Advice on Nairobi please

[claggles]

Hello, am looking for some advice from anyone currently living in or recently left Nairobi.

DH is in the final stages of interviewing for a role there and we will have to make a decision soon. We have been out of the UK for over 10 years now and most recently have been based in SE Asia so not concerned over the lifestyle change as such but more on safety, will be first time to Africa too but am excited about it as would be fantastic opportunity and experience for us all.

DH job would be based in the City Square area so I suppose we would look for a house or apartment near there. From what I gather most expats are further out than that, would I be facing hour long car journeys to schools / social events? We have 2 young dc and would be looking for a kindergarden / nursery for the elder one and am keen to have an active social life both for myself and the children.

Also is it advised to have a car and driver rather than driving myself?

Other option is for dh to go alone and for us to move back to the UK for a year, not ideal but possible.

Would really appreciate any advice you can give me, am finding it so much harder to move to new countries now i have children as much more things to consider! Thanks in advance

[claggles]

hopeful bump

[akuabadoll]

I'm not there, not recently moved either, but seeing as there are no other takers for now .... Lived in Africa for most of a decade including NBO, have friends still there. Now in SE Asia for the first time.

I think (based on the reversed experience) you will find Africa tough after SE Asia and an adjustment, in large part due to security considerations. That said I think it's a wonderful part of the world and would go back in a heartbeat (with two little kids). It's a great base for long weekends out of town and things further afield in the region, it's not so far from the UK either if you need to get back (this is in the front of my mind as we feel very far from Europe here). Yes the traffic is a mess but this is true of a lot of places. Having a driver is not the norm but certainly can be done. I'm guessing City Square is downtown? You are right in thinking its not a residential area, at least as far as I know, I lived there for a few years and hardly ever went downtown and certainly didn't know anyone that lived there. Can't advise on areas of live/work/school because I'm not up to date, good luck though- it's more than doable.

[SunnyL]

I don't live in Nairobi but have an office there and work there regularly.

traffic is a nightmare and despite investment by the Chinese it's not going to get any better soon.

security is also quite worrying now. even long term residents are now talking about security.

my colleagues all live farther out and travel in. That way they can get better houses in nicer quieter districts. They've learnt what time to leave the office to avoid the worst traffic.

[Theas18]

Pm d you.

[claggles]

thanks all for your replies, safety is really my main concern now. Good to know i can drive myself as would prefer that than relying on a driver. I think we will now go to visit the country without the children to see what its like before making the final decision. If it wasn't for the dc I would have no hesitation but they do change everything! :)

[marcopront]

I lived there for three years, my DD is half Kenyan and her Dad still lives there so we go quite often. I had a car but no driver which seemed to be the norm. I love Kenya and would happily go back if salaries (as a teacher) were better. Security is an issue and much more so than when I lived there (we left 7 years ago) but I feel safe when I am there but I am with a Kenyan when I am there.

Traffic is a problem. I have no idea where City Square is, so can't advise on that.

[marcopront]

OK found city square on a map. There is not much accommodation round there, you would need to live out and your husband would need to commute. I would recommend living near the school so there less of a commute for you/children.

[ZamMummyInGabs]

Hi, no personal experience of Kenya myself (been in Southern Africa 10 years with 3 kids, oldest is 8) if you PM me I can put you in touch with a couple of friends who are there with (primary aged) kids.