Original text(English)

Maybe one day Nairobi will be laid out with tarred roads, with avenues of flowering trees, flanked by noble buildings; with open spaces and stately squares; a cathedral worthy of faith and country; museums and galleries of art; theaters and public offices. And it is fair to say that the Government and the Municipality have already bravely tackled the problem and that a town-plan is ambitious enough to turn Nairobi into a thing of beauty has been slowly worked out, and much has already been done. But until that plan has borne fruit, Nairobi must remain what she was then, a slatternly creature, unfit to queen it over so lovely a country.

The continued growth of the city's area, however, drew the ire of the Maasai and Kikuyu peoples, who previously owned the lands. At the end of World War II, these tensions escalated into the Mau Mau uprising. Jomo Kenyatta, the future president of Kenya, was arrested and imprisoned for his participation in the uprising, although there was no evidence linking him to the uprising. As a result, Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963, and Nairobi became the capital of the new republic.

After independence, Nairobi began to grow rapidly, placing excessive strain on the city's infrastructure. Power and water outages occur frequently, although last years More rational urban planning has helped to partially overcome these problems.

Culture

Museums Nairobi

Geography

Aerial view of the CBD and Ngong Road

The city is located in -1.283333 , 36.816667 1°17′ S w. 36°49′ E. d. /  1.283333° S w. 36.816667° E. d.(G) (O) and covers an area of ​​684 km².

Nairobi is located between the cities of Kampala and Mombasa. Because the city is located near the eastern edge of the rift valley, small earthquakes and tremors occur periodically. The Ngong Hills, located to the west of the city, are the most high point near Nairobi. Mount Kenya rises to the north of the city, and Kilimanjaro to the southeast. Both mountains can be seen from Nairobi on a clear day.

The Nairobi River and its tributaries cross the Nairobi region. To the north of the city is the Karura Forest, which Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Mathai fought to preserve when plans were put forward to develop the area with houses and other infrastructure.

The western suburbs of Nairobi stretch from the Kenyatta National Hospital in the south to the UN headquarters and Jigiri in the north, covering a distance of about 20 kilometers.

The center of the city is City Square, located in the Central Business District. The square is surrounded by the Kenyan Parliament buildings, the Holy Family Cathedral, the city council building, the city court and the Kenyatta Convention Centre.

Climate

Thanks to an altitude of 1,661 meters above sea level, Nairobi has a temperate climate, with virtually no heat above 30 degrees and at the same time the weather is almost uniform throughout the year. The coldest month is July, the warmest is February. There are 2 wet seasons, clearly defined in March-May and dry in July-August. The lowest recorded temperature was +5 degrees. The evenings can be quite cool here, especially in June and July, when temperatures can drop to 10°C. The sunniest and warmest time of the year is the period from December to March. For this period, the average temperature is maximum and is 24 °C.

There are two rainy seasons, but the rainfall is usually moderate. The cloudiest time of the year is immediately after the first rainy season, and the weather here is quite damp until September. Since Nairobi is located quite close to the equator, the differences between seasons and sunrise and sunset times are extremely small. Seasons are distinguished as dry and wet seasons.

Nairobi Climate
Index Jan. Feb. March Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year
Average maximum, °C 24,5 25,6 25,6 24,1 22,6 21,5 20,6 21,4 23,7 24,7 23,1 23,4 23,4
Average temperature, °C 18,0 18,6 19,4 19,1 17,9 16,3 15,4 15,8 17,1 18,6 18,1 18,0 17,7
Average minimum, °C 11,5 11,6 13,1 14,0 13,2 11,0 10,1 10,2 10,5 12,5 13,1 12,6 12,0
Precipitation rate, mm 64,1 56,5 92,8 219,4 176,6 35,0 17,5 23,5 28,3 55,3 154,2 101,0 1024,2
Source: WorldWeather.org

Districts

Nairobi is divided into constituencies: Makadara, Kamukunji, Sterehe, Langata, Dagoretti, Westlands, Kasarani and Embakasi. The main administrative divisions of Nairobi are: Central, Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kasarani, Kibera, Makadara, Pumwani and Westlands. To the west of the city are wealthy suburbs where most European settlers settled during colonial times. These include Karen, Langata, Lavington and Highridge. Most of the poor and near-poverty areas are located in the eastern part of the city. These are Kariokor, Dandora, Kariobangi, Embakasi and Huruma. A large number of Somali emigrants live in the Eastleigh area, which is even called "Little Mogadishu".

Parks and gardens

Nairobi has many parks and squares. Much of the city is tree-lined. Nairobi's most famous park is Uhuru. It borders the central business district and Upper Hill. Uhuru (Freedom) Park is a venue for public performances, services and rallies. Former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi wanted to build a 62-story building for his party on the site of the park [ specify], but thanks to the efforts of Wangari Mathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2004, the park was saved.

Central Park is adjacent to Uhuru Park and contains a memorial in honor of Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of Kenya. Also in the city are the Javani Gardens, City Park and Nairobi Arboretum.

Economy

I&M Bank Headquarters in Nairobi

Also in Nairobi are regional offices of some international companies and organizations. So during 2007, General Electric, Young & Rubicam, Google, Coca Cola, Zain and Cisco Systems moved their African headquarters to Nairobi. In addition, many large African companies have their headquarters in Nairobi.

The city produces goods such as clothing, textiles, Construction Materials, food products and drinks, cigarettes. The city has factories of some international companies, such as: Goodyear, General Motors, Toyota Motors, Coca Cola.

Tourism

Although tourism industry Nairobi is not very developed, but it has attractions that are popular among city visitors. First of all, this National Park Nairobi. Its uniqueness lies in its close proximity to a metropolis of its size. IN National Park Nairobi is home to more than 400 species of animals and birds, including lions and giraffes. Walking safaris in the park are very popular among tourists.

There are several museums located in Nairobi. The largest of these is the National Museum of Kenya, which houses the boy's remains homo erectus. Other popular museums- Nairobi Railway Museum and Karen Blixen Museum.

Nairobi is sometimes called the safari capital of the world. Many hotels in the city are specifically aimed at fans of this particular entertainment. There are quite a few five-star hotels in the city: Nairobi Serena, Laiko Regency (formerly Grand Regency), Windour (Karen), Holiday Inn, East African Safari Club (Lilian Towers), Stanley Hotel, Safari Park and Casino, Intercontinental, Panari Hotel, Hilton and Norfolk Hotel.

In addition, Nairobi is home to the largest ice skating rink in Africa - Solar Ice Rink. The skating rink was opened in 2005, has an area of ​​about 15,000 m² and can accommodate up to 200 visitors. The city's largest retail chains are Nakumatt, Uchumi and Tuskys.

Transport

Airports

An aerial view of the cargo terminal of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, East Africa's largest airport.

