About Nairobi

About Life in Nairobi

BANKING

Banks are relatively secure here, and the major international banks you can open an account with include Barclays, Standard Chartered, Stanbic, First National, Giro Bank, Commercial Bank of Africa, Kenya Commercial Bank, Equatorial Bank and others. When opening a current account you will be given a debit card for electronic use. Credit cards are a good idea in case of emergencies. VISA is the most commonly used here, but the banks also accept MASTERCARD, American Express and most other cards. It is a good idea to have some travellers cheques with you in cases of emergency.

CARS AND DRIVING IN KENYA

In Kenya, people drive on the left.

All drivers are governed by specific traffic laws and regulations of the Republic of Kenya.

You have the option of buying new, imported or second-hand vehicles. There are many agents you can buy from, but you should insist on seeing the log book before buying a car.

Loans can be made available from the company for the purposes of buying a car (subject to certain conditions). The loan repayments are made on a monthly basis over the contract period. Before buying a car by a company loan, the company requires a vehicle valuation done by a reputable firm. The Automobile Association is efficient and a recognized agent for this purpose.

All cars in Kenya must be registered and insured.

If you wish to import a car, there will be much paperwork to be completed, and subsequently duty to be paid to the Kenya Government dependent on the vehicle engine size.

Kenya accepts UK and international driving licenses. You can drive on a UK license for three months here and it is necessary to obtain a Kenyan license, which you can do easily.

It is a legal requirement to ensure that all vehicles are road-worthy, all lights, windscreen wipers and tyres are in good working order. Recently the Ministry of Transport declared that all vehicles were required to be in possession of a first aid kit, a small fire extinguisher and emergency triangles. It is considered an offence not to have these in the car and you may be subject to a fine if stopped without.

CINEMAS

There are many movie theatres in Nairobi, most with 2/3 screens each: the movie theatres located in shopping malls are as follows: one at Village Market, one at the Sarit Centre in Westlands, one at Nakumatt Prestige on Ngong Road, one at The Junction also on Ngong Road and many in the city centre. There are numerous other cinemas, and 2 drive-ins. To see what is showing, have a look in the daily newspapers; usually when a movie comes out in the UK, it comes out here at the same time. (See "THE REALLY USEFUL LIST" for contact and location information).

DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Eating out is a pleasure in Nairobi! There is a wide range of restaurants to chose from - some cheaper than others, but eating out is much less expensive than UK. There is a really international flavour to the restaurants here - cuisine includes Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Ethiopian, French, Italian, Mexican, Indian and a number of bistros and BBQ restaurants. The Indian food is second to none. The choice at wine is improving greatly particularly as much is imported from South Africa. There are a number of lively bars and clubs, 10-pin bowling, activity centres and more. Your social life needs never be dull and there is always plenty to do in the evenings and at weekends. Braeburn School also has its own Club, which opens at 5:00pm every day and 12:00 noon at the weekend. The bar is very well stocked and the Club also provides a range of light snacks and more substantial meals. "The Junction" (shopping mall) is situated very near to the school compound and offers restaurants, a supermarket and green grocer's, up-market shops, a chemist, travel agent, movie theatres and banking facilities (See "THE REALLY USEFUL LIST" for contact and location information).

GETTING AROUND IN KENYA

There are a number of ways to travel but the best way is to be independent and buy a car - more of how you can do that later. A rugged car, preferably a 4-wheel drive is well suited to the often interesting and difficult road conditions. Good roads, even when tarmacked, are not typical. Petrol and diesel fuels are much cheaper than UK. There is a train service which goes from the coast to the Ugandan border on Lake Victoria. The local 'matatu' (small public service vehicle) is an interesting experience and many of us, who have tried it once, will not repeat the experience - others are braver and will use them confidently! 'Matatu' routes are limited and not suitable for travelling in the evenings after about 9pm. There are coaches, which can be used. Some are better than others and it is important to take advice on this.

For those who want that little bit more confidence on Kenyan roads, you can enrol on a Kenyan driving course! See http://www.glenedmunds.com for more information.

HEALTH MATTERS

DENTISTS

The company's medical scheme covers dental treatment when an extra premium is paid, so to be wise it is best to have a full check up before you leave. There are number of dentists here and many of them are very competent but expensive. Dental work brought on by accident is covered under the company's medical insurance. See http://www.fdiworldental.org/kda for more information on dentists in Kenya.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccinations are not required by the Kenyan Health authorities. It is advisable to have a yellow fever certificate, as this is valid for ten years. Malaria tablets are not necessary for living in Nairobi but they are essential if you go to a tropical zone having stagnant water of any kind. By all means seek medical advice in the UK but the doctors here are more able to give you the appropriate advice on prevention of malaria and the right malarial tablets depending on where you are going. (some useful sites include: http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/africa/kenya.html; http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/vaccines_index.shtml and http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/africa.htm)

MEDICAL FACILITIES

The medical facilities in Nairobi are good. There are a number of hospitals in Nairobi, with the Nairobi Hospital and the Aga Khan Hospital being the largest. There are also a number of clinics. Currently, the company has its own medical insurance scheme which staff members are welcome to join. If you need to go into hospital for any in-patient stays, you will be entitled to a discount based on the NHIF (to read more about the NHIF, click here).

