Digital Nomad Life in Nairobi, Kenya

"Expats in Nairobi can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports clubs, book clubs, and language exchange groups. Expats can also meet people by attending events hosted by the local expat community, such as networking events, art exhibitions, and music concerts. Additionally, expats can join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Nairobi. Finally, expats can meet people by attending local festivals and events, such as the Nairobi International Film Festival and the Nairobi Marathon," remarked one member in Nairobi.

"There are lots of social clubs. A good place to start is the notice board in many of the city's main malls," explained one expat living in Nairobi, Kenya.

"Kenyans are very family-centric and will be flattered if you show an interest in their home life. "Harambee" is the name of a family or community party which will require a small donation but is well worth attending. If you are invited to one by a Kenyan colleague, be sure to make a donation and attend, you won't regret it. Music and nightclubs, bars and fun carnivals are regular events," said one expat who made the move to Nairobi.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Nairobi is an exciting and vibrant experience. The city is a bustling hub of culture, art, and business, and offers a wide range of activities and attractions for those looking to explore. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants to work from, as well as a vibrant nightlife and plenty of outdoor activities. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. The city is also home to a diverse population, making it a great place to meet people from all over the world," explained one foreigner living in Nairobi, Kenya.

"One option for finding a place to live in Nairobi is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer listings of apartments, houses, and other types of rental properties in the city. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in the Nairobi area to help you find a suitable place to live. You can also ask friends and family who live in the city for recommendations. Finally, you can look for rental postings in local newspapers and on bulletin boards in the city," said one expat in Nairobi.

"Before retiring in Nairobi, expats should research the cost of living and housing in the city. They should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. It is important to understand the local laws and regulations, and to ensure that all necessary paperwork is in order. Additionally, expats should consider the availability of healthcare and other services, as well as the safety and security of the area. Finally, expats should make sure to have a valid visa and residence permit before arriving in Nairobi," said one person in Nairobi.

"Do it! This is a great city. Ignore the reputation. Kenya does have some crime and social unrest issues but with care and caution these can be avoided. This is a beautiful city in a beautiful, friendly country," said one expat who made the move to Nairobi.

"Expats in Nairobi appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional African and modern influences. They enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals, who are always willing to help out and share their culture. Expats also appreciate the city's diverse cuisine, which includes a variety of African dishes as well as international flavors. The city's nightlife is also a draw, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Finally, expats appreciate the city's natural beauty, with its lush green hills and stunning views of the African savannah," said one person in Nairobi.

"Conservation has a new meaning to me. I am used to large game parks with big 5, but the abundance in the smaller game parks here surpasses what I have experienced in South Africa. I honestly thought that all the game would be eaten by now, but reality is that they are well preserved," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Nairobi.

"Expats in Nairobi often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as many locals speak Swahili and English is not as widely spoken as in other parts of the world. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate, as they are often quite different from those of the expat's home country. Furthermore, the cost of living in Nairobi can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy. Finally, the traffic and pollution in Nairobi can be overwhelming, making it difficult to get around and enjoy the city," explained one person living in Nairobi, Kenya.

"A person learn to trust friendly people faster and tend to accept customs as a given. What caught me off guard is that the Kenyan culture has a very strong emphasis on good interpersonal relationships to the point where you will be extremely friendly with the person you are lying to and that you are in the process of deceiving. I found it difficult to learn not to trust a person just because he/she is friendly and apparently sharing as it took me a knock or two to realize the depth of receipt the friendly people are capable off. Corruption is everywhere and only power and money controls it," said one expat in Nairobi.

"If you plan to stay in Nairobi for a while, you will need to obtain a valid visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a tourist visa, a business visa, or a work permit. Additionally, you may need to obtain a residence permit or a residence card, which will allow you to stay in the country for a longer period of time," explained one person living in Nairobi, Kenya.

"Yes. A very friendly person taught me the local custom of calling a person by his surname instead of by his first name as a form of acknowledging friendship and honoring his bloodline. When she then called a person by his first name I asked why without thinking. I did not realise that I was putting her in a very bad spot as it blatantly highlighted a sensitive political situation," said one person in Nairobi.