Most air traffic in Nairobi occurs through international Airport Jomo Kenyatta, the largest and busiest airport in east and central Africa. More than 4.9 million passengers passed through it in 2008. It is the main hub for passengers flying to small towns eastern and central Africa. Jomo Kenyatta Airport is located 20 km from the business center of Nairobi. It receives direct flights from Europe and Asia. A project to expand the airport to accommodate increasing passenger traffic is currently being considered.

Wilson Airport is located south of Nairobi. It serves mainly small aircraft on domestic flights to Kenya, although there are flights to other East African countries.

Eastlaith Airport was originally a landing strip before the advent of jet aircraft. In the 1930s and 1940s it served British passenger and mail services from Southampton to Cape Town. Seaplanes flew through it from England to Kisumu. Currently there is a military base here.

Matatu

The most common form of transport in Nairobi is the matatu. The word literally means "thirty cents a ride" (although it costs much more now). Matatus are private minibuses with a capacity of fourteen to twenty-four people. Such buses transport passengers on both city and intercity routes. The most noticeable feature of matatus was their extravagant coloring. Owners often decorate their buses with portraits of their favorite football team or artist, and recently there have even been matatus featuring Barack Obama. Most matatus have audio systems and televisions to attract passengers as competition among drivers is very high.

As a result of fierce competition and insufficient regulation, matatu drivers tried to increase profits by increasing the speed of transportation, which is why there were a large number of accidents involving them in Nairobi. To ensure safety, in 2004 the government passed a law requiring all matatus to be equipped with seat belts, and also limiting the speed to 80 km/h. In addition, all matatus had to be painted with a horizontal yellow stripe. At first, this caused a storm of protests among operators, but under pressure from the government and the public they had to come to terms with the new requirements.

Buses

Buses are becoming increasingly popular in Nairobi. There are currently three bus companies operating in the city: the traditional Kenya Bus Service (KBS) and the new private operators Citi Hoppa and Double M. Citi Hoppa buses can be identified by their green color, Double M buses are purple, and KBS are blue.

Other small companies operate regular intercity bus services.

Railways

Nairobi was founded as railroad station, and the headquarters of the Kenyan Railways is still located in the city, near the center. The line passing through Nairobi connects Mombasa and Kampala. Mainly it is used for freight transport, however, there are also night buses running along it passenger trains. A large number of workers commute to work in the city center by train from the suburbs, but the city has no developed light rail, tram lines or subway.

Taxi

Taxi services are available in almost any part of the city. Traveling by taxi is more expensive than traveling by bus or matatu, but is safer and more comfortable. Most often, taxis await customers near hotels, at taxi stands, as well as in the city center and near large shopping centers.

Living conditions and crime

Between half a million and a million people live in the Kibera area, the largest and poorest slum in Africa, which originated as a settlement for Nubian soldiers.

Crime in the city is increasingly increasing, and now Nairobi is one of the most dangerous cities. The UN commission assigned the city “status B”, ranking it among the most criminal cities in the world. There was a high level of armed robbers, brigands and car thieves.

Crime increased because numerous rural residents, out of instability, began to rush to the capital, where they did not find money, employment or food, and they had no choice but to replenish the slums.

Houses and neighborhoods in the city hire security guards who work day and night. Tourists are not advised to show valuable items or walk around the central part of the city in the dark.

Terrorism manifested itself in the city in 2016, after which the flow of tourists sharply decreased.

Religion

Twin Cities

Nairobi is sister city to the following cities:

Notes

  1. en:Nairobi#cite_note-currentpop-0
  2. United Nations University Nairobi: National capital and regional hub (html). unu.edu. (inaccessible link - story) Retrieved June 17, 2007.
  3. R.C. Bowen Kenya Attractions of Nairobi (html). kenya.rcbowen.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2007.
  4. Merriam-Webster, Inc. Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary. - Merriam-Webster, 1997. - P. 786. - ISBN 0877795460
  5. Dutton E.A.T. 1 // Kenya Mountain. - 1. - London: Jonathan Cape, 1929. - P. 1–2.
  6. United States Embassy Quiet Memorials Mark Fourth Anniversary of Embassy Bombing (html). usembassy.gov. (inaccessible link - story) Retrieved June 17, 2007.
  7. Perceptive Travel Nairobi by Degrees. perceptivetravel.com. (inaccessible link - story) Retrieved June 14, 2007.
  8. The East African Karura: Are We Missing the Trees for the Forest? (html). nationmedia.com (November 2, 1998). (inaccessible link - story) Retrieved June 14, 2007.
  9. World Travels Nairobi Climate and Weather (html). wordtravels.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved June 14, 2007.
  10. United Nations Travel and Visa Information (html). unhabitat.org. Archived
  11. Gaisma Nairobi, Kenya - Sunrise, sunset, dawn and dusk times, table (html). gaisma.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved June 22, 2007.
  12. Nairobi City Council Councilors, Wards & Constituencies (html). nairobicity.org. Retrieved June 20, 2007.
  13. Nairobi City Council Living in Nairobi (html). nairobicity.org. Archived from the original on June 25, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2007.
  14. Monsters and Critics Urban Somali refugees call Nairobi "s "Little Mogadishu" home (html). news.monstersandcritics.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2007.
  15. Travel Blackboard Nairobi (html). etravelblackboard.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved June 25, 2007.
  16. The Standard Kenyans must have a sustained campaign against land grabbing (html). eastandard.net. (inaccessible link - story) Retrieved June 25, 2007.

Passport control does not take much time - compared to obtaining a visa upon arrival in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), in Nairobi everything happens instantly:
– 50 dollars
– photograph taken with a digital eye on a stand
– fingerprints of two hands
– sticker of a Kenyan single-entry visa in your passport.
Welcome to Kenya!

Mobile Internet

The first thing upon arrival is to buy a SIM card in order to have Mobile Internet at hand.
In the arrival hall of the international terminal, Safaricom SIM cards have run out. But they are in the second terminal - Domestic, in a tent also selling water and chocolates.
A woman with eyes looking in different directions, which casts doubt on her mental abilities, offers the desired SIM card: it is in a black case:

– check, maybe there is a phone there for that money: 1000 shillings for a SIM card and 1000 shillings for the maximum piece of Internet traffic (1.3 Gb)

The SIM card is of a regular size and fits an iPhone and is cut with scissors using the usual movements.
The device shows 3G in Nairobi and works very quickly: Google map, mail, forum.
In the Maasai Mara park, the connection is often lost, but nevertheless it is possible to stay in touch even on safari - GPRS (2G) comes across, especially when repeater towers on the hills are visible on the horizon.

Hotels, accommodation in Nairobi

Before flying out of Tanzania, the Laico Regency Hotel was booked, and only because of its central location in the city.

The hotel itself is a monstrous mixture of the luxury of the lobby, the area of ​​​​bars and restaurants, and the shabby decoration inside the rooms.
But you can live, of course. Wi-Fi is available, but it is very slow, so the mobile Internet is shared from an iPhone.

