Cities & Hotspots
Nairobi is the East African business, NGO and creative hub; Mombasa is coastal and slower, but has a smaller professional ecosystem.
Best Time of Year
June to October or January to February Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.
Air Quality, Simply
Nairobi's altitude keeps it milder, but traffic and dust matter. Mombasa is hot and humid, with coastal weather and mosquito planning part of the routine.
Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.
Getting Around the Country
- International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
- Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
- Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
- DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.
Housing & Cost of Living
- RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
- DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
- Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
- Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.
Hospitals & Healthcare
Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital and Gertrude's are familiar private options. Call 999 or 112 for emergencies and keep evacuation insurance.
SIM, eSIM & Local Apps
Safaricom is the dominant practical network, with Airtel as the main alternative. Uber and Bolt cover rides; Glovo and Jumia Food cover delivery. M-Pesa is essential.
- Mobile networksSafaricom is the practical first choice because of coverage and M-Pesa. Airtel is the main alternative; Telkom has limited use for most newcomers.
- Ride appsUber, Bolt and Little are useful in Nairobi; Mombasa also has Uber/Bolt coverage but local tuk-tuks and taxis still matter.
- Food deliveryGlovo, Uber Eats in selected areas, Bolt Food and local restaurant delivery vary by neighbourhood.
- PaymentsM-Pesa is essential. Set up a Safaricom SIM and M-Pesa early with your passport if staying more than a few days.
- Home internetSafaricom Home Fibre, Zuku and JTL/Faiba coverage vary by estate and building. Ask for a current speed test and backup mobile data.
Working & Remote Life
- Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
- ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
- WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
- CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.
Long-Stay & Paperwork
- eCitizen and eFNSKenya uses eCitizen and the eFNS portal for many foreign-national services, permits, passes, Alien Card and payments.
- Alien CardLonger stays can trigger foreign-national registration. Keep application receipts and appointment dates organised.
- TaxKRA rules depend on residence, Kenyan-source income and work activity. Get advice before local contracts or long stays.
- DrivingTraffic, road conditions and insurance make driver/ride apps more practical than self-driving for many newcomers.
- Admin habitKeep passport, permit, KRA PIN if obtained, lease, M-Pesa number and eCitizen login secure.
Schools & Family Fit
International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.
Safety & Practical Risks
- Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
- Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
- MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
- Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.
Who It Suits
Development workers, founders and travellers who want East African access and understand that planning matters.
