Nairobi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nairobi
Consolidated city-county
Clockwise from top: central business district; a giraffe walking in Nairobi National Park; Parliament of Kenya; Nairobi City Hall; and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre
Flag Coat of arms
Nickname(s):  "The Green City in the Sun"
Nairobi Location in Kenya Show map of Kenya Nairobi Location in Horn of Africa Show map of Horn of Africa Nairobi Location in Africa Show map of Africa
Country	Kenya
County	Nairobi City
Founded	1899; 126 years ago (1899)
Sub-counties	List Dagoretti Embakasi Lang'ata Kamukunji Kasarani Kibra Makadara Mathare Njiru Starehe Westlands
Government
• Body	Nairobi City County
Area
• Consolidated city-county	696.1 km2 (268.8 sq mi)
Elevation	1,795 m (5,889 ft)
Population  (2019)
• Consolidated city-county	4,397,073
• Estimate  (2024)	4,828,000
• Density	6,317.6/km2 (16,363/sq mi)
• Urban	4,397,073
Demonym(s)	Nairobian
Time zone	UTC+3 (EAT)
Area code(s)	020
HDI (2019)	0.681 - medium
GDP (2023)	30 billion USD
GDP PPP (2023)	90 billion USD

Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. Its name comes from the Maasai language, meaning 'place of cool waters'. This refers to the Nairobi River that flows through the city. In 2019, about 4.4 million people lived in Nairobi. It is often called "The Green City in the Sun" because of its many trees and warm weather.

Nairobi is home to the Kenyan Parliament, where important laws are made. It also hosts many Kenyan businesses and big international groups. For example, the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) and the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) have their main offices here. Nairobi is a major center for business and culture in Africa. The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) is one of the biggest stock markets in Africa. It is also home to the famous Nairobi National Park.

Nairobi was started in 1899 by the British rulers in British East Africa. It began as a train stop on the Uganda-Kenya Railway. The area was chosen because it was high up, had a mild climate, and plenty of water. The town quickly grew and became the capital of Kenya in 1907, taking over from Mombasa. After Kenya became independent in 1963, Nairobi remained its capital. The city is located in south-central Kenya, about 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level.

History of Nairobi

How Nairobi Began

The area where Nairobi now stands was once a swampy land. It was used by the Maasai people, who raised animals, and the Kikuyu people, who farmed. The name Nairobi means "cool waters" in the Maasai language, referring to a stream there. When the Uganda Railway was being built, engineers chose this spot for a supply depot and a place for workers to camp. They liked it because it was high up, had good weather, and enough water.

In 1898, the first town plan for the railway depot was made. It had two streets, ten avenues, and areas for staff and businesses. The railway reached Nairobi on May 30, 1899. Soon, Nairobi became the main office for the Ukamba province. Early on, the town faced problems with diseases like malaria. In the early 1900s, a street called Bazaar Street had to be rebuilt after a disease outbreak.

Between 1902 and 1910, Nairobi's population grew from 5,000 to 16,000 people. The town became important for government work and tourism, especially for big game hunting. In 1907, Nairobi became the capital of the East Africa Protectorate. By 1919, it was officially made a municipality, which is like a self-governing town.

Nairobi's Growth and Changes

By 1921, Nairobi had 24,000 residents, with about half being native Africans. Over the next ten years, more and more Africans moved to Nairobi, making them the majority. This growth created challenges for city planners.

After World War II, the city continued to expand. This caused problems with the local Maasai people and Kikuyu people. These issues led to the Mau Mau Uprising in the 1950s. This uprising helped lead to Kenya's independence in 1963.

In 1950, a big workers' strike happened in Nairobi. It lasted for nine days and was led by the East African Trades Union Congress.

Nairobi After Independence

Nairobi remained the capital of Kenya after it gained independence. The city kept growing very fast, which put a lot of pressure on its services. Things like power cuts and water shortages became common.

On September 11, 1973, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) opened. This 28-story building was designed by Karl Henrik Nøstvik and David Mutiso. It was built using local materials and designed to use natural light and air. It has some of the largest meeting halls in East and Central Africa.

In 1972, the World Bank helped fund a big expansion of the Nairobi Airport. This included new terminals, taxiways, and roads. On March 14, 1978, the new terminal building opened. The airport was later renamed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in honor of Kenya's first president.

