Pros and cons of moving to Nairobi

Moving to Nairobi will offer both advantages and disadvantages of living in the Kenyan capital. Regardless of the good and the bad, life in this East African economic hub is nothing if not exciting. Here's our round-up of the pros and cons of living in Nairobi.

Lifestyle in Nairobi

+ PRO: Relatively integrated expat and local society

Given the emergence of a large population of professionals with disposable income and that Kenyans are known to have a friendly and hospitable culture, the expat and local communities are quite integrated. You will mix freely with locals at your kids’ schools, country clubs, bars, shopping centres and local restaurants. More expats are engaging in local festivals and markets, fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding.

+ PRO: Pleasant weather

Nairobi enjoys a mild climate throughout the year and doesn't experience any extremes. The city is at a high altitude, with sunny days and cooler nights. You're unlikely to need central heating or warm coats. And thanks to the cool evenings, there are fewer mosquitos and a lower risk of malaria in Nairobi. That said, recent climate patterns show rising temperatures and erratic weather, so basic malaria precautions are still necessary.

+ PRO: Easily accessible holiday destinations

World-famous game parks, packed with incredible wildlife and scenery, are right on Nairobi's doorstep. Plus, the palm-lined, white-sand beaches make for lovely getaways. You can snorkel over coral reefs, sail, fish or enjoy a number of other watersports. Popular spots include Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, and Lake Naivasha.

+ PRO: Active social life

Nairobi has many restaurants, bars, and a buzzing social scene. Many expats settle here long term because they love the vibe. Events like the Nairobi International Cultural Festival showcase diverse cultural expressions, attracting both expats and locals.

- CON: Limited shopping opportunities

Clothes, shoes, electrical items and toy shopping are still best done back home since these are all more costly in Nairobi, and there is limited choice. However, new malls and retail expansions are gradually improving shopping options.

Local culture in Nairobi

- CON: Adjusting may take time

You may experience culture shock if you don't keep an open mind and aren't receptive to new experiences. Poverty is visible all around, and you may be approached by persistent hawkers. Rather than being fearful, keep smiling and say ‘no, thank you’. Embracing the vibrant street markets can also foster a more respectful relationship with local hawkers.

+ PRO: Locals are friendly, and English is widely spoken

The Kenyan people are friendly and tolerant of visitors. English is an official language and widely spoken here, although most Kenyans are trilingual, speaking English, Swahili, and an additional regional language. This means that language barriers are greatly reduced, making doing business and going about your day much easier. Learning some Swahili can enhance your connection with locals.

Safety and security in Nairobi

- CON: Personal safety is an issue

Security is an issue in Nairobi, with incidents of carjacking and theft not uncommon. However, you aren't necessarily going to be targeted in Nairobi. Most victims of theft are those Kenyans who cannot afford good security. Recent measures, including increased police presence and community policing, have helped reduce crime rates in certain areas.

- CON: Dangerous driving conditions

Poorly maintained roads, heavy lorries that are not roadworthy, and speeding public buses make roads dangerous in Kenya. Road accidents are fairly common. It's advised not to drive yourself but rather to hire a local driver who can better navigate these dangers. New road safety measures, including better infrastructure and traffic enforcement, are being implemented to improve conditions.

Working in Nairobi

- CON: Corruption affects business

Bureaucracy and corruption are rife in Nairobi. Many officials expect small bribes as a matter of course to move things along, which makes aspects of doing business difficult. The Kenyan government has initiated various measures to combat these issues, including the Business Laws Act, which aims to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy.

+ PRO: New business regulations and policies

New regulations are being introduced to improve the business environment. The Finance Bill 2024 includes several changes, such as expanding tax coverage for digital content and increasing tax-deductible limits for pension contributions. These changes aim to provide clarity and potentially ease the tax burden for businesses operating in Nairobi.

Cost of living in Nairobi

+ PRO: General expenses are affordable

Kenya's fruit and vegetables are delicious, organic, plentiful, and cheap. This also applies to many of its meat products. Flowers are grown commercially here too, so roses, lilies, and others are inexpensive. Recent changes have seen a drop in prices for staples like maize flour and sugar, making it more affordable to enjoy fresh, local produce.

- CON: Certain utilities are pricey

Whether living in a gated compound or a self-contained house, you may be expected to chip in to pay for private security, which can be fairly costly, and electricity prices have been on the rise. You should budget for higher utility costs, particularly if relying heavily on electricity and security services.

Accommodation in Nairobi

+ PRO: Domestic staff are easy to find and affordable

Employing domestic staff is the norm here, and they can be a great asset to your household. This may not be something you're used to, but likely something you will soon embrace. The economic conditions and cost of living influence the availability and affordability of domestic workers, but generally, it's quite feasible to hire help for your home.

- CON: Power and water supply issues

There are fairly frequent power cuts, although owning a small generator can be a huge help. Extensive blackouts are not fun, so it's important to be as prepared as possible, such as by carrying a portable phone charger. Water supply can also be an issue as Kenya often experiences drought. In these situations, you may need to supplement your water supply by buying water tankers. Recent infrastructure developments aim to improve reliability, but challenges remain.

Education in Nairobi

+ PRO: High-quality international schools

Nairobi boasts a range of high-quality international schools that follow British, American and other curricula. These schools offer excellent academic programmes, state-of-the-art facilities and extracurricular activities, providing a well-rounded education for your children.

- CON: High tuition fees

The cost of attending international schools in Nairobi can be quite high. Tuition fees can be a significant part of your budget, especially if you have multiple children. It’s essential to factor in these expenses when planning your move to Nairobi.

+ PRO: Diverse cultural exposure

Living in Nairobi provides your children with the opportunity to experience a diverse cultural environment. They will interact with peers from various backgrounds, enhancing their global awareness and fostering a more inclusive worldview. This multicultural exposure is invaluable in today’s interconnected world.

- CON: Limited options for special education

While Nairobi has several excellent schools, the options for children with special educational needs (SEN) are limited. Parents may find it challenging to find suitable schools or support services. Researching and connecting with local SEN communities before you move can help you better understand the available resources.