Pros and cons of moving to Nairobi

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

Lifestyle in Nairobi

+ PRO: Relatively integrated expat and local society

Given the emergence of a large middle class with disposable income and the fact that Kenyans are known to have a friendly and hospitable culture, the expat and local communities are quite integrated. Kenyan and expat parents mix freely at kids’ schools, country clubs, bars, shopping centres and local restaurants.

+ 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. No need for central heating or warm coats, ever. And thanks to the cool evenings, there are fewer mosquitos and a lower risk of malaria in Nairobi. Still, it's necessary to take basic precautions against malaria.

+ PRO: Easily accessible holiday destinations

There are world-famous game parks right on Nairobi's doorstep, packed with incredible wildlife and scenery. Plus, the palm-lined, white sand beaches make for lovely getaways. Expats will be able to snorkel over coral reefs or sail, fish or enjoy a number of other watersports.

+ PRO: Expats lead active social lives

There are lots of restaurants and bars and a buzzing social scene in Nairobi. Many expats end up settling here long term because they love the vibe.

- CON: Limited shopping opportunities

Clothes, shoes, electrical items and toy shopping is still best done back home since these are all more costly in Nairobi and there is limited choice.

Culture shock in Nairobi

+ PRO: Locals are friendly and English is widely spoken

The Kenyan people are friendly and tolerant of visitors. English is the lingua franca here, though 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 one's day much easier.

- CON: Expats may take a long time adjusting

Many expats experience culture shock if they don't keep an open mind and aren't receptive to new experiences. Poverty is visible all around and expats may be approached by persistent hawkers. Rather than being fearful, keep smiling and say ‘no, thank you’.

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, expats aren't necessarily targeted in Nairobi. Most victims of theft are middle-class or poorer Kenyans who cannot afford good security.

- 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. Expats are therefore advised not to drive themselves but rather to hire a local driver who can better navigate these dangers.

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.

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.

- CON: Certain utilities are pricey

Whether living in a gated compound or a self-contained house, many expats are expected to chip in to pay for private security, which can be fairly costly. Electricity is also expensive.

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 an expat household. This may not be something that new arrivals are used to, but likely something they will soon embrace.

- 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, expats may need to supplement their water supply by buying water tankers.

Are you an expat living in Nairobi?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Nairobi. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.