The Giraffe Centre, a place that helps protect giraffes, opened in 1983. It works to breed the endangered Rothschild's giraffe.

In August 1998, the United States Embassy in downtown Nairobi was bombed. It is now a memorial park.

Nairobi in the 21st Century

On October 20, 2011, a statue was put up in Nairobi to remember Tom Mboya. He was an important Kenyan politician during the time of independence.

On November 9, 2012, President Mwai Kibaki opened the Thika Superhighway. This huge road project, which cost 31 billion Kenyan Shillings, started in 2009. It made the four-lane road into an eight-lane highway with underpasses and flyovers to help with traffic.

On May 31, 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the Standard Gauge Railway. This railway connects Nairobi to Mombasa. It was mostly built by a Chinese company. A second part of the railway is being built to link Naivasha to the existing route and the Uganda border.

In recent years, Nairobi has seen many new building projects. The Nairobi Expressway was finished in 2022 to help reduce traffic. The Green Park Bus Terminal started working in 2021 to improve public transport. Also, new homes are being built as part of the Kenyan government’s Affordable Housing Program to help the city's growing population.

Nairobi's Population Over Time

Year	1969	1979	1989	1999	2009	2019
Nairobi	509,286	827,775	1,324,570	2,143,254	3,138,369	4,397,073

Geography and Climate

Where is Nairobi Located?

Nairobi is located in Kenya, between the cities of Kampala and Mombasa. It covers an area of about 696 square kilometers (269 square miles). The city is near the eastern edge of the Kenya Rift Valley, so small earthquakes sometimes happen. The Ngong Hills are a noticeable feature to the west of the city. Mount Kenya is to the north, and Mount Kilimanjaro is to the south-east.

The Nairobi River and its smaller streams flow through Nairobi County. They join the larger River Athi on the eastern side of the county.

The city center is built around the City Square. Important buildings like the Kenyan Parliament, the Holy Family Cathedral, Nairobi City Hall, and the Kenyatta International Conference Centre are all around this square.

Nairobi's Weather

Nairobi has a subtropical highland climate. Because it is 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level, evenings can be cool, especially in June and July when temperatures might drop to 9°C (48°F). The sunniest and warmest time of year is from December to March, with daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F).

Nairobi has rainy seasons, but the rainfall is usually moderate. The cloudiest time is after the first rainy season, from May to September. Since Nairobi is close to the equator, the seasons don't change much. They are mostly called the wet season and the dry season. The times of sunrise and sunset also stay similar throughout the year.

Districts and Neighborhoods

Nairobi is divided into different areas called constituencies. Each area has a representative in the National Assembly. The main administrative areas are Central, Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kasarani, Kibera, Makadara, Pumwani, and Westlands.

Many of the wealthier neighborhoods are in the west and north-central parts of Nairobi. These include places like Karen, Langata, Lavington, Gigiri, and Muthaiga. These areas were where many European settlers lived during colonial times.

Middle-income neighborhoods are often found in north-central areas like Highridge and Parklands. They are also in the southwest and southeast, closer to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Some examples are Avenue Park, Donholm, and Nairobi West.

Lower-income areas are mainly in far eastern Nairobi. These include Umoja, Dandora, and Kayole. Many Somali immigrants have settled in Eastleigh, which is sometimes called "Little Mogadishu".

Kibera Slum

The Kibera slum in Nairobi is a very large informal settlement. The Kenyan government says it has about 185,777 people. However, other groups often estimate the population to be much higher, between 500,000 and 1,000,000 people.

Parks and Gardens in Nairobi

Nairobi has many parks and green spaces. The city has a lot of trees and open areas. The most famous park is Uhuru Park. It is next to the central business district. Uhuru Park is a popular place for outdoor speeches and gatherings. This park was saved from being built over by former President Daniel arap Moi thanks to a campaign by Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.

Central Park is right next to Uhuru Park. It has a memorial for Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president. Other green spaces include Jeevanjee Gardens, City Park, and Nairobi Arboretum.

Economy and Business

Nairobi is home to the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), which is one of Africa's biggest stock markets. It was recognized by the London Stock Exchange in 1953. The NSE is Africa's fourth largest in terms of how much trading happens.