What to see in Nairobi?

Well, we walked out of our luxurious lobby onto the street. I’m walking with a cigarette and as soon as we go out into the crowd (outside the hotel gates), Gavrila immediately appears and in a raised voice begins to say strange things that I’m even scared out of habit:

- What are you smoking?
- I smoke a cigarette. Not pissing - this is ordinary tobacco, not marijuana (the thought flashes that he is seeing thin Richmond cigarettes for the first time)
– You can’t smoke a cigarette
– Shouldn’t you go on your way?

Gavrila takes out a badge from the inside pocket of her tattered jacket and allegedly demonstrates her affiliation with some government agency. Well, after some explanations on his part, it becomes clear that he is not asking to finish smoking a cigarette (I thought the same thing).
And something like that is prohibited on the streets of Nairobi.

- Fine! Yours took it: I trampled the bull with my foot and we moved on, not paying any more attention to the representative of the voluntary people's squad.

Although there were attempts on his part to write out some kind of fine on a piece of paper. But apparently, he quickly realized that such a deception of a tourist as giving him cash without any receipt would not work and he fell behind quite quickly.

The city is one big traffic jam.
What a Moscow it is! Come to Nairobi and see that it is faster to walk a few kilometers than to take a taxi.

It has been noticed that the presence of you as a white tourist on the street causes some strange and not kind interest on the part of the indigenous residents.
“Mzungu” with the addition of some rude comments, judging by the intonation, is often heard in the back. They are afraid to say anything to their face, but they look askance in a bad way.

Having reached high tower with a helipad at the top, we went inside and paid for the entrance tickets to the top through the reception and went upstairs.
From this experience I can report that you don’t have to pay anything: just go inside and go straight towards the elevator hall. There, on the remote control, you press the 27th floor, ordering an elevator to the roof.

After you climb one flight of stairs on foot to the 28th floor, you find yourself in a kind of “basement” - metal cables replace the grating of the suicide fence here, and a concrete slab of a helipad hangs from above... no view.

But that's not all - you need to find an open door with the sign “No Entry” and climb another narrow flight of stairs.
You will find yourself at a helipad, from where you can take pictures of the surrounding Nairobi.

What else to do in Nairobi?

You can dine at the restaurant, which offers several types of grilled meats, including ostrich and crocodile. They say that giraffe, zebra and antelope used to be roasted here. But at the moment, only what I wrote about is available.

The restaurant is called Carnivore
What it is:
This is the Brazilian churrascaria in Africa:

That is: you pay the entrance fee and eat as much meat as you can.
Moreover, the meat is carried on skewers and cut off exactly as much as you can eat during the time until the next time someone approaches you.

There are different types of meat: in Brazil there are several types of beef, lamb and offal.
They also wear ostrich and crocodile meat here. This is natural and simply not discussed in any way: this establishment in Africa, in Kenya, in Nairobi - does not even hold a candle to the Brazilian shuraskari.

But nevertheless, the experience of visiting the Carnivore restaurant is useful - there is something to compare with and feel nostalgically sad about.
And one more advantage: in Brazil they do not serve ostrich meat, but here it is available.

And now:

Tactics for visiting the Carnivore restaurant

The tactics are as follows: you pay 2800 shils per person and sit in the right and convenient place for you. For me, this is an open veranda where you can smoke.
You do not order any of the offered alcohol. Sweet cocktails will be offered.

The ticket price includes bread and butter, soup, pies and salad. As soon as they bring it, send everything (except the salad) to benefit starving African children - you didn’t come here to eat bread.

After some time, seeing that you are focusing on the topic, they will put a hot cast-iron plate on your table - you are ready to eat meat.
Now attention: no sausages, ribs, pork! You came here to eat only expensive and exotic meat.

You see they are bringing lamb - here it is! They carried the ostrich - come on, lay it on!
During the process, the waiters remember your preferences and weirdos with pork on a skewer will avoid your table.

Now you can order drinks: water and wine. Italian wine here costs 2800 shils - quite good Chianti.

There is no need to spoil meat with sauces - they dull the taste buds and kill appetite.
If you are so full that you can no longer eat, order a glass of Calvados. After 5 minutes your appetite will wake up again

You will be given a dessert menu - this is included in the price of admission. The sorbet is quite wow – I can recommend it with Calvados.

After everything they bring you the bill and you faint... Just kidding.
In Moscow it will be three times more expensive (I don’t know about other CIS cities, but I don’t think it’s very cheap compared to Moscow)

Paid the bill - go outside.
On the street, don’t ask to call a taxi for you, but simply go outside the territory of this complex - there is also a club nearby where they dance salsa - you can shake off your calories there if you have the strength.

Come out and arrange for delivery to your hotel. The price in the evening to our hotel was 1000 shils (in the daytime it cost 600 to go to the restaurant). The original price was 1000 and 1500 respectively

Taxi in Nairobi

You shouldn’t raise your hand on the street - they won’t stop you, and if they do stop you, then there may be problems for both you and him - they will hit you in the face. The traffic in the city is such that taxis park on side streets. They can be identified by the checkered marks on the roof, but this is not a fact. that it will be a taxi meter.

Most likely it will be a bomber, with whom you will have to bargain for a long time before leaving. Their prices can be divided by 2 and trading can begin at this price. If you don't agree, leave. He agrees and won’t go anywhere.

That's it for Nairobi. I didn’t like the city and the desire to go somewhere else there did not arise and will not arise. The city is not cozy, has poor energy, and I felt it well at first sight

Nairobi is the largest city in East Africa, located near the equator, the capital of Kenya. This is a relatively young city, just over 100 years old. The city's population is constantly growing. It is a cosmopolitan, dynamic and picturesque metropolis. Today its population is estimated at 4 million people, although this is an approximate figure without taking into account the inhabitants of the huge slums. Geographically, it is located in the southern part of the country at an altitude of 1600-1700 meters. The cities of Mombasa and Kampala are nearby.

Like most African cities, Nairobi has an ethnic flavor, a crowded atmosphere and scenic natural attractions. The main flow of tourists comes to visit the national park of the same name. Nairobi Park is located just 7 km from the city. Animals typical of the Kenyan savannas are concentrated in this small protected area. The park covers 117 km² and is famous for its shelter for orphaned elephants and rhinoceroses.

The name of the city predates English colonization and means “place of cold water” in the Maasai language. In ancient times, on the site of present-day Nairobi, there was a small oasis where caravans of slave traders stopped to rest. The city received the status of capital in 1905, thanks to the construction of the railway. Before this, the capital was Mombasa. With the advent of the railroad, civilization came here. The first car appeared, the first post office, etc.

