Getting Around in Nairobi

The capital is a bustling city, and getting around in Nairobi can be challenging due to insufficient infrastructure and a general disregard for traffic rules.

Modes of public transport in Nairobi include matatus (shared minibus taxis), buses and trains. In general, you might not want to use public transport in Nairobi because of poor safety records.

Driving in Nairobi can be dangerous too, so you might prefer to hire a local driver who knows the area well and can negotiate the sometimes dangerous roads in the city. Another possible solution is to use a ride-hailing app or local cab company.

Public transport in Nairobi

As in any major metropolitan city, if you choose to use public transport in Nairobi, you should be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

Matatus

Matatus in Kenya are shared minibus taxis that can transport several people at once. While the network of matatus is somewhat informal, they do cover a wide geographical area, operating in much of greater Nairobi and its suburbs.

Travelling by matatu is not recommended, and if you decide to use them, you should be aware of the unruly and chaotic driving that they're known for. Matatus are also frequently overloaded.

The government has enforced regulations requiring matatu operators to join independent, government-registered transport companies or Saccos to improve safety and accountability. Even with these measures, many still find matatus risky.

Buses

Several bus companies offer services in Nairobi, providing a good alternative to matatus. Bus routes in Nairobi converge in the city centre. There are a few terminals in the city that serve as drop-off and pick-up points for passengers.

You should be aware that some bus companies in Nairobi are highly unreliable. Drivers may openly disregard traffic laws, making the journey dangerous for passengers. Besides, while bus fares are cheap, inner-city traffic often makes this a slow form of transport.

The Nairobi Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project is underway, aiming to improve bus services and decongest the city. The first BRT line, running from James Gichuru Road-Waiyaki Way to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), is expected to be operational by December 2024.

Long-distance, inter-city buses also run frequently, providing transport across Kenya. You can choose from several operators, and buying a first-class ticket secures a more comfortable seat, sometimes with USB charger ports and electronic screens for watching films.

Trains

The Nairobi Commuter Rail Service runs between the city centre and outlying areas, including Ruiru, Kikuyu, Embakasi and Syokimau. It may be useful for travel in Nairobi between home and work, but it can be less reliable and comfortable than expats expect.

The new Madaraka Express along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has connected Mombasa and Nairobi for a much faster commute, reducing the journey between these two large cities to only four and a half hours. Whether travelling for work or a weekend break, this train is a great option.

Despite the improvements, the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service has faced reliability issues, with service suspensions during holiday periods and disruptions due to seasonal factors like flooding. The government is working to modernise railway infrastructure and enhance safety and reliability.

Useful links

• Madaraka Express
• Nairobi City County

Taxis in Nairobi

If you are in the city for a short time and do not have a company car, taxis are the most convenient and perhaps the safest way to travel around Nairobi. Taxis can be easily found near international hotels, most tourist sites, the city centre and shopping malls. If there is no meter visible, you should agree upon a fare before getting into the taxi.

Ride-hailing applications such as Uber, Bolt (Taxify), and the new Yango are also available in Nairobi. These services are generally safer, as they conduct background checks on drivers and require vehicle maintenance standards. It's a good idea to wait for your ride in a well-lit area, match the driver's details on the app to the actual driver and vehicle, sit in the back seat, and share your ride details with a trusted friend or family member.

Useful links

• Uber Nairobi
• Bolt Nairobi
• Yango

Driving in Nairobi

You might choose to hire a local driver with experience of local road conditions, as they are better placed to anticipate the erratic behaviour of some Kenyan road users. Many companies hiring expats will provide them with a car and a driver.

Kenyans drive on the left-hand side of the road. Given the lack of road signs, if you are new to Nairobi and decide to drive, using a GPS or map app is a good idea. It's best to avoid taking shortcuts. Stick to the main roads, as some parts of the city can be dangerous. If you decide to drive yourself in Nairobi, you should drive defensively and be as wary as possible.

International car hire agencies operate in Nairobi, though if you stay long-term, you will likely want to buy a car. Note that foreign driving licences and International Driving Permits are only valid for three months. After three months, you'll need a Kenyan driving licence.

The Kenyan government has launched the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028, aiming to reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2030. This includes installing cameras at 'black spots' on major highways to monitor driver behaviour and enforce traffic laws.

Useful links

• National Transport and Safety Authority
• Automobile Association of Kenya

Walking in Nairobi

Nairobi has been called a 'walking city' because many residents walk wherever they need to go, whether to work, back home, to friends and family, or to a market or shopping centre. Despite this, walking in Nairobi's city centre can be chaotic, with unruly and disorderly road traffic.

Due to various safety issues, it's advised not to walk alone or at night in and around the suburbs of Nairobi. If you choose to walk, be aware of the risks involved and exercise special caution. The city has seen some progress in pedestrian infrastructure, but significant challenges remain.

The Nairobi Expressway, completed in 2022, has been criticised for prioritising motor vehicles over pedestrians. There are ongoing discussions about redesigning sections to better accommodate non-motorised transport, with dedicated lanes and improved crossings.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced new measures to improve pedestrian safety, including plans to reduce speed limits in high-traffic areas and enhance road designs to better protect vulnerable road users.

Useful links

• Nairobi City County: Explore Nairobi

Cycling in Nairobi

Cycling in Nairobi is growing in popularity, but safety remains a significant concern for cyclists in Nairobi. The NTSA has introduced road safety initiatives to reduce speed limits in high-traffic areas and improve road designs to protect cyclists.

Despite these efforts, many areas lack proper cycling lanes, forcing cyclists to navigate through traffic. The high accident rates among cyclists highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures. Ongoing road construction projects often do not prioritise non-motorised transport, further exacerbating the issue.