Nairobi

Nairobi
source
Name	Nairobi
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	1, 17, S, 36...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Kenya
Established title	Founded
Established date	1899
Government type	County Government of Nairobi
Leader title	Governor
Leader name	Johnson Sakaja
Area total km2	696
Elevation m	1795
Population total	4,397,073
Population as of	2019 census
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	East Africa Time
Utc offset	+3

Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, serving as the nation's principal economic, political, and cultural hub. Founded as a railway depot for the Uganda Railway in 1899, it rapidly grew from a swampy area to a modern metropolis, earning the nickname "The Green City in the Sun." The city is a major regional center for diplomacy, commerce, and finance, hosting numerous international organizations, including the global headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme and the UN-Habitat.

History

The site was chosen in 1899 by engineers of the British Empire's Uganda Railway as a supply depot between Mombasa and Kisumu. It replaced the earlier, plague-ridden camp at Machakos, with its name derived from the Maasai phrase "Enkare Nyrobi," meaning "cool water." Following the devastation of the original town by fire in 1902, it was rebuilt and became the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate in 1907, replacing Mombasa. Nairobi's growth was significantly influenced by colonial policies and the arrival of European settlers, who established large coffee plantations in the surrounding highlands, a history explored at the Karen Blixen Museum. The city was a key base during the Mau Mau Uprising and later became the capital of an independent Kenya in 1963 under President Jomo Kenyatta.

Geography and climate

Situated in the south-central part of the country, the city lies on the Nairobi River at an elevation of approximately 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level, contributing to its moderate climate. It is located near the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley and is bordered by the Ngong Hills to the west. The Nairobi National Park, a unique wildlife reserve, lies just south of the city center. The climate is classified as subtropical highland, with relatively cool temperatures year-round and distinct wet seasons, influenced by its proximity to the equator and high altitude. The city's topography includes areas like the upper-income suburbs of Westlands and the more densely populated Eastlands.

Demographics and culture

Nairobi is a highly cosmopolitan city, with a population representing most of Kenya's ethnic groups, including the Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, and Kamba. It also has significant communities of Kenyans of Asian descent, Europeans, and a growing expatriate population. This diversity is reflected in its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous art galleries like the Nairobi Gallery, theaters such as the Kenya National Theatre, and a thriving music industry that birthed the genre Benga music. The city is a major center for Swahili and English-language media, housing headquarters for the Nation Media Group and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.

Economy

Nairobi is the financial and commercial heart of East Africa, hosting the Nairobi Securities Exchange, one of the largest in Africa. Key sectors include finance, real estate, telecommunications, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is a regional hub for technology and innovation, dubbed the "Silicon Savannah," with a concentration of tech startups and incubators in areas like Kilimani. Major multinational corporations, including Safaricom, Kenya Airways, and regional offices for Google and IBM, are based here. The manufacturing sector is centered in the Industrial Area, producing goods for domestic and export markets.

Government and politics

Nairobi is both a city and a county, functioning as the Nairobi City County with a devolved government under the 2010 Constitution. The county is headed by a Governor, currently Johnson Sakaja, and a Nairobi County Assembly. It is also the seat of the national government, housing State House, the Parliament of Kenya, the Supreme Court of Kenya, and numerous ministerial headquarters. The city plays a pivotal role in regional diplomacy, hosting major international conferences and being the headquarters for the United Nations Office at Nairobi.

Infrastructure

The city is served by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the busiest airport in East Africa, and the smaller Wilson Airport for domestic and charter flights. Its rail network includes the metre-gauge line to Mombasa and the newer Standard Gauge Railway. The road system features major highways like the Thika Superhighway and the Nairobi Expressway. Public transport is dominated by privately owned minibuses known as matatus, though the county government operates the Nairobi Commuter Rail service. Key utilities include water supplied from the Ndakaini Dam and power from the national grid managed by Kenya Power.

Landmarks and tourism

Notable landmarks include the distinctive Kenyatta International Convention Centre tower, the Parliament Buildings, and the Nairobi National Museum. The city offers unique wildlife experiences at the Nairobi National Park and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage. Other major attractions include the Giraffe Centre in Lang'ata, the Bomas of Kenya cultural center, and the Uhuru Gardens memorial park. The bustling Maasai Market offers traditional crafts, while the upscale shopping and dining districts are found in areas like Westlands and Karen.