Today it is a rapidly developing metropolis with high-rise buildings made of glass and concrete right in the city center. But just a few decades ago, most tall building The city had a clock tower in the central square. On the same square is the tomb of the legendary Jomo Kenyatta, the country's first president. Because of this, photography and video filming in front of the parliament building is prohibited. Kenyans treated and continue to treat this man with special trepidation.

Based: 1899
Square: 696 km 2
Population: 4 million people (2017)
Currency: Kenyan shilling
Language: English, Swahili
Official website: http://www.nairobi.go.ke/

Current time in Nairobi:
(UTC +3)

Modern Nairobi has a rectangular layout and is built up with European-style buildings. This is one of the dynamically developing cities in Africa and its largest transport hub. Of course, first of all, this is a city of fantastic safari. However, in addition to this, tourists can expect authentic shops, a crowded market, outlying areas, beautiful mansions in the depths of gardens, old center, theaters, museums and universities.

How to get there

Nairobi's transport infrastructure is considered the most developed in Kenya. It is here that one of the continent's largest and busiest airports is located. The annual passenger traffic of Jomo Kenyatta Airport reaches 4-5 million people. The airport often serves as a hub for travelers heading to other, smaller cities in eastern and central Africa. Geographically, it is located approximately 20 km from the central part of Nairobi.

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Climate and weather in Nairobi

Weather forecast

Sunday
21.04

Monday
22.04

Tuesday
23.04

Wednesday
24.04

Thursday
25.04

Friday
26.04
on "Pogoda.Tourister.Ru"

Weather in Nairobi by month

Temperature
daytime, °C		 Temperature
at night, °C		 Quantity
precipitation, mm
25 12 38
26 13 64
25 14 125
24 14 211
22 13 158
21 12 46
21 11 15
21 11 23
24 11 31
24 13 53
23 13 109
23 13 86

Reviews by month

January 1 February 1 March 1 May 4 August 3 September 3 October 2 November 5 December 2

Sights of Nairobi

Several decades ago, the tallest building in the city was the clock tower in the central square. On the same square is the tomb of the legendary Jomo Kenyatta, the country's first president. Because of this, photography and video filming in front of the parliament building is prohibited. Kenyans treated and continue to treat this man with special trepidation.

Other attractions in the city include the National Document Archives, the Snake Museum, Langata Giraffe Park, the Karen Blixen Museum and, of course, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The Indian Quarter with Hindu temples, River Road and Uhuru (Freedom) Park are great places to walk. In a place called Bomas there is a theater for 3,500 people, where amateur groups perform daily. From Nairobi you can easily go on organized safari tours to the country's national parks and reserves.

Not far from the city is one of the most impressive places on the planet - the Great Rift Valley. It contains more than 30 active and semi-active volcanoes, formed as a result of the tectonic movement of the earth's plates millions of years ago. On alkaline lakes More than 4 million flamingos fly to the valley every year. Today, the Rift Valley excursion is one of the most popular among visitors to Nairobi.

Where to go in Nairobi

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Parks and Recreation

Transport

Private guides in Nairobi

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Nairobi in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Purchases

In cities and populated areas Kenya has a large number of souvenir shops and stalls, as well as markets with handicrafts. Among authentic souvenirs, tourists especially appreciate clay figurines of animals, paintings by local artists, ornamental materials made of ebony and teak wood, leather goods, ethnic masks, handmade carpets, wickerwork, and drums. No less popular are Kenyan tea and coffee, which are sold in all supermarkets in Nairobi. The decorations and details of the Maasai national clothing are extremely beautiful. However, prices in local markets are often unreasonably high, so tourists can and should bargain. Sometimes, by haggling, you can reduce the price of a product by as much as 50%. The export of ivory products from the country is prohibited, and the skins of wild animals can only be exported with a special permit.

The range of souvenirs in all stores is almost the same. In large cities there are shopping centers and stores with products of famous brands. Some of the largest and most famous shopping centers in Nairobi are Westgate Mall and The Junction. A largest network supermarkets is considered Nakumatt. Almost all retail outlets are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 17.00 with a lunch break, and on Saturdays from 8.30 to 12.30. In places where tourists gather, shops can be open until 20.00 without a lunch break. Supermarkets are open until almost midnight. There is no tax free system, and credit cards accepted only in large stores. Many Kenyan stores sell safari clothing made from special materials that cover the entire body. You can also buy precious and semi-precious stones in Kenya, for example, tanzanite, tsavorite, malachite, tiger's eye. However, the export of gold and diamonds from the country is prohibited.

Communications in Nairobi

Internet

The Internet has become widespread in Kenya, thanks to a large number of provider companies. Today, in almost all cities of the country, tourists can find an Internet cafe, and most hotels, lodges and restaurants offer their own Wi-Fi. You can also use international tourist SIM cards to access the Internet. Connection rules and tariffs need to be clarified with operators.

cellular

Kenya uses the international standard GSM-900. In cities, the connection is consistently good, but in some remote areas the connection may be lost. Local SIM cards are sold at the offices of Safaricom and KenCell operators. Such cards can be purchased immediately upon arrival at Nairobi airport, or in communication shops, which are found in almost all more or less large settlements.

Telephone communications

Telephone communications in Kenya are not well developed. For example, pay phones are found only in major cities countries. Some of them work with coins, and some with special cards. These cards can be purchased at post offices. The central point of international negotiations is located in Nairobi. From this point you can call directly abroad. It is also possible to make a call from the hotel, but at a double rate. For calls to local numbers need to dial international code Kenya - 254.

Safety

When visiting Nairobi, tourists should adhere to basic safety rules, as it is one of the most dangerous cities on the continent. Poor areas and slums have high crime rates. For this reason, tourists are not recommended to walk alone at night and display valuable items. If necessary, it is better to use a reliable taxi service.

Compared to others African countries Kenya has a relatively favorable situation in terms of epidemiology, but do not forget about the risk of contracting malaria, various forms of hepatitis, HIV infection, and yellow fever. For this reason, increased precautions are recommended. In particular, upon entering the country, tourists may be required to have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. To prevent malaria, you should take a course of certain medications prescribed by your doctor. Vaccination against tetanus, polio, hepatitis, A and B is also recommended. Timely insurance will allow you to reimburse expenses in the event of force majeure.

In Kenya, it is not safe to drink tap water or eat food purchased from street vendors. Fruits and vegetables must be washed with boiled water. Smoking in in public places is strictly prohibited, but there are specially designated places for this. Fines for violating this ban can be quite high. Kenyans don't really like it when strangers take pictures of them without permission, but for a special fee they may agree. It is prohibited to photograph border posts, people in uniform, military installations, the central square of Nairobi and the area near Jomo Kenyatta's mausoleum.

During safari trips, you should not get too close to wild animals, and in many national parks it is even prohibited to move around on your own. It is best to explore the protected areas by jeep and accompanied by a professional guide. Feed animals national parks is also prohibited and is fraught with a large fine. In lodges and camps it is recommended to monitor the condition of mosquito nets. For a trip to nature reserves, it is better to choose clothes that cover all parts of the body as much as possible. It is strongly recommended to take wide-brimmed hats, high but comfortable shoes, sunscreen, repellents and plenty of drinking water.

