Experience in Nairobi, Kenya by Morningflower

What is it like to live in Nairobi? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Nairobi is a home away from home. It has its ups and downs but you can't help falling in love with its deep rooted culture and breathtaking vibe.

I would recommend that if you want to live in Nairobi you need all structures in place before coming here especially as an expatriate and a lot of patience when it comes to timing. Most people here do "keep african timing" that is to say we normally don't start things on time.

Anybody wanting to relocate here would need to check the cost of living and taxesas well as working permit.

The city is always buzzing, lots of traffic jam which takes up most of your day. People are very friendly, in fact expatriates socialize more when they come to Nairobi unlike back home. The city is quite urbanized, the hub of IT evolution, huge shopping malls etc.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nairobi?

it''s been awhile since I was a student, so many things have changed. Though it is quite simple and hard at the same time. Most students live on campus if there is room otherwise there is lots of other outside accommodation which meets their budget.

Students here just love to have a good time. In fact they make up 80% of our party scenes.

Some students you will find now actually work and go to school at the same time, which was quite unheard of back in my time.

How much does it cost to live in Nairobi?

The currency is :Kenya Shillings (1 USD = Kshs 75-85). Each and every commodity is pegged on the dollar. Lots of inflation and fluctuation which affects the Kenyan shilling, because that is the currency used here..

But I can tell you this, Nairobi is far much more organized than that of our West African countries.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Nairobi? Is there any advice you can give?

The rates of accommodation do vary depending on what you are looking for and what your budget can get you. Therefore there is a fifty-fifty chance of finding accommodation at the snap of your fingers.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Traditional Kenyan foods reflect the many different lifestyles of the various groups in the country. There are a few sophisticated restaurants that offer these varieties. However once you have gained trust of kenyan folk while you are, they welcome you to their homes and you can east on the traditional meals.

Nairobi has fancy gourmet restaurants as well as the KFC's, Nandos...mostly fast food joints. You can not lack of any meal here.

My favorite dishes are: chapati with chicken stew, Irio (beans,peas,maize,terere leaves& potatoes all mashed together).

What places would you recommend visiting in Nairobi?

The national parks of course!, karen blixen museum, david sheldrick orphanage for elephants((can adopt an elephant), kenya museum and the snake park, uhuru gardens, the railway museum, uhuru park, KICC, giraffe center, bomas of kenya There are lots more places .

Is it good to eat out in Nairobi? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Nairobi has many good restaurants and excellent food which teases your palate. All this depends again on the budget you have because there are many fancy restaurants.

Some if not all of my favourite spots are: The Talisman, The carnivore, Le Rustique, Art caffe.

Is the nightlife good in Nairobi? Where is good to go?

Once you go out, you never want to go back to your bed. kenyans love to party, a good reason to unwind and make some noise.

Good places to go are: black diamond, mercury lounge, brew bistro, Que pasa, karen country lodge.

What advice would you give future students heading to Nairobi?

Nairobi is a huge adventure, there is so much to learn, engage with five worlds in one city, have a serious culture shock but feel at home all at the same time. It is an experience worth having.