The Kenyan capital Nairobi has about six million people, and it is one of the most diverse cities in Africa. Living in Nairobi means that you are updated on the world’s current affairs, and you are in a sunny location all year round. The weather in Nairobi is favorable throughout the year, and you will experience any adverse climatic conditions. Nairobi combines both the modernity of current cities and natural African roots.
Animals are part of life in Nairobi, and for this matter, you just have to go a few kilometers to the national park. You encounter lions, giraffes, antelopes, elephants, among others. The city presents a warm and friendly environment where you can thrive as an individual. The vibrancy of the people and the fantastic landscape make Nairobi an attractive destination to live in.
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What is the cost of living in Nairobi?
The online market is one of the spheres that has snowballed in Kenya, and you can use it to search properties if you are planning to live in Nairobi. If you are moving to Nairobi and have kids who go to school, you must check out the best schools before choosing a location. The city is known for traffic jams hence you would live near the schools as well. You can choose a property that is available based on your taste and preference.
Here you will get older houses, new ones, and those in use for a short time. One of the most important things is to check the water supply before you get the place to live. A reliable water supply not only ensures that you are safe but also avoids extra water bills.
When moving to Nairobi, you can choose an area based on your preference. However, the suburbs will differ depending on their closeness to the central business district. Places such as Limuru, Langata, and Karen all have properties with larger acres. Here you can keep your livestock. However, other suburbs such as Runda, Lavington, Kileleshwa, Muthaiga, Kitisuru, Hurlingham are characterized by houses in small plots. Numerous places are coming up, and you can explore these areas as well.
Many people in Nairobi tend to avoid living in the city center because of the high cost of living. However, in the suburbs, you will find friendly communities with easily accessible shopping centers and malls offering items at competitive rates.
The cost of a one-bedroomed apartment in these suburbs will range from $500 to $700, two-bedroomed apartments $1000 to USD 1500, while three-bedroomed apartments will cost you $2000 to $2500 per month.
However, if you choose to live lavishly, there are bungalows with gardens, and you can get them at $4000 to $5000 per month.
Food
The Kenya cuisine is quite intricate, and you need time to acclimatize if you are moving into the country for the first time. However, it is imperative to note that the foods are locally grown, and you will find that they are much tastier because of the organic nature. Eating out in Nairobi is an excellent idea because the city has significant hotels offering local and international cuisine. You can get different types of meals such as Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, Japanese, continental, and oriental cuisine.
You can choose to purchase groceries and food items and cook by yourself or choose to eat outside. Food from the Kenyan coast tends to have more spices, and one major dish that you should not miss in Kenya is nyama choma, a barbecue done locally. The meat is succulent and quite tasty. You can find significant restaurants such as the Carnivore, which serves meat daily. Game meat is illegal in Kenya unless it is farmed. This is a step taken to prevent poaching and to conserve endangered species.
Shopping in Nairobi
Nairobi is a developed city, and you can get nearly anything that you want in the major stores across the city. The suburban commercial outlets often have everything under one roof. You can purchase your groceries, poultry, meat or fish, and other items inside the stores.
The supermarkets in the city accept major credit cards, and you can pay in cash as well. If you want to try something, you can purchase your fruits from the kiosks that are often located by the roadside. These vendors have all the fruits that you need. The service in the shopping malls and the grocery shops is excellent, and you will have shop assistants who will carry your items to your car.
How the health care system?
When planning to live in a city like Nairobi, one of the fundamental aspects you should look into is the health care system. The medical services in the major private hospitals such as the Nairobi hospital are top-notch. There are foreigners from the UK who regularly visit the hospital because of the quality service, which is quite affordable.
The facilities at Aga Khan or Gertrude children’s hospital are excellent, and you are sure that the nurses will take care of you. You can get private dental care as well from the top-notch doctors in the city.
Banking
The banking system in Kenya has improved tremendously over the past decade, and it is one of the economic hubs in east Africa. With the launch of the mobile money transfer platform, M-Pesa banks have also entered into partnerships with the company, and money transfer has become a seamless activity.
You can synchronize your bank with the local international franchise. The banks have ATMs that support major debit and credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard among others. You can easily purchase a mobile phone that is 5G enabled from the vendors in the country, and the network in Nairobi is excellent.
The internet connection is well established as well whether you are using broadband or the WIFI provided by the local companies.
How safe is Nairobi?
Security is a significant concern for many people who are moving to Nairobi. However, it is imperative to note that the city is relatively safe, and if you are living in the suburbs, it is very safe. You can walk around or drive around without fear because there are policemen and guards around the city.
Further reading: Is Kenya safe for expats & travelers?
However, just like any other city in the world, if you are walking, avoid crowded places and avoid flashing expensive jewelry as it may attract thieves. Numerous security companies offer their services in the city, and you can get the assistance of one of them if you will not be living on your property regularly.
Outing and recreation in Nairobi
Nairobi is a cosmopolitan city, and you will find people from different parts of the world, and you can explore the major clubs in the city or attend sports functions. There are golf clubs with memberships, and you can visit them as there are various ex-pats in these clubs. People tend to be friendly, and you will enjoy your time listening and dancing to international music or local if you like them.
Further activities: Hiking spots in Kenya you must check!
Besides, there are Imax theaters, and you can watch the latest film right on time. If you love art, then the Kenya national theater is the place to visit. Here you will see local artwork or go to alliance Francoise, where you can watch international plays.
Transport
It is imperative to note that Kenya was colonized by the British, and they adopted the British style of driving. You will be required to have a valid driving license and always drive on the left. The roads in and around the city are good, and you can drive around with ease.
You can get cab services from major companies such as Uber, Lyft, and Bolt. If you want to purchase a car in Kenya, the prices can be pretty high, and you should have a licensed mechanics inspect your second-hand car because some may come with issues. You should get a vehicle that you can buy spare parts easily.
In conclusion, Nairobi is a fantastic city, and you can choose to live in the town and still get a feel of what is happening across the globe as you enjoy the sun all year round. Explore the city and choose a perfect spot for you and enjoy Kenyan life.