To explore Hindu temples, head to the Indian Quarter. You will also find beautiful mosques, a Sikh temple and a Coptic Orthodox church. Church named after St. Mark.

Considered a special attraction Nairobi National Park. This is unique natural Park, located within the city limits. It is home to a variety of animals including black rhinoceroses, lions and giraffes.

Several important museums have been built in the city. The main thing is National Museum. It houses a huge anthropological exhibition, a collection of artifacts demonstrating the rich historical, cultural and natural heritage Kenya. The museum has a complete skeleton of Homo erectus.

Among other museums that are the main custodians of the history and culture of the country and city are: Nairobi Gallery, Railway Museum, National Archives, Nairobi Museum.

Not far from Wilson Airport is Uhuru garden- the country's largest memorial park, where the flag of Kenya's independence was first raised.

Be sure to check out the writer's museum Karen Blixen and also to the farm "Bomas of Kenya"(this is a venue for concerts and exhibitions), and also visit The Clock Tower in the city center, Jomo Kenyatta's residence, Langata Giraffe Center and Snake Park, where you will be treated to national dishes of the country.

Art lovers will be able to visit Ramoma Museum of Contemporary Art, Mizizi Arts Center and National Theater of Kenya.

Nutrition

In Nairobi you will find an equal number of local and international cuisine establishments. A distinctive feature of the capital's culinary traditions- a huge amount of seasonings and hot spices. Most dishes are prepared from animal meat, including such as giraffe, ostrich, crocodile, and zebra. Seafood and fruits are widely used.

In restaurants they will serve you for breakfast ugali- corn porridge, and at lunchtime they will offer turtle soup.

In Nairobi you will find restaurants and cafes to suit every taste and budget. Most acceptable prices for meals from famous catering establishments Carnivore and restaurant chains Tamarind.

He became especially famous in the capital and not only Carnivor Restaurant. Its distinctive feature is the presence of very exotic dishes, such as buffalo meat with fried termites or locusts in sauce.

A network of cafes and restaurants is popular among tourists and local residents Java House. Best coffee shops - Dormans Coffee House chain, where you will be treated to local and imported coffee, and Savannah- a network of establishments owned by a first-class coffee and tea company Sasini Tea.

An alternative to national dishes is Indian, Portuguese, English, Arabic, and Ethiopian cuisine. There are fast food restaurants.

All the main cafes and bars are concentrated in the central part of the city, in the Langata and Westland areas.

Accommodation

Classic tourist accommodation in Nairobi is primarily three-star hotels. Only here you can stay in a chain hotel Nairobi Serena, Holiday Inn, The Stanley Hotel, Safari Park & ​​Casino, Hilton, InterContinental, Nairobi Safari Club.

An alternative expensive hotels world-famous hotels are Crowne Plaza Hotel, Tribe Hotel-Village Market, Eastland Hotel, Ole Sereni, The Boma.

Nairobi is a very contrasting city. There are not only expensive first-class hotels, but also poor areas where the standard of living is very low. Budget hotels located on the outskirts of the city. It can be dangerous to be in these areas even during the day.

Tourists are also offered villas, apartments, apartments and ordinary traditional houses for rent. On safari these will be campsites, eco-hotels and lodges.

Entertainment and relaxation

Nairobi is a vibrant city with all kinds of entertainment for tourists. You will be offered many excursions, trips to museums and parks, and an arboretum. Casinos, modern nightclubs, two theaters and many cinemas are open as entertainment venues. After dark, most restaurants and bars offer live music.

For horse racing fans, races are organized every Sunday in Kenya Center Ngong Racecourse.

You can have a great time in the capital in June, when the SUV rally is held in Nairobi "Rino-Charge". In July, the World Championships take place in the vicinity of the city. "Sugar Rally". In August, all music lovers gather for the Kenya Music Festival.

Undoubtedly, the main reason for Kenya's popularity is safari, and Nairobi is the safari capital of the world. The city can offer you a combination of convenience and bustling big city life with untouched vaults natural wealth Africa. You can go on a short-term expedition or even live in Nairobi National Park, where all the beauty of Kenya's flora and fauna is collected in one place.

Nairobi is called the center of sports life in East Africa. In the suburbs of the capital there is the largest sports facility in Kenya - Moi International Sports Centre.

Arguably the most popular sport among Kenyans is football, and Nairobi is home to the main football stadium.

There are also six golf courses in and around the city. Rugby and volleyball are very popular among tourists and the local population.

Friday is considered the best day of rest in the capital. Friends and colleagues gather for fun after the work week. They call it Friday Furahiday, which translates to “happy day.” Concerts are held on Friday evenings various events, theme nights. The best nightclubs and restaurants are concentrated in the Westland area, on a street called Electric Avenue, in the suburbs of Karen and Langata.

Purchases

The capital of Kenya has both the most modern shopping and entertainment centers and regular flea markets. The main shopping centers are West Gate, T-Mall, Village Market, Prestige Plaza, Westgate Centre, The Yaya Centre, Westgate Shopping Mall, and The Junction. In them you will find many shops, entertainment venues, cafes and restaurants, cinemas and bookstores.

The main grocery stores are supermarkets Tuskys, Nakumatt and Uchumi.

The oriental bazaar is traditionally known. There is one like this in Nairobi - the so-called “village bazaar”. This is not a stationary place of trade - tents with goods can be located in different parts of the city. There you will find numerous sellers of traditional clothing and shoes, ceramics, decorative items, all kinds of fabrics and other interesting, purely African goods.

A crowd of colorfully dressed traders and numerous shoppers fill Nairobi's largest market, the Maasai. The market is full of wood products, utensils, various masks, traditional jewelry and stones. Here you will surely choose something as a gift for your family and friends.

The main souvenirs from Nairobi are leather and clay jewelry, figurines in the shape of animals and people, and Kenyan batik.

If you want to feel the flavor of the city, go to the area Westlands, where a small market of souvenir shops is open Westlands Triangle.

To buy expensive jewelry, it is better to go to special jewelry stores. There you can buy blue diamond, tanzanite, malachite, blue agate and other beautiful stones at a very competitive price.

As a rule, the opening hours of shops and markets coincide - from 8:30 to 17:00. Supermarkets are open until late.

Transport

The bulk of air flights are carried out from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is the largest in the country and region. You can fly to another East African country or within Kenya itself from Wilson Airport.

Since Nairobi does not have a metro or tram lines, passenger trains running by rail from Mombasa to Nairobi and Kampala are in demand. Passenger flights mainly operate at night. The most expensive ticket will cost you no more than $25; children under 15 years old pay only 50% of the cost of an adult ticket.