Many international companies and organizations have their regional headquarters in Nairobi. For example, General Electric, Google, Coca-Cola, and IBM have their African headquarters here. The United Nations Office at Nairobi hosts the main offices for UN Environment and UN-Habitat.

Some of Africa's largest companies are based in Nairobi. Safaricom, Kenya's biggest company, is headquartered here. Kenya Airways, one of Africa's largest airlines, uses Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as its main hub.

Nairobi also has many technology companies. These firms create new software and cloud services that are used widely in Kenya and other countries.

Goods made in Nairobi include clothes, textiles, building materials, and food products. Several foreign companies, like Goodyear, General Motors, and Toyota Motors, have factories in and around the city.

Nairobi also has a large tourist industry. It is a popular place for tourists to visit and a main starting point for safaris.

Central Business District and Skyline

Nairobi's main business area, called the central business district, is shaped like a pentagon. It includes many important buildings like the City Hall and Parliament Building. Most of the tall buildings here are headquarters for businesses.

In 2011, Nairobi had about 4 million residents. The central business district was cleaned up and repainted for a big meeting in 2006. Iconic buildings like the Kenyatta International Conference Centre were made to look new.

The downtown area of Nairobi is bordered by Uhuru Park and Central Park to the southwest. The railway line that goes from Mombasa to Kampala runs to the southeast of the district.

Upper Hill and New Developments

Two areas outside the central business district are growing fast: Upper Hill and Westlands. Both are about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the city center.

Many companies have moved their offices to Upper Hill, including Citibank. In 2007, Coca-Cola started building its East and Central African headquarters there. The biggest office building in Upper Hill is UAP Tower, which is 163 meters (535 feet) tall. The World Bank also has offices in Upper Hill.

Because there is a high demand for office space, many new business parks are being built. One important project is the Nairobi Business Park.

Construction Boom and Real Estate Projects

Nairobi is experiencing a big construction boom. Many large buildings and skyscrapers are being built. Some of the tallest new buildings include the Pinnacle twin towers (314 meters or 1,030 feet) and Britam Tower (200 meters or 656 feet). New shopping malls are also being built, like Garden City Mall and Two Rivers Mall.

Tall residential buildings are also being constructed, such as Le Mac towers in Westlands. New hotels are also being built, like a 30-story hotel tower by Avic International.

Nairobi's Tallest Skyscrapers

Pinnacle Towers (estimated completion in 2020)	314 m (1,030 ft)
Britam Tower	200 m (660 ft)
UAP Tower	163 m (535 ft)
Times Tower	140 m (460 ft)
Teleposta Towers	120 m (390 ft)
Kenyatta International Conference Centre	105 m (344 ft)
NSSF Building	103 m (338 ft)
I&M Bank Tower	100 m (330 ft)
Nyayo House	84 m (276 ft)
Cooperative Bank House	83 m (272 ft)
National Bank House	82 m (269 ft)
Hazina Towers	81 m (266 ft)
Rahimtulla Tower	80 m (260 ft)

Demographics of Nairobi

Population of Nairobi between 1906 and 2019

Nairobi has grown very quickly, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. Since it was founded in 1899, it has become the second-largest city in the African Great Lakes region. In 2023, Nairobi's population was growing by about 2.09% each year. Experts think Nairobi's population will reach 5 million by 2025.

Because of this fast growth, finding enough jobs can be a challenge. In 2019, about 5.5% of people in Nairobi were unemployed. This is especially true in the densely populated, lower-income areas.

Most people in Nairobi are Christian, making up about 89% of the population in 2019. Many of them belong to Protestant and Evangelical churches. Muslims are also a significant group, making up about 7.6% of the population.

Parks and Green Spaces

Nairobi has many green areas for recreation. The biggest is the Nairobi National Park, located on the southern side of the city. This park is unique because it's a wildlife park right next to a major city.

Other green spaces and protected forests include Uhuru Park, Central Park, John Michuki Park, Nairobi Arboretum, City Park, Uhuru Gardens, Jeevanjee Gardens, Karura Forest, Ngong forest, and Ololua forest. These places offer residents and visitors a chance to enjoy nature within the city.

Culture in Nairobi

Nairobi is a mix of many different African cultures. As a big city in Africa, it is home to people from all the different tribes in Kenya. It also has many immigrants from other African countries.