"In Nairobi, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to be respectful when speaking to locals. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local religious beliefs and to be respectful of them. It is also important to be aware of the local customs regarding food and to be respectful of them. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding greetings and to be respectful of them," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Nairobi.

"Healthcare services in Nairobi, are a mix of public and private facilities, offering various levels of care to the city's residents. The public healthcare system is comprised of several government-run hospitals and clinics, which provide essential medical services at low or no cost to patients. However, these facilities often face challenges such as overcrowding, inadequate funding, and a shortage of medical professionals. In contrast, private healthcare facilities in Nairobi offer a higher standard of care, with well-equipped hospitals and clinics staffed by qualified medical professionals. These facilities cater to patients who can afford to pay for their services, and often provide specialized care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics. Some of the private hospitals also have partnerships with international healthcare providers, ensuring access to advanced medical treatments and technologies. In addition to hospitals and clinics, Nairobi's healthcare landscape includes numerous pharmacies, diagnostic centers, and laboratories, which provide essential support services to the city's medical facilities. There are also various non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations that work to improve healthcare access and delivery, particularly in underserved areas and for vulnerable populations. Overall, healthcare services in Nairobi are diverse and cater to different segments of the population. While the public healthcare system faces challenges in terms of resources and capacity, the private sector offers high-quality care for those who can afford it. Efforts are ongoing to improve the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the city," said one member in Nairobi.

"Nairobi is a beautiful and dynamic city...full of contrasts and economic disparities. The weather and vegetation and fresh food/produce are amazing. Kenya is a young and youthful country teaming with potential and growing exponentially in development. It is also becoming more and more cosmopolitan. It s the tech hub for East Africa n a huge gateway city for the region. Touristy things to do are abundant and the country is diverse in people n landscapes and just stunningly beautiful. People are generally spite,warm and friendly...but some friendly folk are scammers, conpeople or will use friendship with expats for financial benefits. On the other hand poverty is rampant so one must be prepared to live more generously than we do in the west. Water, electricity n internet are not dependable but fairly doable overall...crime and corruption are rampant...there s a lot to learn in order to avoid them (hopefully!! But no guarantees). Traffic is AWFUL n unpredictable... it s good to live as close as possible to your work and all the adverts that say only 20 or 30 minutes from somewhere are false advertisements. 20 minutes on your best day can easily be 2 hours another day," commented a person living in Nairobi, Kenya.

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the following aspects of living in Nairobi: 1. Vibrant culture: Nairobi is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of different ethnic groups, languages, and traditions, making it an exciting and diverse place to live. 2. Friendly people: Kenyans are known for their warmth and hospitality, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to feel welcome and make friends. 3. Affordable cost of living: Compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in Nairobi is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads looking to stretch their budget. 4. Natural beauty: Nairobi is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including national parks, wildlife reserves, and the Great Rift Valley, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and weekend getaways. 5. Growing tech scene: Nairobi has a burgeoning tech scene, with numerous startups and innovation hubs, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. 6. Climate: Nairobi enjoys a mild climate with warm days and cool nights, making it a comfortable place to live year-round. However, there are also some aspects that expats and digital nomads may dislike about living in Nairobi: 1. Traffic congestion: Nairobi is notorious for its traffic jams, which can make commuting and getting around the city frustrating and time-consuming. 2. Safety concerns: Crime can be an issue in certain parts of Nairobi, and expats and digital nomads may need to take precautions to ensure their personal safety. 3. Infrastructure: While Nairobi has made significant progress in recent years, some areas still suffer from inadequate infrastructure, such as unreliable electricity and water supply, and poor road conditions. 4. Pollution: Air and noise pollution can be a problem in Nairobi, particularly in heavily congested areas. 5. Limited public transportation: Nairobi's public transportation system is not as developed as in some other major cities, which can make getting around the city more challenging for those without a car. 6. Bureaucracy: Expats and digital nomads may find dealing with bureaucratic processes, such as obtaining visas and work permits, to be slow and cumbersome," explained one digital nomad living in Nairobi, Kenya.