The most convenient means of transportation around the city are matatu and buses. A matatu is a private minibus with a capacity of up to 20 people. They are equipped with seat belts, audio systems and televisions. The fare is $1-3. Buses are less modern and traveling on them is not always pleasant. You can buy a ticket for one trip from the conductor, and a ticket for a month - at the Kenya Bus offices.

Taxis in Nairobi have an average level of demand, since their fares are very high. Taxi stands are located in the city center, near hotels and large retail outlets.

Connection

Nairobi has dense coverage mobile communications, the Internet is developed, and public telephones provide communications on the streets.

The services of mobile operators Safaricom, Orange and Airtel are in greatest demand. You can connect to local telecom operators at their offices and connection points in large shopping centers. Calls to one network cost approximately $0.30, and calls to other networks cost approximately $0.45.

You can connect to the Internet at the offices of provider companies. Internet cafes and hotels provide one-time access. Broadband Internet access is provided by the mobile operator Safaricom. The most favorable price/quality ratio is mobile Internet from the Orange operator. Airtel will provide you with internet for $10.38 per week.

Yu mobile is also a low-cost internet service provider. You will be provided with access to the network for $0.50 per day. Unlimited Internet for a month will cost $6.50, but the speed is unlikely to please you.

Located in Nairobi Central Negotiation Point, from where you can directly call abroad. Cost of a call from hotel room will be twice as high.

To make a call using a public pay phone, you must purchase a telephone card at a call center or post office.

Safety

Nairobi, as mentioned above, is a contrasting and unpredictable city. For example, the Kibera slum area is adjacent to a civilized urban area built up with large business centers. In total, 66 areas in the capital are recognized as slums. This ensures a high crime rate in the city. Car thefts, armed assaults and petty thefts often occur here. Many people hire security guards. Tourists are advised not to display valuables and not to appear alone on the streets of the capital after dark.

Car traffic in the capital is very chaotic. IN this moment Work is underway to improve the road surface and tighten traffic rules. Today the speed limit is up to 55 km/h on city streets and 25 km/h in nature reserves.

Business climate

The business climate in Nairobi is determined by being there Nairobin Stock Exchange, which has the 4th largest trading volume in Africa.

In addition, the capital has headquarters and representative offices of companies such as Coca Cola, General Electric, Google, Cisco Systems, Young & Rubicam, Zain.

A private entrepreneur in this city can successfully develop a textile business, production and sale of food and beverages, clothing, and cigarettes. These are currently in-demand business sectors. Business in the field of communications and high technology is also promising. Great success can be achieved in the tourism business and service sector.

For the best conditions for business development, the first business park in East Africa was built in Nairobi.

Real estate

Since Nairobi is a developing city with an international airport, wonderful attractions and an excellent climate, real estate is in high demand. In addition, modern new buildings that meet the best standards are being built in the capital. And considering that the tourist season in the city lasts practically all year round, then it’s easy to guess that buying property in Nairobi is a very profitable investment.

The price of an apartment in a residential area of ​​the city will be based on $700-900 per 1 m2; in the center of the capital, 1 m2 will be offered to you for $1000-1500. Houses with an adjacent plot of land are also in demand.

Renting a home is quite expensive. For one month of stay in a one-room apartment in a residential area you will have to pay 200-300 $, the same apartment in the center will cost 300-400. A three-room apartment is rented for no less than $500 per month in a residential area and for $800 in the city center.

Many complex ethnic customs coexist in Nairobi, non-observance of which can lead to conflicts with local residents. Be careful and watch your actions.

In Nairobi, it is prohibited to photograph or film border posts and military installations, as well as police and security officials. Locals agree to pose for photos only for money. Taking photographs without their consent can be dangerous.

Contacts with local population It is better to avoid unless absolutely necessary, as they may result in extortion of money, robbery, or offers to provide dubious services.

When going on a safari, be sure to wear thick trousers, high shoes, and a hat.

For feeding animals, you can be fined up to $100, as well as for any harm caused to an animal (even without malicious intent).

On safari vacations, it is customary to leave a tip of $3-5 to drivers and gamekeepers.

Kenya Provinces Mayor George Aladwa History and geography Based 1899 Square 696 km² Center height 1661 m Timezone UTC+3 Population Population 3,240,155 people (2010) Density 4655 people/km² Digital IDs Telephone code +254 20 nairobi.go.ke (English)

Nairobi(English and Swahili Nairobi) - near the equator, the capital, the most Big city V . The city's population is estimated at between three and four million inhabitants; these statistics are underestimated due to the presence of huge slums around the city, the population of which is extremely difficult to estimate.

Story

Satellite photo of Nairobi

Previously in place modern city there were uninhabited swamps. In 1899, a supply station for the Uganda Railway was built here, which soon became the railway's headquarters. The city got its name from the name of the reservoir, which in the Maasai language sounds like Ewaso Nyirobi(Ewaso Nairobi), meaning "cool waters". In 1900, the city was completely rebuilt following an outbreak of bubonic plague, which Old city I had to burn it completely.

The basis for choosing the site for construction of the Nairobi station was its location in the middle between the cities and. In addition, there was a rich network of rivers that helped supply the settlement with water, and the altitude above sea level made the area cool enough for comfortable living. Moreover, at an altitude of 1661 m above sea level, the air temperature is too low for the survival of malaria mosquitoes.

In 1905, Nairobi became the capital of the British Protectorate, replacing Mombasa. The city began to grow due to the administration and tourists who came to Kenya to hunt. British colonialists used Nairobi as starting point to explore the region. All this prompted the colonial government to build several impressive hotels in the city, most of whose guests were hunters.

Under British rule, Nairobi continued to grow, with many British people settling in the suburbs. The city became a municipality in 1919. In February 1926, E. A. T. Dutton passed through Nairobi on his way to Mount Kenya and said of the city:

Perhaps one day Nairobi will be covered with tar roads, planted with flowering trees, filled with beautiful buildings, with squares and gardens, with a cathedral worthy of faith and country, with museums, galleries, theaters and government institutions. And it is fair to say that the government and the municipality have already taken on this problem boldly, and that an ambitious plan that could turn Nairobi into a beautiful city, is already beginning to be implemented, and a lot has already been done. However, until this plan bears fruit, Nairobi will have to remain what he was, an unkempt creature, unworthy to rule such a beautiful country.

Original text (English)

Maybe one day Nairobi will be laid out with tarred roads, with avenues of flowering trees, flanked by noble buildings; with open spaces and stately squares; a cathedral worthy of faith and country; museums and galleries of art; theaters and public offices. And it is fair to say that the Government and the Municipality have already bravely tackled the problem and that a town-plan is ambitious enough to turn Nairobi into a thing of beauty has been slowly worked out, and much has already been done. But until that plan has borne fruit, Nairobi must remain what she was then, a slatternly creature, unfit to queen it over so lovely a country.

