Nairobi Nairobi County, Kenya Travel Guide
Safaricom leads the market, offering the most extensive coverage. Airtel and Telkom also provide services. Purchase SIM cards at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or official retail stores. Your passport is necessary for registration.
Wi-Fi is widely available and for the most part reliable in Nairobi. Most hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, and major shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi access. Mobile data with a local SIM offers on-the-go connection for navigation and apps.
English and Swahili are Kenya's official languages. English is widely spoken in tourism and urban areas. Swahili serves as the national language. Learning basic Swahili shows respect.
The Postal Corporation of Kenya (Posta) manages national postal services. Major post offices operate in the Central Business District (CBD) and larger towns. Facilities include mail, parcel delivery, and courier options.
For reliable mobile internet, consider an eSIM from Airalo or a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi. Enhance your communication with language learning from Rosetta Stone.
Nairobi's businesses maintain consistent schedules, with some variations for holidays.
Generally operate 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Typically open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, From monday To saturday. Smaller shops and markets might open earlier and close later.
Open 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, daily.
Banks typically open 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Mon-Fri) and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Saturdays). Major banks (Equity, KCB) have city-wide branches. ATMs are widely available, accepting international Visa/MasterCard.
Kenya observes several public holidays. On these days, businesses may have reduced hours or be closed. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and can also affect business hours in predominantly Muslim areas.
Always confirm business hours during your visit, especially around public or religious holidays, to avoid inconvenience.
Adherence to local etiquette fosters positive interactions.
Handshakes are common and expected, even with strangers. Always greet before conversing. Show deference to theders using titles like 'Mzee' or 'Mama'. Casual, comfortable clothing is fine, but modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) is respectful at religious sites or conservative areas.
Use your right hand exclusively for eating and passing items. For tipping, refer to Section 2.3 for detailed guidelines. Always seek permission to photograph people, children in particular. Avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, or police personnel.
Avoid deep political discussions unless you are invited by a trusted local. Be sensitive to visible poverty; donate to reputable charities instead of giving money to street children. Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya; public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not advised.
Kenya sustains a patriarchal society. Women generally face fewer restrictions in urban areas like Nairobi but should still dress modestly and exercise caution, specifically when alone at night.
Your respectful interactions and understanding of local customs greatly enrich your experience in Nairobi.
Accessibility infrastructure in Nairobi is developing, but remains limited for travelers with mobility challenges.
Accessibility not much infrastructure, especially outside modern buildings and international hotels. Sidewalks are often uneven, broken, or non-existent. Ramps are rare, and curbs can be high. Public transport (matatus and buses) are largely inaccessible.
Newer buildings like modern shopping malls, upscale hotels, and some renovated attractions (e.g., parts of the Nairobi National Museum) offer better accessibility with ramps, lifts, and restrooms. Hiring a private vehicle with a driver is the most practical transport option.
Specific services or infrastructure for visual or hearing impairments are limited. Guide dogs are not commonly accommodated. Communication relies mainly on spoken English or Swahili.
Consult tour operators specializing in accessible travel for Kenya for tailored advice. Direct inquiries to hotels and attractions confirm facilities. Planning your itinerary designed to be accessible supports a smoother experience.
Always confirm directly with service providers about their facilities to facilitate a comfortable journey for all travelers.
