What Expats Really Think 51ԹϺ Life in Nairobi
Kenya is East Africa's business hub, and Nairobi is at its heart, attracting professionals from every part of the world. The city has a good mix of opportunities, culture, and adventure that’s hard to find elsewhere.
We’ve pulled together real stories and insights from expats who’ve made the leap to Nairobi in our pros and cons section, where expats share what they love, what caught them off guard, and how they’ve found their footing. Plus, our Q&A section is packed with tips on settling in, and how to make friends through our active international expat community. Read on, if you're thinking about making the move, or are already settling in.
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Mario Rimardi
Wish I had discovered 51ԹϺbefore I relocated to Kenya. It's really helpful on both a private and a professional level.
Caroline Hayes
Expats on 51ԹϺgave us valuable hints for finding an appropriate school in Nairobi for our two children.
Why you'll love 51ԹϺin Nairobi
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Pros & cons of living in Nairobi
Pros:
Warm climate and natural attractions: Nairobi has a pleasant climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C. It ranks 4th globally for its favorable weather. The city is also close to many national parks and wildlife reserves, allowing residents to experience stunning natural attractions and wildlife without traveling far.
Dining & leisure opportunities: There is an impressive variety of dining options, with 88% of expats happy with the culinary scene. Leisure opportunities, including access to outdoor activities, rank 14th globally, which shows that there’s many options to relax and unwind.
Friendly people: Nairobi is known for its warm and welcoming locals, making it easier for expats to feel at home.
Cons:
Safety concerns: Nairobi ranks last globally for safety, with expats feeling the least secure among surveyed cities. Certain areas have higher crime rates, and issues like phone snatching are common, requiring caution, especially at night.
Transportation challenges: Public transportation is poorly rated, with 48% of expats dissatisfied. Walking or cycling is considered unsafe or difficult by nearly half of the expats.
Traffic congestion: is a significant issue, leading to long commute times. Driving in the city's chaotic roads can feel like participating in a high-stakes game of survival.
Infrastructure issues: There is inconsistent access to utilities like water and electricity, that can negatively affect daily life.
Lack of proper health care: Healthcare ranks poorly in both quality and affordability, with 34% of expats unhappy with costs
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Meet other expats at our events
Making friends or connections in a new city like Nairobi can be tricky, but it’s definitely doable. InterNations organizes regular events where expats can meet people from all over the world who are also adjusting to life in a new city.
These meetups aren’t just about socializing, they’re an opportunity to share tips about life in Nairobi, pick up some Swahili basics, and gain insights into Kenyan culture from people who’ve been in your shoes. Some events are casual hangouts, while others are more structured to address pressing questions and help you settle in. You’ll find a supportive community that understands the challenges of starting fresh in a new place.
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Frequently asked questions about living in Nairobi
Making Nairobi home means picking a neighborhood that suits your way of life, and this city has many great choices:
Runda: One of the prestigious suburbs that appeals to expat families, especially those seeking safe, gated communities and freestanding houses. It also has easy access to international schools.
Riverside: Is known for its serene environment, and upscale apartments. It hosts embassies and international organizations, making it popular among expatriates.
Lavington: Is located southwest of the city center, easily accessible via main roads. It also provides a family-friendly atmosphere and has many international schools within the area, making it ideal for expat families.
Kilimani: Is more popular with young professionals due to its active social events and dining options. It has several recreational areas and affordable housing compared to other popular expat locations.
Kileleshwa: Is a much quieter area adjacent to Kilimani with a more residential charm. It has modern apartments, and a community feel, with local markets and cafes.
Karen: This is a sprawling, lush suburb. It feels like a country escape within the city and is home to attractions like the Giraffe Centre and The Hub Mall.
Living in Nairobi comes with its own set of expenses. Below is a detailed overview of the typical monthly costs you might encounter as an expat.
USD | Local currency (KES) | |
Rent (1-bedroom, city center) | 470 | 60,000 |
Rent (1-bedroom, outside city center) | 310 | 40,000 |
Utilities | 60 | 8,000 |
Internet | 35 | 4,500 |
Groceries | 11 | 1,400 |
Meal at a restaurant | 6 | 800 |
Public Transport (Monthly pass) | 43 | 5,500 |
Fitness | 62 | 8,000 |
Nairobi does come with safety considerations. Petty theft and occasional crime are common in certain areas, particularly at night or in crowded places, so staying safety-conscious is important. Many expats choose neighborhoods like Westlands, Karen, and Gigiri, which are known for their secure environments and gated housing.
Taking precautions, such as selecting housing with good security, avoiding walking alone at night, and using reliable transport options, can be good safety measures.
