Top 5 interesting Facts about Nairobi
Located In the south-central part of the country, in the highlands at an elevation of about 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level, Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and the largest city. The city covers a total area of 696 square kilometers and has a population of above 4.5 million.
Nairobi was founded in 1899 by the colonial authorities in British East Africa as a rail depot on the Uganda Railway. The town quickly grew to replace Mombasa as the capital of Kenya in 1907. After independence in 1963, Nairobi became the capital of the Republic of Kenya.
Nairobi has now grown significantly and is now one of the few African cities that is both edgy and innovative at the same time. The city is breathtaking, with old charm buildings coexisting peacefully with new high skyscrapers, and it is considered one of the most beautiful African cities.
Top 5 interesting Facts about Nairobi
Here are some top five interesting facts about Nairobi.
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This is the only city in the world with a National Park
Nairobi boasts of being the only city with a national park. The Nairobi National Park, situated 7km south of the town, is among the town’s top attractions.
Nairobi national park is unique as you can view wildlife against the city skyline backdrop. Despite its proximity to the city and relatively small size, it boasts a large and varied wildlife population and is one of Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries.
Some of the animals one can see in the park include lions, buffalos, giraffes, and zebras.
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Nairobi is home to one of the largest slums in Africa.
Nairobi has more than 40 areas classified as slams, and 60% of its residents reside in these low-income neighborhoods. The Kibera and Mathare slums are the two largest slums in Nairobi.
Additionally, Kibera is one of the largest slums in Africa. Although some of the poorest residents of Nairobi live in these slums, it is also the origin of several extremely successful Kenyans who have returned to the country to support the younger generations still living there.
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Nairobi is among the Top 10 destinations in Africa.
Known as The Green city in the sun, Nairobi has some of the best attractions in Kenya and Africa. Due to its many attractions, beautiful people, and culture Nairobi is among the top ten destinations to visit in Africa.
These attractions include the David Sheldrake’s Trust, best known for protecting orphaned baby Elephants. The Giraffe Centre, Mamba village, Karura forest, the Karen Blixen Museum, and Masai markets, among others.
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Matatu Culture is popular in Nairobi.
Most global cities distinguish themselves by their primary means of transportation. Although Nairobi has several popular transportation, which include Nduthis (motorbikes) and uber.
Matatus are the main public transportation. Matatus are minibusses or smaller vans that transport most of Nairobi’s residents to and from their homes. Matatus are works of art with graffiti, pictures of global pop celebrities, images of current events, and many more.
Matatus have become more than just a means of transport into a cultural phenomenon.
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Nairobi has a vibrant nightlife.
Nairobi is a city that never sleeps. The city’s nightlife makes it one of the most well-known in Africa.
There are a staggering amount of bars and nightclubs in the city. Packed to capacity on the weekend and constantly bustling during the week, Nairobi’s nightlife is something not to miss out on.
Additionally, everyone can find a place that fits their needs and budget.
Being one of the most thriving cities in Africa, Nairobi is a city full of culture and fun activities to do both day and night. Best of all, it is affordable for the most part. Explore Nairobi to enjoy a mix of culture, wildlife, artistry, history, and entertainment.
Bonus facts about Nairobi
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It is the headquarters of several international organizations in Africa
Nairobi City is home to thousands of Kenyan businesses and over 100 major international companies and organizations.
Some of the international non-governmental organizations include UNEP, UN, Embassies and consulates, Google Africa headquarters, General Electric, Young & Rubicam, Coca-Cola, IBM Services, and Cisco Systems. The regional offices include Safaricom.
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The Name Nairobi means cool waters
The name Nairobi is a Maasai phrase ‘Enkare Nairobi’ which translates to “cool water”.
This was about the Nairobi River which flows through the city but is also known to be located high above sea level.
The entire land where the city and its environs are used to be swampy and uninhabited.
As the city continued to develop, the Maasais who owned vast grazing land were pushed further sound to allow the expansion of the city.
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Nairobi’s Geographical Facts
Nairobi city is 270 sq. mi (696 sq. km) big. This city is located between Mombasa and Kampala cities. It occasionally experiences minor tremors and earthquakes as the city is adjacent to Rift Valley’s eastern edge.