Nairobi has two informal nicknames. The first is "The Green City in the Sun," which describes its many trees and warm climate. The second is the "Safari Capital of the World." This name comes from Nairobi's role as a main starting point for safari tours.

Literature and Film in Nairobi

Kwani? is Kenya's first literary magazine, started by writers in Nairobi. Many Kenyan authors, like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o and Meja Mwangi, have had their books published in Nairobi.

Many filmmakers also work in Nairobi. The film industry is still growing in Kenya. Producers like Njeri Karago and director Judy Kibinge are helping to lead the way.

One of the most famous stories set in Nairobi is Out of Africa. This book was written by Karen Blixen, who lived in the Nairobi area from 1917 to 1931. The neighborhood where she lived, Karen, is named after her. In 1985, Out of Africa was made into a movie. It won many awards, including seven Academy Awards. Because of the movie's popularity, the Karen Blixen Museum opened in Nairobi.

Nairobi has also been the setting for other American and British films. A recent example is The Constant Gardener (2005), which was partly filmed in the city, including scenes in the Kibera slum.

Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o, who identifies with Nairobi, won an Oscar for her role in the film 12 Years a Slave.

In 2015 and 2016, Nairobi was a key location for the American TV series Sense8. In 2017, the city's name was used as a code-name for a main character, Ágata Jiménez, in the popular Spanish TV series Money Heist.

Food Scene in Nairobi

Nairobi has a wide variety of restaurants. You can find nyama choma, which is a local term for roasted meat. There are also American fast food places like KFC and Subway. South African chains like Galitos are also popular.

Coffee shops that also serve food, like Artcaffe and Nairobi Java House, are very popular with the middle class. Traditional restaurants, such as K'osewe's and Amaica, specialize in African dishes. Upscale restaurants often serve specific types of food like Italian or Ethiopian. These are usually found in fancy hotels or the wealthier parts of the city.

Nairobi has an annual Restaurant Week (NRW) in January or February. During this event, many restaurants offer special dining deals at lower prices.

Music in Nairobi

Nairobi is the heart of Kenya's music scene. Benga is a Kenyan music style that started in Nairobi. It mixes jazz with Luo music. Mugithi is another popular Kenyan music style from the central parts of the country. Many music videos by local artists are filmed in Nairobi.

In the 1970s, Nairobi became a major center for music in the African Great Lakes region. It became a hub for soukous music, which originally came from Congo. Many Congolese artists moved to Nairobi and became very successful.

More recently, Nairobi has become the center of the Kenyan hip hop scene. This music style is very popular with young people. Successful artists based in Nairobi include Jua Cali and Nonini.

Many international musicians perform in Nairobi when they tour Africa. Artists like Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, and Akon have performed here.

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has also become popular in Nairobi, especially among younger generations. Many local EDM DJs and producers are emerging.

Gospel music is also very popular in Nairobi, as most people are Christian. Gospel artists have a big impact on the city. Popular gospel artists include Esther Wahome and Daddy Owen.

The musical group Sauti Sol performed for U.S. President Barack Obama when he visited Nairobi in 2015.

Sports in Nairobi

Nairobi is the main sports center in the African Great Lakes region. The top sports facility is the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani. It was finished in 1987 and hosted the 1987 All Africa Games. This complex has a 60,000-seat stadium, a gymnasium, and an aquatics center.

The Nyayo National Stadium is Nairobi's second-largest stadium, with a capacity of 30,000. It is mainly used for football games and is known for hosting rugby events.

Nairobi City Stadium is the city's oldest stadium, used for club football. Nairobi Gymkhana is where the Kenyan cricket team plays. It was also a venue for the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Important annual events in Nairobi include the Safari Rally and the Nairobi Marathon.

Football is the most popular sport in Nairobi. Many top football clubs, like Gor Mahia and A.F.C. Leopards, are based in the city.

There are six golf courses near Nairobi. The oldest is the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, started in 1906. The Kenya Open golf tournament, part of the European Tour, takes place in Nairobi. The Ngong Racecourse is the center for horse racing in Kenya.

Rugby is also a popular sport, with many top clubs based in Nairobi. Basketball is played in schools and colleges, and many young people in the city are fans of the American NBA.

Places of Worship

Nairobi has many places of worship. Most are Christian churches, including Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches. There are also Muslim mosques, such as Jamia Mosque.