The social scene in Nairobi offers something for everyone, with many expats frequently meeting in popular neighborhoods like:
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The Alchemist Bar in Westlands, expats enjoy the live music, and food trucks, it attracts both expats and locals looking for an active social scene.
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Village Market is another popular spot located in Gigiri, where many expats live and work. It’s more than a mall, it’s a social hub with events, international dining, and a relaxed environment.
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Brew Bistro & Lounge: Is also known for its rooftop views and craft beer, it caters to those seeking a much bigger nightlife experience, which many expats enjoy.
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Mercury Lounge: Is an upmarket lounge attracting expats looking for a sophisticated after-work experience.
Salaries for expats in Nairobi can vary widely depending on the industry, role, and experience, but they are generally higher than local salaries to account for specialized skills and international expertise. In fields like IT, NGOs, or multinational organizations, expats might earn upwards of 120,000 KES (800 USD) per month, with higher compensation for senior roles.
Many expats also receive benefits like housing allowances, health insurance, and relocation support, which adds value to their packages. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of living in expat-friendly areas like Westlands or Karen can be quite high, and income tax in Kenya can impact take-home pay.
Yes, you can live in Nairobi without speaking Swahili. English is widely used for official purposes, such as in offices, schools, and formal communication. Swahili, however, is the go-to language for casual interactions, particularly in markets and informal settings. You’ll also come across “Sheng,” a popular mix of Swahili and English spoken by the younger crowd, along with various tribal languages and regional dialects.
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Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Nairobi
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Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
If our events are a great way to meet other expats, our groups take things a step further by connecting you with people who share your hobbies and interests.
- The Nairobi Changemakers Group unites those passionate about community impact.
- The Travel Enthusiasts Group organizes trips across Kenya’s stunning landscapes
- The Hiking & Camping Group is perfect for nature lovers
- And if you’re all about balance and self-care, the Yoga & Wellness Group offers relaxing sessions with like-minded people.
Come join us, there's always something exciting happening in one (or many) of these groups.
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Getting to Know Nairobi, the Expat Way
As the largest city in East Africa, Nairobi is not only the capital city of Kenya, but also is considered as the financial center in this region. Living in Nairobi means enjoying a pleasant climate, and expats can enjoy outdoor activities and sports without the discomfort of oppressive temperatures. For the nature enthusiasts among you, Nairobi is paradise, not only in the popular safaris through the Nairobi National Park but also in the various wildlife and conservation centers allowing you to get up close to giraffes, baby elephants, and rhinoceroses before visiting the Nairobi Arboretum for guided nature walks and bird watching. The more active can indulge in a range of sports, from running and horseback riding, to football and golf, and of course the irresistible diving and hiking opportunities that allow you to take in more of Nairobi's beauty. Don't think these activities are just for tourists; joining the 51ԹϺSports & Hiking, Swimming, or Golf & Cocktails Group are great ways to meet new friends while making unforgettable memories. With such stunning natural views and friendly local people, Nairobi stands out from other African cities as a popular expat destination. However, security issues should be taken into consideration before moving to Nairobi. Whether you choose to live in an apartment in downtown or rent a house outside of the city, making sure you stay safe should of course always take top priority. Neighborhoods such as Karen and Langata are popular among expats since they provide a wealth of amenities within easy walking distance and the location is quite convenient so that you can reach everywhere in town within an hour. Expats coming here with their kids should not worry too much about local education. There are plenty of international schools offering premium education for expat kids. If you decide to work in Nairobi, you'll find that the fast-growing economy, thriving job market and widespread use of the English language are a big draw for expats. The main industries include finance, real estate, insurance, and communication. You'll also find opportunities in retail, healthcare, and of course, Nairobi's booming tourist market. Agriculture is a major employer for locals. Once you secure your employment contract, a working permit must be obtained from the Principal Immigration Officer. Additionally, it is essential to know some local business etiquette before you kick off your professional life in Nairobi even though Western business practices play a dominant role in the workplace. You can find out more in our guide on working in Nairobi.
51ԹϺis the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. 51ԹϺmakes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Jeddah or Beijing, 51ԹϺallows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
Find New Friends with 51ԹϺGroups
Expats who come to Nairobi for the first time may spend some time adapting themselves to local culture and customs in the beginning. Therefore, keeping in touch with some locals and like-minded people will help you find your feet and ease your relocation. Don't forget that 51ԹϺis also the doorway to a new social world with our regularly organized activities in our interest-based groups. Arts and culture, photography, swimming, books, and road trips are just some of the interests you can join in with through our community. In addition, 51ԹϺoffers you great networking events to stay connected to other global minds. You'll soon discover that you are part of an interesting and outgoing group of expats in Nairobi. 51ԹϺprovides advice, answers, and a social network of friends to ensure your relocation to Nairobi is as easy and enjoyable as possible.
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