See the following useful hospital links:
http://www.nairobihospital.org http://www.agakhanhospitals.org/nairobi/index.asp
Ensure that you (or your representative) have collected your NHIF card before clearing your hospital bill.

OPTICIANS

A lot of us that wear glasses or contact lenses would advise you to wait until you are here. Contact lens solutions are more expensive, but the lenses are cheaper and so are, in most cases glasses - even designer ones! Contact lens wearers beware! You are at an altitude of 5000 ft. and normal soft lenses aren't always permeable enough. The monthly or fortnightly disposables, which are thinner, are much better. The opticians here are good and very helpful - Whether you wear glasses or not, you do need a good pair of sunglasses with U.V. coating. There are many good opticians in Nairobi, a list of which can be obtained from the Human Resources office.

HOLIDAYS

The Government of Kenya gazetted national holidays are currently: Easter Friday, Sunday and Monday, 1st May, 1st June, 10th and 20th October, 12th December. Other holidays which are observed are national Muslim holidays which vary depending on moon cycles and as such are declared with little notice.

SECURITY

Nairobi is a capital city like any other and one should be careful not to put oneself in a position where one feels uncomfortable or threatened. Do not walk around the town and environs wearing expensive jewellery or flashing money around. When driving, always keep your car doors locked, and when in town or crowded areas, keep your windows rolled high. If you see a crowd of unruly people ahead, take an alternative route. When driving particularly at night, stay alert to the possibility of being followed, especially if you have bought a fancy 4x4. If this does arise, drive straight to a crowded area such as a shopping mall, night club or police station. If you find yourself in a situation in which you have lost control, remain calm. The general police telephone number is 999.

PERSONAL INSURANCE

A good personal insurance cover is advisable. When you arrive you should insure your personal belongings as soon as possible. Cars have to be insured by law. Health insurance is a very good idea.

SPORTS

At the Primary/High School and Braeburn College there are two good tennis / basketball courts, 3 international standard squash court and a superb outdoor 25-metre swimming pool. The sports hall at Braeburn's Gitanga Road Campus also has an in-door swimming pool. Other sports revolve mainly around the main clubs in Nairobi - Impala, Muthaiga, Nairobi, Karen and Parklands.

Most cricket clubs are accommodated at the main sports clubs in Nairobi at the weekend. (See http://www.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/NATIONAL/ICC_MEMBERS/KENYA/ for more information)

For avid golfers, there are many challenging and fun fairways and bunkers to play. Most golf clubs are private and require membership, but you can usually get signed in as a guest or play as a temporary member. See http://www.kgu.or.ke for more information on golfing locations.

There are many gyms in Nairobi, varying in prices with memberships ranging from daily to weekly, monthly, six-monthly or annual. There are usually 1-2 gyms per residential area. Equipment is relatively modern, supervision generally good but make sure you inspect the gym and ask for a trial period before becoming a member. Classes such as aerobics, pilates, yoga, etc are usually held at the gyms.

Several hockey clubs exist. There are very competitive men's leagues whilst the mixed league is more social. (see http://www.wazalendohockey.com for more information on hockey in Kenya)

There are a number of riding stables in and around Nairobi, with the Karen / Langata area being the closest to the Gitanga campus. These riding stables offer hacking, schooling as well as show jumping and eventing for the more adventurous. There is also horse racing at Ngong Racecourse every Sunday (seasonal) for those interested in this sport.

The Mountain Club of Kenya situated at Wilson Airport offers the opportunity to get out and about, away either to go hill walking or climbing. The club meets weekly in its own clubhouse and it also has a social evening once a month.

Tennis and Squash are very popular and tournaments are held regularly and social mix-in sessions are readily available as well as coaching sessions. There are a good many tennis clubs in Nairobi, with the closest being about 1 km away from the school grounds. Most of these clubs require membership by paying a fee that can vary from daily, monthly or annual.

The two most popular rugby clubs amongst the experts are Nondies (Parklands) and Harlequins; both are well organized, competing in the local leagues as well as running overseas tours. The season runs from February - August with lots of training in-between. Visit http://www.kenyarfu.com for more information.

Naivasha Yacht Club, on the shores of Lake Naivasha about 60 miles from Nairobi, is a very active and popular venue and offers a full calendar of dinghy sailing for several classes of dinghy. Braeburn has its own fleet of boats at Naivasha and organises numerous sailing weekends for interested pupils.

The scuba diving club shares the same facilities as the Yacht Club but practices dives in a very well-maintained pool, not the reservoir. The scuba section is strong and provides first class training so non-divers are well catered for. There is a lecture room and the club provides a variety of equipment for use. Dive weekends are held, usually at the coast, diving in the Indian Ocean, about once a month except July and August, when sea conditions make diving less pleasant. It is also a very social club.

Many companies run their own football clubs, as this is a national sport and it is very active. Some teachers play for the Railway Club which runs a 1st and 2nd team. They have regular practices and play once a week. Soccer is played practically all the year round. There is also a Braeburn Teachers Team, which plays friendly matches when they can.

Nairobi with its hills, forests and open spaces, lends itself to enjoyable jogging or running. The Hash meets every Monday at pre-announced places. Running from 5:45pm until dusk and the socializing till much later. It is a very friendly group and very well organized. The Hash also arranges weekends away.