to Nairobi.

Today, Nairobi is a major economic hub in Kenya. From serving as a path for shipping goods to Mombasa (located on the coast on the Indian Ocean), to developing corporations, Nairobi's role as the capital is crucial for thriving businesses. With the emerging industries, Nairobi has developed many educational centers and universities to increase its economy. Two official languages in Kenya are Swahili and English; the currency used is the Kenyan Shilling (KSh), and one KSh equals $0.0089 USD.

Location

Job Opportunities

Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya, offering jobs ranging from the agricultural sector to manufacturing and industrial work. In the manufacturing industry, there are many car assembly industries including CMC Motors, General Motors, and oil refineries throughout town. Construction industries consist of a cement industry with companies including Mombasa Cement and Savannah Cement. The service sector is the largest contributor to Nairobi's economy; opportunities range from receptionists to transit drivers around town to security officials who regulate international traffic during tourist seasons. Overall, the main job opportunities in Nairobi fall into either agriculture, manufacturing, or the tourism industry.

Cost of Living

In Kenya, living in the city is far more costly than living in city suburbs. Costs in downtown Nairobi range from 48,000 KSh ($431 USD) for one-bedoom apartments to 107,000 KSh ($960 USD) for larger units downtown. For those in the suburbs, costs are around 21,600 KSh ($195 USD) for one-bedroom apartments and 53,000 KSh ($475 USD) for larger units outside of town.

As for utilities, including heat and air conditing, electricity, and water, monthly bills average 4,350 KSh ($39 USD). Internet costs average around 6,500 KSh ($58 USD) for varying internet and cell services. If owning a car is important, lower-end prices of new cars are 1,610,000 KSh ($14,500 USD) and gasoling prices average out to 460 KSh ($4.13 USD) per gallon. Nairobi also offers public transit, although most transit consists of smaller buses at higher prices.

Transportation

Nairobi offers both buses and taxis for public transportation. One can easily travel from Nairobi to any of its suburbs in a bus that holds 25 to 50 people. When the buses are too crowded, private taxis are also an option. Taxis, while being more direct, will cost more money than other public transit. For example, one may pay 500 KSh (about $4.61 USD) for a quick ride around the city. While Nairobi offers buses, taxis, and other modes of transportation, it's certainly important to decide which is more important (safety, budget, or convenience) when getting around Nairobi.

Recreation

Nairobi is best known for its outdoor recreation, including national parks and other scenic wildlife areas. Nairobi National Park is home to over 50 different mammals and 400 bird species, and is a great safari opportunity. Lake Nakuru National Park is great for wildlife viewing on Lake Nakuru. Another well-known spot for hiking is Ngong Forest Reserve, just a short drive from Nairobi and a great place to take in city views.

For more downtown action, the Village Market offers locally-grown products and is known as "Africa's top shopping destination." There are also various farm tours, ranging from a coffee farm tour to a tea farm tour at the Kiambethu Tea Farm. From safaris and hikes around Nairobi to farm tours, locals will get enriched into the Kenyan culture.

Climate

Nairobi's climate consists of relatively warm temperatures year-round, with highs ranging from the mid-70s (23 degrees Celsius) in June and July to low-to-mid 80s (28 degrees Celsius) between January and March. Preciptation amounts are not significant, with the highest months being April, May, and November and the lowest amounts varying around all other months. Overall, with consistent temperatures and few months of great rainfall, the weather in Nairobi makes it a pleasant place to live.