Education in Nairobi

Most schools in Nairobi follow either the Kenyan or British school systems. There are also international schools like International School of Kenya and Rosslyn Academy, which follow the North American system.

Higher Education and Universities

Nairobi is home to many universities and colleges.

• The University of Nairobi is the largest and oldest university in Kenya. It started in 1956 and became an independent university in 1970. It has about 84,000 students.
• Kenyatta University is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Nairobi. It started in 1985 and offers many courses, including medicine, engineering, and law. It has about 32,000 students.
• Strathmore University began in 1961. It first offered science and arts subjects, then accountancy. In 1993, it moved to its current location.
• United States International University – Nairobi started in 1969. It became an independent university in 2005 and is accredited in both the US and Kenya.
• The Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi became a teaching hospital in 2005. It offers advanced education in medicine and nursing.
• The Catholic University of Eastern Africa is in the Lang'ata area. It was granted its civil charter in 1992.
• The Technical University of Kenya (formerly Kenya Polytechnic) is the only technical university in the country. It offers technical degree courses in engineering, applied sciences, and social sciences.
• Other universities with campuses in Nairobi include KCA University, Pan African Christian University, Riara University, and Multimedia University of Kenya.

Infrastructure and Transport

Improving City Traffic

Nairobi is working on big plans to reduce traffic jams. The completion of Thika Road has greatly improved how the city looks and feels. Several projects, like the Syokimau Rail Station and new bypass roads, have been finished. Many more projects are still being built.

These new transport systems aim to make travel faster and cheaper. They will also help increase trade and attract more investments to Kenya.

Airports Serving Nairobi

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the largest airport in Kenya. In 2016, over 7 million passengers used it. In 2017, JKIA received a special status from the FAA, making it an even more important aviation hub in the region.

Wilson Airport is a smaller airport for general aviation, mostly used by propeller planes. Moi Air Base is a military airport. In the past, it was used for passenger and mail flights.

Matatus: Popular Public Transport

Matatus are the most common way to get around Nairobi. The word "matatu" means "three cents for a ride," though they cost more now. They are privately owned minibuses that usually carry 14 to 33 people. Matatus travel within Nairobi and to other towns. Each matatu has its route number and destination printed on a yellow stripe on its side.

In 2004, a law was passed requiring all matatus to have seat belts and speed limiters. This caused some upset at first, but the changes were made. Matatus are now limited to 80 km/h (50 mph). In 2014, the ban on colorful graphics was lifted, allowing matatus to be decorated again. Matatus are known for their bright paint schemes, often showing favorite football teams or hip hop artists. To attract more customers, many have powerful sound systems and TV screens.

Buses in Nairobi

Buses are becoming more common in Nairobi. Some even offer free WiFi. There are four main bus companies: Kenya Bus Service (KBS), Citi Hoppa, Compliant MOA, and Double M. Citi Hoppa buses are green, Double M buses are purple, and KBS buses are blue.

Companies like Easy Coach and Modern Coast run scheduled buses to other cities and towns.

A new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is starting. It will use high-capacity buses along Thika Road. The first phase will connect Ruiru to Kenyatta National Hospital.

Trains and Railways

Nairobi started as a railway town. The main office of Kenya Railways (KR) is still at Nairobi railway station near the city center. The railway line runs through Nairobi, connecting Mombasa to Kampala. It is mainly used for moving goods. Some commuter trains connect the city center with the suburbs.

In 2012, the Syokimau Rail Service was launched. This new station helps passengers travel from Syokimau to the city center much faster. Other modern stations include Imara Daima Railway Station and Makadara Railway Station.

The new Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway connects Mombasa and Nairobi. This modern railway has largely replaced the older one. The Nairobi Terminus is located at Syokimau, about 20 km (12 miles) from the city center. Passengers arriving from Mombasa can take the older trains for the short trip into the central business district.

Roads and Highways

Two major trans-African roads pass through Nairobi: the Cairo-Cape Town Highway and the Lagos-Mombasa Highway. Nairobi is connected by highways to other major towns like Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu. These roads help ease daily traffic.

Nairobi is undergoing major road construction to improve its transport network. New roads, flyovers, and bridges are being built to handle high traffic levels. This is a big part of Kenya's Vision 2030 plan. Most roads are now well-lit and have clear signs.

