Is Nairobi a Country? + Facts about Nairobi
Wondering whether Nairobi is a country or not?
You’ve come to the right place. I live in Nairobi and have written a complete answer to this question.
Nairobi is popular in Africa and beyond for various reasons. The most popular is that Nairobi is the world’s safari capital.
But is Nairobi a country or a city?
Don’t have time to read the whole article? No problem, Nairobi is a city in Kenya.
Nairobi’s popularity is so wide that some people learn about it first before learning about Kenya.
Is Nairobi a country?
No, Nairobi is not a country. Nairobi is a city and has a population of over 5.5 million as of 2024.
Nairobi is also the capital city of Kenya and the largest city in the country. A major business hub and trading center not only in Kenya but also in East Africa.
While 5.5 million people call Nairobi home, the city attracts millions every day. Many people travel from neighboring towns for work, which explains why the city center is always busy and buzzing with activity.
The tourist attractions within the city are not crowded and are located in less populated parts of the city.
Nairobi city attractions include; the National Museum of Kenya, Kenya Railway Museum, Maasai Market (Saturday & Sunday), August 7th Memorial Park, Nairobi Gallery, KICC for an aerial view of Nairobi, and recreational parks.
All other attractions in Nairobi are outside the city center.
So, if planning on visiting Nairobi, you can relax as you won’t be dealing with 5 million people. Nairobi city center is more of a business hub than a residential area.
Is Nairobi a city?
Yes, Nairobi is a city.
The largest city in Kenya. Its original name Enkare Nyrobi, a Maasai phrase translating to “cool water” came from the cold waters running through the Nairobi river.
Most people say Nairobi while referring to Nairobi city center. Nairobi city is part of the larger Nairobi county one of the 47 counties in Kenya.
Of the 5.5 million people less than 50,000 actually reside in the city center. The highest population lives outside the city. Nairobi’s population is distributed across its 17 constituencies.
Facts About Nairobi
Now that we know Nairobi is a city and not a country. Here are some interesting facts about Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
1. Nairobi is the safari capital of the world.
Nairobi is the only city in the world with a national park. The Nairobi National Park is only a 15-minute ride from the city center. You don’t have to drive for hours to experience a safari in Kenya. While located in a city, you can expect to see animals such as lions, Zebras, buffalos, and leopards among many others in the park.
2. Matatu culture started in Nairobi
A matatu is the common name used for public transport buses in Kenya. Matatu culture is however prominent in the mini buses.
These buses are covered in graffiti featuring celebrities from all over the world on the outside. Inside, you’ll find screens (a big one at the front & some include smaller screens for each seat just like in airplanes), LED lights, and very comfy seats.
Some matatus blast loud music earning themselves the term “clubs on wheels”.
3. Nairobi is home to the largest slum in Africa
Kibera (now Kibra) slum is the largest in Africa with over 250,000 residents. While one of the poorest neighborhoods in Nairobi, the slum has also produced notable artists in Kenya’s entertainment industry.
4. Home to the most popular hotel in Kenya
You’ve probably seen videos of people feeding giraffes from their hotel windows online. This hotel the Giraffe Manor, is located in Nairobi, Kenya. A luxurious boutique hotel in Nairobi where you can relax, feed giraffes, and enjoy the lush suburbs of Nairobi.
5. A Top destination in Africa
Nairobi is a top destination in Africa for many travelers. Its vibrant culture, nature, and nightlife attract many people of all demographics. You can experience it all in Nairobi from wildlife, relaxing hikes, parks, great cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife.
6. Leading business hub in East Africa
Nairobi is not only Kenya’s largest city and business center, it’s also leading in East Africa. Many international organizations have offices in Nairobi. Nairobi connects many East African countries to Mombasa port allowing transit of cargo.
7. Nairobi was Established in 1899 as a rail depot
The city was established during the Uganda-Kenya railway construction. A railway connecting the landlocked nation of Uganda to Mombasa port in Kenya. This led to its rapid growth and was soon established as the capital city of Kenya in 1963.
Is Nairobi a country: FAQ
Nairobi is a city, not a country. Nairobi is the capital city of the Republic of Kenya.
Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya with a population of over 5.5 million people and occupies 696 square kilometers.
Is Nairobi a country: Conclusion
There you have it, a complete guide to “Is Nairobi a country”.
Remember, Nairobi is a city, not a country. Nairobi is the capital city of the country Kenya.
I hope this article answers your question and you can now plan your trip to Nairobi and Kenya easily.