The city's continued growth, however, angered the Maasai and Kikuyu peoples who previously owned the land. At the end of World War II, these tensions escalated into the Mau Mau uprising. Jomo Kenyatta, the future president of Kenya, was arrested and imprisoned for his participation in the uprising, although there was no evidence linking him to the uprising. As a result, Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963, and Nairobi became the capital of the new republic.

After independence, Nairobi began to grow rapidly, placing excessive strain on the city's infrastructure. Power and water outages are common, although better urban planning has helped alleviate some of these problems in recent years.

In 1998, the embassy in Nairobi was attacked by al-Qaeda terrorists, which killed more than 200 people. A memorial was erected at this site.

On September 21, 2013, a terrorist attack occurred in Nairobi. 16 terrorists attacked shopping mall"Nakumatt Westgate", hostages were taken. On September 23, Kenyan security forces began storming the shopping center. On September 25, 2013, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the completion of the operation to destroy terrorists. As a result of the terrorist attack, 67 people were killed and more than 150 were injured.

Geography

Aerial view of the CBD and Ngong Road

The city is located in 1°17′ S w. 36°49′ E. d. and covers an area of ​​696 km².

Nairobi is located between the cities and. Because the city is located near the eastern edge of the rift valley, small earthquakes and tremors occur periodically. The Ngong Hills, located to the west of the city, are the highest point near Nairobi. Mount Kenya rises to the north of the city, and Kilimanjaro rises to the southeast. Both mountains can be seen from Nairobi on a clear day.

The Nairobi River and its tributaries cross the Nairobi region. To the north of the city lies the Karura Forest, which Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Mathai fought to preserve when plans were put forward to develop the area with houses and other infrastructure.

The western suburbs of Nairobi stretch from the Kenyatta National Hospital in the south to the UN headquarters and Jigiri in the north, covering a distance of about 20 kilometers.

The center of the city is City Square, located in the Central Business District. The square is surrounded by the Kenyan Parliament buildings, the Holy Family Cathedral, the city council building, the city court and the Kenyatta Convention Centre.

Climate

Thanks to an altitude of over 1,600 meters above sea level, Nairobi has a temperate climate: temperatures rarely rise above 25°C and are fairly uniform throughout the year. The coldest month is July, the warmest is March. There are 2 wet seasons, clearly defined in April-May and November-December, and one dry season - in July-August. In June and July, temperatures at night can drop below 10°C. The lowest recorded temperature was + 5 °C. The sunniest and warmest time of the year is the period from January to March. For this period, the average temperature is maximum and is 24 °C. The cloudiest time of the year occurs immediately after the first rainy season, and high humidity remains until September. Since Nairobi is located close to the equator, the differences between sunrise and sunset times throughout the year are extremely small.

Nairobi Climate
Index Jan. Feb. March Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year
Average maximum, °C 24,5 25,6 25,6 24,1 22,6 21,5 20,6 21,4 23,7 24,7 23,1 23,4 23,4
Average temperature, °C 18,0 18,6 19,4 19,1 17,9 16,3 15,4 15,8 17,1 18,6 18,1 18,0 17,7
Average minimum, °C 11,5 11,6 13,1 14,0 13,2 11,0 10,1 10,2 10,5 12,5 13,1 12,6 12,0
Precipitation rate, mm 58,3 49,8 92,2 242,3 189,5 38,6 17,6 24,0 31,2 60,8 149,6 107,6 1058,5
Source: WorldWeather.org

Districts

Nairobi is divided into constituencies: Makadara, Kamukunji, Sterehe, Langata, Dagoretti, Westlands, Kasarani and Embakasi. The main administrative divisions of Nairobi are: Central, Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kasarani, Kibera, Makadara, Pumwani and Westlands. To the west of the city are the wealthy suburbs where most European settlers settled during colonial times. These include Karen, Langata, Lavington and Highridge. Most of the poor and near-poverty areas are located in the eastern part of the city. These are Kariokor, Dandora, Kariobangi, Embakasi and Huruma. A large number of Somali emigrants live in the Eastleigh area, which is even called “Little Mogadishu”.

The most famous areas of Nairobi are Kibera and Karen. While Kibera, with its 170,000 inhabitants, is known as the largest East Africa slum area, Karen, on the contrary, became famous as the most respectable and wealthy suburb. The area is named after the writer Karen Blixen, who lived in this area for 20 years on her own coffee plantation.

Religion

Nairobi is the center of the Catholic archdiocese of the same name. Cathedral archdiocese - Cathedral of the Holy Family.

Economy

I&M Bank Headquarters in Nairobi

The Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) is located in Nairobi. NSE is ranked 4th in Africa in terms of trading volume and 5th in terms of market capitalization to GDP ratio.

Also in Nairobi are regional offices of some international companies and organizations. So during 2007, General Electric, Young & Rubicam, Google, Coca Cola, Zain and Cisco Systems moved their African headquarters to Nairobi. In addition, many large African companies have their headquarters in Nairobi.

The city produces goods such as clothing, textiles, building materials, food and beverages, and cigarettes. The city is home to factories of some international companies, such as Goodyear, General Motors, Toyota Motors, Coca Cola.

Tourism

Giraffe in Nairobi National Park with the city in the background

Although the tourism industry in Nairobi is not very developed, it does have attractions that are popular with visitors to the city. First of all, this is Nairobi National Park. Its uniqueness lies in its close proximity to a metropolis of its size. Nairobi National Park is home to more than 400 species of animals and birds, including lions and giraffes. Walking safaris in the park are very popular among tourists.

There are several museums located in Nairobi. The largest of them is the National Museum of Kenya, which houses the remains of the boy. homo erectus. Other popular museums are the Nairobi Railway Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum.

Nairobi is sometimes called the safari capital of the world. Many hotels in the city are specifically aimed at fans of this particular entertainment. There are quite a few five-star hotels in the city: Nairobi Serena, Laiko Regency (formerly Grand Regency), Windour (Karen), Holiday Inn, East African Safari Club (Lilian Towers), Stanley Hotel, Safari Park and Casino, Intercontinental, Panari Hotel, Hilton and Norfolk Hotel.

In addition, Nairobi is home to the largest ice skating rink in Africa - Solar Ice Rink. The skating rink was opened in 2005, has an area of ​​about 1400 m² and can accommodate up to 200 visitors. The city's largest retail chains are Nakumatt, Uchumi and Tuskys.

Transport

Airports

An aerial view of the cargo terminal of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, East Africa's largest airport.

Most air traffic in Nairobi occurs through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in east and central Africa. In 2008, more than 4.9 million passengers passed through it. It is the main hub for passengers flying to smaller cities in eastern and central Africa. Jomo Kenyatta Airport is located 20 km from the business center of Nairobi. It receives direct flights from Europe and Asia. A project to expand the airport to accommodate increasing passenger traffic is currently being considered. On August 7, 2013, the capital's airport almost completely burned down. The fire broke out in the border area of ​​the airport at half past four in the morning local time, and they began to extinguish it only at seven, when the fire spread to almost the entire airport. In addition, it turned out that rescuers were experiencing water shortages.