In 2020, construction began on The Nairobi Expressway. This 27 km (17 mile) toll road connects Mulolongo in eastern Nairobi to Westlands. It helps travelers get to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport faster by avoiding heavy traffic. The road has an elevated section of 11.025 km (6.85 miles). It was opened to the public in May 2022.

Water Supply and Housing

Most of Nairobi's piped water comes from rivers and reservoirs in the Aberdare Range north of the city. The Thika Dam reservoir is very important for this. About 40% of the water is lost before it reaches homes. Only 40% of homes with water connections get water all the time. People living in informal settlements often get water from kiosks and pay more for it than those with direct connections.

Nairobi has many different types of housing. You can find privately owned homes, rented apartments, and houses on mortgage. While many wealthy Kenyans live in Nairobi, most residents have average or low incomes. About half of the population lives in informal settlements, which cover only 5% of the city's area. These settlements have grown due to people moving to the city and challenges in city planning.

Kibera is one of the largest informal settlements in Africa. It is located west of Nairobi. The word Kibera comes from a Nubian word meaning "forest" or "jungle."

Many Nairobi residents who do not live in informal settlements have good housing. Large houses can be found in wealthy neighborhoods, especially in western Nairobi. These include areas like Gigiri, Muthaiga, Langata, and Karen. Other middle and high-income areas include Parklands, Westlands, and Kilimani.

To meet the needs of the growing middle class, many new apartments and housing developments are being built. One notable development is Greenpark, located at Athi River, about 25 km (15 miles) from Nairobi's city center. This development includes over 5,000 houses, villas, and apartments, along with shops and businesses.

Media in Nairobi

Nairobi is home to most of Kenya's news and media organizations. The city has the region's largest newspapers: the Daily Nation and The Standard. These newspapers are published in English and cover news from Kenya and the region. People Daily is a leading free newspaper distributed in Nairobi.

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, a state-run TV and radio station, is based in Nairobi. Kenya Television Network was Kenya's first private TV station. The Nation Media Group runs NTV, also based in Nairobi. There are many popular radio stations in the capital, including Citizen Radio, KISS 100, and Capital FM.

Several international media organizations have their regional headquarters in Nairobi. These include the BBC, CNN, Reuters, and the Associated Press. The Nairobi office of The New York Times is in the Gigiri suburb. The broadcast headquarters of CCTV Africa are also located in Nairobi.

Notable People from Nairobi

• Richard Dawkins (born 1941), evolutionary biologist
• Chris Froome (born 1985), professional cyclist and 4-time Tour de France winner
• Edi Gathegi, actor
• Lupita Nyong'o, Oscar-winning actress
• Susan Murabana, Kenyan astronomer
• Victor Wanyama, footballer

Nairobi in Pop Culture

The 1981 film Rise and Fall of Idi Amin shows Nairobi's role in opposing the Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin.

In 2012, a Kenyan film called Nairobi Half Life was released. It was the first time Kenya submitted a film for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

The city of Nairobi also inspired the name of a main character, Ágata Jiménez, who is known as 'Nairobi' in the popular Netflix series Money Heist. She is a very popular character in the show.

The Future of Nairobi

Nairobi has grown a lot since 1899. Here's how its population is expected to grow in the 21st century:

Year	2009	2019	2023	2030
Population size	3,138,372	4,397,073	4,677,677	5,212,500

Nairobi Metropolitan Region

Nairobi is part of the larger Greater Nairobi Metropolitan region. This region includes parts of 5 out of Kenya's 47 counties. Together, these areas produce about 40% of Kenya's total economic output. Nairobi County alone contributes 27.5% of the country's economy.

Twin Towns and Sister Cities

Nairobi is twinned with several cities around the world. This means they have a special partnership to promote cultural and economic ties.

• Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Denver, United States
• Kunming, China
• Lowell, United States
• Raleigh, United States
• São Luís, Brazil

Images for kids

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  Jomo Kenyatta statue

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  Nairobi at sunrise

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  KICC Auditorium

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  State House

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  Nairobi City Hall

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  Entrance to Parliament

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  University of Nairobi

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  Nairobi at sunset

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  NSSF Building

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  Anniversary Towers

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  Times Tower

See also

In Spanish: Nairobi para niños