The most popular form of public transport in Nairobi are matatus, minibuses that operate on set routes. Cheap but unregulated, these overcrowded vehicles have become part of Kenyan culture. No less risky are the local bus services, renowned for speeding and dangerous driving. Taxis are widely available and convenient, usually congregated around hotels and areas frequented by tourists. They aren't metered and the fare should be agreed upon before departure. Nairobi taxis are marked with a yellow line along the side of the vehicle, or appear as large black London taxis. The better taxi companies have more modern vehicles, which can be booked by telephone. The best option if you are spending a day or two in the city is probably to hire a taxi and driver recommended for you by your hotel or tour operator. Three-wheel auto-rickshaws, or tuk-tuks, are also used as taxis in Nairobi. Walking in the city can be dangerous and is not a good idea after dark or outside of tourist areas.
GMT +3.
Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style square three-pin plugs are used.
The unit of currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), which is divided into 100 cents. It is not advisable to take Kenyan Shillings out of the country, as they are difficult to exchange elsewhere. Foreign currency can be changed at banks, bureaux de change and hotels. It's easiest to exchange US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. Street exchange merchants should be avoided as they are operating illegally. Opening hours vary according to bank, but generally banks in Kenya are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm and on the first and last Saturday of the month. Banks and bureaux de change at the international airport stay open 24 hours. International credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and stores, and some camps and lodges. ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and other major towns.
The international access code for Kenya is +254. Area codes are also in use. Purchasing a local SIM card is simple and most hotels, restaurants, and cafes in tourist areas offer free wifi access.
999 (General Emergencies)
2020 | 2021 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Good Friday | 10 Apr | 2 Apr |
Easter Monday | 13 Apr | 5 Apr |
Labour Day | 1 May | 1 May |
Madaraka Day | 1 Jun | 1 Jun |
Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) | 24 May | 13 May |
Mashujaa Day or Heroes Day | 20 Oct | 20 Oct |
Independence Day | 12 Dec | 12 Dec |
Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
Boxing Day | 26 Dec | 26 Dec |
Nairobi has a maritime climate, tempered by its high elevation and tends to be less hot than the rest of Kenya. As the city is near the equator there is little variation between the seasons and generally people talk about wet or dry seasons as opposed to summer, winter, spring, or autumn. However, summers, between November and February, are warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 50°F (10°C) and 77°F (25°C). Winter days, between June and August, are mild with slightly cooler evenings, but temperatures much like summer. The rainy season in Nairobi is during late summer and into autumn, when it is often cloudy and damp, but rainfall is seldom very heavy. The drizzliest months are March to May and October to December. Generally visitors flock to Kenya in the country's dry seasons, between January and March, and July and October, because these are the best months to go on safari in the national parks. The best time to visit Nairobi is in summer, between November and February, but ultimately any time of year is okay in the city and it is recommended that visitors decide on the time of their visit to Kenya according to their desired activities rather than the city's climate.
www.kaa.go.ke/airports/our-airports/jomo-kenyatta-international-airport/
The bus services leave fairly regularly for the city centre; most travellers however take a taxi or arrange to be picked up by their hotel or tour operator.
Most worldwide rental companies are represented at the airport.
Taxis take passengers to the central city hotels and its best to negotiate a fixed fare upfront.
There is a shuttle service available.
The facilities at the airport are fairly limited, but include a bank and bureau de change, left luggage, telephones, medical aid, a bar and restaurant, duty-free shops selling curios, tourist information, and hotel reservations. There are disabled facilities, but passengers should advise their airline in advance of any special needs.
Parking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is charged at KSH 60 per hour for short-term parking.
Wifi is available at the airport for a fee.