The InterNations Expat Insider survey asked expats in 57 cities around the globe to rate their city based on important factors such as security, friendliness and finances. One African city was ranked as the 12th best city for expats in the world.
One expat said: “The people are welcoming and friendly”. He added that he really enjoys his “good social life” in Nairobi.
Nairobi has a range of nightlife with many expats favouring the Casablanca bar in the city centre. Casablanca is Moroccan themed with an extensive cocktail menu and shisha.
The capital city has a vast variety of restaurants serving global cuisine as well as local delicacies.
Expats should try Nyama Choma, Kenyan roasted meat, or Matoke, a hearty plantain banana stew.
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Expats living in Nairobi found it pretty easy to find housing in the city with over 80 percent saying they had no trouble at all.
Almost half of expats in Nairobi said they found housing affordable in the lively capital city.
Many expats choose to live in the Westlands area of Nairobi where many businesses are based.
The area also has a large number of bars and restaurants and some expats opt to live in apartment blocks.
Only one in 10 expats were unhappy with their financial situation in Nairobi while the city’s leisure options were also highly rated.
The city has its own National Park where visitors can see black rhinos, lions, zebras and giraffes.
Giraffe Manor is a luxurious all-inclusive hotel where guests can enjoy breakfast as the majestic creatures watch through the window.
Kenyan beach resorts are only an eight hour drive or short flight from the capital and make great getaways.
Although Nairobi scored highly in many important areas for expats, there was one thing that foreign residents found difficult.
Over half of expats were unhappy with the city’s public transport system with one expat saying the “poor maintenance of local roads” was the worst thing about living there.
While public transportation is cheap in Nairobi the popular minibuses known as ‘matatus’ which many use to get around, can be very overcrowded.
Expats might want to invest in a vehicle with good tyres if they intend to drive outside the city centre.