Kenya has become an extremely attractive country to move to in recent years for singletons and families alike and this is mostly because it is home to the buzzing city of Nairobi. If you have always wanted to try living in a brand-new culture amongst the hustle and bustle, this city is certainly an option for you to consider. Until you try it out, you’ll never know what it’s like to live somewhere different and initially, it can be daunting, but the pointers below should give you some helpful tips to keep in mind before you decide to relocate to Nairobi.
Finding somewhere to live needs consideration
Before deciding to make the move to Nairobi, you must consider where you plan on living. There are many different types of properties to think about and you can find them advertised within local shopping centres and newspapers, however, it would always be worth browsing houses for sale in Kenya online, to source a wider range of properties matched to your exact preferences.
Do be aware that there can be water supply issues during the hotter seasons in the city, which may have an impact on where you choose to live. Realistically, you should aim to choose a property with a water supply in the surrounding area, or instead, purchase a water tanker for severe droughts.
English is spoken by locals
One of the main benefits of moving to Nairobi is that you don’t necessarily need to be fluent in the native language. Most of the locals speak good English, as well as their local language (there are 11 different languages to be exact). With this in mind, you don’t have to worry about language barriers, which will make your life much easier. It would always be worth learning basic phrases before you travel, in the event of emergencies.
Security
As with any major city, it’s important to be on your guard when it comes to keeping yourself safe in Nairobi. Poverty is a clear issue in the city and you may be approached by dealers hoping to sell goods to you. Don’t be fearful if this occurs; simply stay calm and politely decline the offer.
It would also be worth installing good security systems at your home to keep your valuables safe. While robbery isn’t a common occurrence, it’s always best to be safe rather than sorry. Most houses do already come equipped with their own security systems, so you don’t need to worry, however, neighbours in the city are known for looking out for one another, which should put your mind at ease while out and about.
Laws
There are certain laws to be aware of in Kenya and despite the laid-back nature of the country, it wouldn’t be advisable to break them! You are eligible to drive with a foreign license for a short period of time but will then you’ll be required to apply for a Kenyan license after several months. Within Nairobi and other Kenyan cities, the speed limit is restricted to 50mph.
