Nairobi, Kenya Report of what it's like to live there - 06/08/14

Personal Experiences from Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya 06/08/14

Background:

1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?

No, 7th expat experience.

View All Answers


2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?

Washington, DC. About 15 hours of flying with transit through Amsterdam, Geneva, or Istanbul.

View All Answers


3. How long have you lived here?

1 year .

View All Answers


4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?

Diplomat.

View All Answers


Housing, Groceries & Food:

1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?

Houses are pretty nice and some are close to the Embassy so the commute isn't too bad. However, traffic in Nairobi can be a nightmare so the further away you live, expect to sit in more traffic for a while.

View All Answers


2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?

Pretty good but can be expensive.

View All Answers


3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?

Clothes for cooler weather. June-August can be a bit cold.

View All Answers


4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?

KFC, Subway, and local places. Good restaurants overall but expensive.

View All Answers


5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?

Nairobi is high elevation so no malaria here. However, lower lying areas do have malaria so be wary of mosquitos. Some ants. Lots of geckos, small lizards.

View All Answers


Daily Life:

1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?

DPO.

View All Answers


2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?

Good and relatively inexpensive.

View All Answers


3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?

Yes. UN and others. Expensive.

View All Answers


4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?

Avoid. Use cash.

View All Answers


5. What English-language religious services are available locally?

View All Answers


6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?

English is common as is Kiswahili.

View All Answers


7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?

Probably.

View All Answers


Transportation:

1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?

Not safe.

View All Answers


2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?

4WD, right-hand drive.

View All Answers


Phone & Internet:

1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?

Yes, about US$60 monthly.

View All Answers


2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?

Cell coverage is pretty good here. Smart phones are fine.

View All Answers


Pets:

1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?

View All Answers


Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:

1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?

I believe so.

View All Answers


2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?

Many I'm sure.

View All Answers


3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?

Conservative.

View All Answers


Health & Safety:

1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.

Yes. Many. Nairobi is rated critical for both crime and terrorism. Home invasions are common and terrorism has been on the rise since the September 2013 terrorist attack by Somalia's Al-Shabaab. Due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation, particularly related to increased attacks and threats by Al-Shabaab, parts of the Embassy, particularly USAID, are downsizing.

View All Answers


2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?

Not really. Decent care available.

View All Answers


3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?

Good.

View All Answers


4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?

Really nice! Spring like most of the time but a little cold June-August. A little rainy in late fall and spring.

View All Answers


Schools & Children:

1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?

ISK, Braeburn, Rosslyn Academy, and a few others. All pretty decent.

View All Answers


2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?

View All Answers


3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?

I believe so.

View All Answers


4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?

I believe so.

View All Answers


Expat Life:

1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?

Very large. Pretty good overall except people are extremely concerned about crime and the growing threats of terrorism. This is becoming a major worry for many folks.

View All Answers


2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?

Trips to the coast, house dinners/parties, restaurants, etc.

View All Answers


3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?

Yes, but the security situation should be a major consideration before anyone decides to come.

View All Answers


4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?

Not sure.

View All Answers


5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?

I don't think so. Maybe some tribal prejudices though.

View All Answers


6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?

Safaris, great weather, nice people.

View All Answers


7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?

Safaris, Mt. Kenya, the coast, etc.

View All Answers


8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?

Local handicrafts, safaris, etc.

View All Answers


9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?

Safaris, great weather, nice people.

View All Answers


10. Can you save money?

A little.

View All Answers


Words of Wisdom:

1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?

The severity of the crime and terrorism situation. It's rated critical for both for a reason.

View All Answers


2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?

No. If not for the worsening terrorism situation and the crime, my answer would be yes. However, as I mentioned,, the growing number of terrorist attacks and threats is a real cause for concern.

View All Answers


3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:

Fear of malaria unless you go to low lying areas.

View All Answers


4. But don't forget your:

Fall clothes as June through August can get a little chilly.

View All Answers


5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?

Not sure.

View All Answers


6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:

Not sure.

View All Answers


Subscribe to our newsletter


New book from Talesmag! Honest and courageous stories of life abroad with special needs.

Read More