Wilson Airport is located south of Nairobi. It serves mainly small aircraft on domestic flights to Kenya, although there are flights to other East African countries.

Eastlaith Airport was originally a landing strip before the advent of jet aircraft. In the 1930s and 1940s it served British passenger and mail services from to . Seaplanes flew through it from to. Currently there is a military base here.

Matatu

The most common form of transport in Nairobi is the matatu. The word literally means "thirty cents a ride" (although it costs much more now). Matatus are private minibuses with a capacity of fourteen to twenty-four people. Such buses transport passengers on both city and intercity routes. The most noticeable feature of matatus was their extravagant coloring. Owners often decorate their buses with portraits of their favorite football team or artist, and recently there have even been matatus featuring Barack Obama. Most matatus have audio systems and televisions to attract passengers as competition among drivers is very high.

As a result of fierce competition and insufficient regulation, matatu drivers tried to increase profits by increasing the speed of transportation, which is why there were a large number of accidents involving them in Nairobi. To ensure safety, in 2004 the government passed a law requiring all matatus to be equipped with seat belts, and also limiting the speed to 80 km/h. In addition, all matatus had to be painted with a horizontal yellow stripe. At first, this caused a storm of protests among operators, but under pressure from the government and the public they had to come to terms with the new requirements.

In 2013, for the first time in the city's history, a group of researchers armed with cell phones with GPS compiled and published a map of matatu routes.

Buses

Buses are becoming increasingly popular in Nairobi. There are currently three bus companies operating in the city: the traditional Kenya Bus Service (KBS) and the new private operators Citi Hoppa and Double M. Citi Hoppa buses can be identified by their green color, Double M buses are purple, and KBS are blue.

Other small companies operate regular intercity bus services.

Railways

Nairobi was founded as a railway station and the headquarters of Kenya Railways is still located in the city, close to the centre. The line passing through Nairobi connects and. It is mainly used for freight transport, but overnight passenger trains also operate on it. A large number of workers commute to work in the city center by train from the suburbs, but the city has no developed light rail, tram lines or subway.

Taxi

Taxi services are available in almost any part of the city. Traveling by taxi is more expensive than traveling by bus or matatu, but is safer and more comfortable. Most often, taxis await customers near hotels, at taxi stands, as well as in the city center and near large shopping centers.

Living conditions and crime

Between half a million and a million people live in the Kibera area, the largest and poorest slum in Africa, which emerged in 1920 as a settlement for Nubian soldiers.

Crime in the city is increasingly increasing, and now Nairobi is one of the most dangerous cities. In 2001, the UN commission assigned the city “C status”, ranking it among the most criminal cities in the world. There was a high level of armed robbers, brigands and car thieves.

Crime increased because numerous rural residents, out of instability, began to rush to the capital, where they did not find money, employment or food, and they had no choice but to replenish the slums.

Houses and neighborhoods in the city hire security guards who work day and night. Tourists are not advised to show valuable items or walk around the central part of the city in the dark.

On August 7, 1998, a terrorist attack occurred in the city - the explosion of the American embassy in the city center, which killed 213 people and injured about 4,000 of varying degrees of severity, after which the flow of tourists to Nairobi sharply decreased.

On September 21, 2013, a group of armed men burst into the Nakumatt Westgate shopping center and opened fire on the people there. More than 60 people died. Citizens of Australia, China, and South Africa were killed and injured. The Al-Shabab group, which claimed responsibility for the attack, said it was taking revenge on Kenya for the participation of its troops in military operations against the group in the territory.

Education

Higher education

There are several universities in the city, including the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University and several others.

Culture

Museums Nairobi

  • National Museum of Kenya
  • Nairobi Railway Museum

Theaters Nairobi

  • National Theater of Kenya

Parks and gardens

Nairobi has many parks and squares. Most of the city is tree-lined. Nairobi's most famous park is Uhuru. It borders the central business district and Upper Hill. Uhuru (Freedom) Park is a venue for public speeches, worship services and rallies. Former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi wanted to build a 62-story building for his party on the site of the park, but thanks to the efforts of activist Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, the park was saved.

Central Park is adjacent to Uhuru Park and contains a memorial in honor of Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya. Also in the city are the Javani Gardens, City Park and Nairobi Arboretum.

Twin Cities

Nairobi is sister city to the following cities:

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    21. BBC NEWS|World|Africa|East Africa’s ice skating first
    22. Kenya Airports Authority Welcome to Jomo Kenyatta Intl. Airport. kenyaairports.com. Retrieved June 25, 2007.
    23. Kenya Airports Authority JKIA Voted Best Marketed Airport In Africa Once Again. kenyaairports.co.ke (September 22, 2009). Retrieved January 14, 2010. Archived February 12, 2012.
    24. JKIA Airport Expansion Plans
    25. Smoke like a rocker: Africans burned the airport to the ground. Retrieved August 7, 2013. Archived August 16, 2013.
    26. United Nations Offices Nairobi Interns How to get around Nairobi (English) (inaccessible link - story) . interns.unon.org. Retrieved July 5, 2007. Archived June 17, 2007.
    27. Crackdown hits Kenyan commuters, BBC (February 2, 2004). Retrieved July 3, 2006.
    28. Emily Badger, This Is What Informal Transit Looks Like When You Actually Map It, Feb 03, 2014
    29. Living amidst the rubbish of Kenya's slum (English), BBC News (20 September 2005). Retrieved 6 February 2011.
    30. What is Kibera? (English) . CSG Kibera. Retrieved February 6, 2011. Archived February 12, 2012.
    31. U.N. Starts Crime Study in Kenya's Capital (English), Xinhua News Agency (April 28, 2001). Retrieved February 6, 2011.
    32. Travel Blackboard Nairobi (html). etravelblackboard.com. Retrieved June 25, 2007. Archived February 12, 2012.
    33. The Standard Kenyans must have a sustained campaign against land grabbing (html) (inaccessible link - story) . eastandard.net. Retrieved June 25, 2007.
    34. Sister Cities International (English). Archived from the original on February 12, 2012.
    35. Raleigh, North Carolina. Sister Cities International. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
    36. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock gets set for African trip. Blogs.denverpost.com (April 18, 2013). Retrieved December 12, 2013.
    37. Coastweek Kenya. The most from the coast. Coastweek. Retrieved December 12, 2013.

    Links

    News

    • Daily Nation
    • The Standard
    • nairobi.com
    • All Schools in Nairobi

    Other

    • Nairobi City - official website
    • Magical Kenya review of Nairobi
    • Nairobi Stock Exchange
    • National Geographic Feature about Nairobi