This mini-guide has been crafted by Summer 2024 FLAS Fellow Yinka Ajibola to give first-time visitors valuable insights and a better understanding of what to expect. It serves as an introductory resource to help you in Nairobi. Click here to view the guide as a PDF.
Public Transit
There are different modes of transportation in Kenya. Public buses are called ‘matatu,’ Bikes (bodaboda), and Uber/Bolt. I recommend using Bolt or Uber because they are safe (especially for a
first-time visitor), and transactions can be done via the platform or using a debit card, cash, or M-Pesa (digital wallet).
Grocery Shopping
Nairobi has a variety of grocery shops, ranging from supermarkets to local markets. The majority of the supermarkets are in the malls. Some popular options include:
- Carrefour
- Naivas
- Quickmart
- Chandarana Food plus
Regarding the local markets, I recommend you seek advice from the locals, as they should be able to accompany you.
Housing
Nairobi offers various housing options, including hotels and Airbnb. I recommend choosing an Airbnb for an extended stay, as it reduces the risk of scams – Depending on your budget, there are
several options. Additionally, I advise reading both the Airbnb and location reviews carefully. It’s also important to do your due diligence by researching the general area where you plan to stay.
Mobile Banking / Money Exchange
The most common form of payment or banking in Kenya is via M-pesa. M-Pesa is a mobile banking service that allows users to store and transfer money through mobile phones. M-Pesa is a virtual banking system that provides transaction services through a SIM card. Once the SIM has been inserted into the card slot of the mobile device, users can make payments and transfer money to vendors and family members with SMS messages. There are a couple of mobile service providers in Kenya, such as Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom. However, Safaricom is the most popular service provider, and I highly recommend it. You can obtain a Safaricom sim at the airport or the mall. Addressing the money exchange component, especially if you need to exchange cash (dollars to Kenyan shillings), I recommend that exchanges be made at the exchange bureau in the city. While the money exchange bureau at the airport offers this service, the rate might be lower than that of exchange bureaus in Nairobi.
Site Seeing
Nairobi offers interesting sights and scenery, depending on your choice. These range from parks to museums to trails. The Nairobi National Park provides a rare chance to see wildlife such as Baboons, Rhinos, and many animals. The Giraffe Centre allows visitors to interact with giraffes. The National Museum of Kenya showcases Kenya’s history, culture, and natural heritage. The Oloolua Nature Trail provides a path with scenic trails. Karura Forest is an urban forest with walking and cycling paths. The Kenya National Archives houses historical documents, and the Nairobi Safari Walk offers a close-up experience of Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.