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Nairobi

✨ The Green City in the Sun

Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, located in the country's south-central highlands at an elevation of about 1,795 metres above sea level. Its relatively high altitude gives the city a milder climate than many other places near the equator. Temperatures remain fairly moderate throughout the year, while rainfall follows two main wet periods, generally around March to May and October to December. Nairobi is also known for the contrast between its urban environment and nearby natural areas.

Nairobi National Park lies just south of the city and protects grasslands where animals such as lions, giraffes, zebras and rhinoceroses can be found. The city is Kenya's main political, economic and administrative centre, as well as an important hub for education, technology, finance, transport and regional organizations. Its position along major transport routes has helped Nairobi develop into a significant commercial centre for East Africa. The metropolitan area has expanded rapidly, creating both opportunities and challenges related to housing, traffic, infrastructure and environmental protection.

Nairobi's modern history began in the late 19th century, when the area became an important railway settlement during the construction of the Uganda Railway. The town grew quickly and became the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate in 1907. After Kenya gained independence in 1963, Nairobi remained the country's capital and continued to expand. Today, the city contains a mixture of modern office buildings, residential neighbourhoods, markets and older areas that reflect different periods of its development.

Important institutions include the United Nations Office at Nairobi, one of the organization's major international headquarters, as well as universities, research centres and cultural institutions. Nairobi also plays an important role in regional diplomacy and business. Its location close to wildlife habitats gives it a distinctive relationship with the surrounding environment. The city therefore combines the functions of a modern African capital with a strong connection to the landscapes and ecosystems of Kenya.

💡 Did you know?

Nairobi is the world capital of the 'Matatu'. These are buses decorated with incredible paintings, neon lights, and giant speakers playing very loud music. Each driver tries to have the most beautiful and loudest bus to attract passengers. It's a real rolling art gallery that is part of the city's soul!

Imagine you're having breakfast and a giraffe sticks its head through the window to ask for a piece of apple! In Nairobi, this is possible at 'Giraffe Manor'. Use your imagination! It's a famous hotel located in a sanctuary where Rothschild's giraffes, a protected species, live freely and come to say hello to tourists every morning.

Nairobi has a hospital unique in the world: the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage. It rescues baby elephants who have lost their mothers in the wild. Keepers sleep with them, feed them with giant bottles, and teach them how to become wild again. It's one of the few places where you can see baby elephants playing like small children!