NAIROBI

NAIROBI

Nairobi  is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi County. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyrobi, which translates to "cold water". The phrase is also the Maasai name of the Nairobi river, which in turn lent its name to the city. However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" and is surrounded by several expanding villa suburbs. Residents of Nairobi are known as Nairobians.

Founded by the British in 1899 as a simple rail depot on the railway linking Mombasa to Uganda, the town quickly grew to become the capital of British East Africa in 1907, and eventually the capital of a free Kenyan republic in 1963. During Kenya's colonial period, the city became a centre for the colony's coffee, tea and sisal industry. Nairobi city is also the capital of the Nairobi Province and Nairobi District. The city lies on the Nairobi River, in the south of the nation and has an elevation of 1795 m above sea-level. 

Nairobi is the most populous city in East Africa, with a current estimated population of about 3 million. Nairobi is now one of the most prominent cities in Africa both politically and financially. Home to thousands of Kenyan businesses and over 100 major international companies and organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the main coordinating and headquarters for the UN in Africa & Middle East, the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), Nairobi is an established hub for business and culture. The Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) is one of the largest in Africa and the second oldest exchange on the continent. It is ranked 4th in terms of trading volume and capable of making 10 million trades a day. The Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC) defines Nairobi as a prominent social center.

MAIN ATTRACTION IN NAIROBI

Nairobi National Park -  Nairobi is not a prime tourist destination, but it does have several tourist attractions. The most famous is the Nairobi National Park. The national park is unique in being the only game-reserve of this nature to border a capital city, or any major city. The park contains many animals including lions, giraffes, and black rhinos. The park is home to over 400 species of birds. The Nairobi Safari Walk is a major attraction to the Nairobi National Park as it offers a rare on-foot experience of the animals.  Nairobi is home to several museums, sites, and monuments. 

The Nairobi National Museum is the country's National Museum and largest in the city. It houses a large collection of artifacts portraying Kenya's rich heritage through history, nature, culture, and contemporary art. It also includes the full remains of a homo erectus popularly known as the Turkana boy.  

The Nairobi Railway Museum is a railway museum in Nairobi, Kenya, adjacent to Nairobi railway station. Containing exhibits from the defunct East African Railways, it was opened in 1971 by East African Railways and Harbours Corporation. It is today operated by Kenya Railways.The museum has maintained its rail connection. This allows for the efficient movement of museum exhibits for maintenance etc. It also allows additions to the collection to be easily placed on site. The three operational* steam locomotives are stored securely under cover within the main railway works. Visitors must request an appointment to view them. These three steam locomotives are used occasionally on tourist excursions within the metro Nairobi area and to Naivasha and Konza. The museum's collection of locomotives is increasing with the addition of some early diesel locomotives and, examples of passenger coaches.  

Uhuru gardens - The gardens are home to Nairobi's largest memorial to the struggle for Independence. The Uhuru monument is built on the spot where freedom (Uhuru) from British rule was declared at midnight on December 12th, 1963. The column of the Uhuru monument stands 24 meters high and supports a pair of clasped hands as well as the dove of peace. The column is over the statue of a group of freedom fighters raising the flag. Uhuru Gardens has a musical fountain and a viewing platform. In 2003, Uhuru Gardens was the site of a public destruction of arms. This symbolic ceremony took place on the third anniversary of the signature of the Nairobi Declaration on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

The Parliament House in Nairobi is most recognized by its clock tower. The Parliamentary buildings were built in the 1950's. The motto over the main door reads: "For a just society and the fair government of men". Parliament is open to the public, the guards at the gate will tell you when the next session takes places so you can visit the public gallery. Tours of the buildings are also available by registering at the gatehouse and a tour guide will be assigned. Directly beside Parliament is the respectfully landscaped Mausoleum of Jomo Kenyatta, Republic of Kenya's First President.

Riuki Cultural Center - Riuki Cultural Center is a traditional Kenyan village. Riuki provides information and practices relating to the traditional life styles, architecture, food, culture and dances of the Kikuyu. The Kikuyu are the largest community in Kenya. Culture at Riuki is presented through lectures, story telling and theatrical presentations. Activities offered at the Riuki Cultural Center include a guided tour of the homestead, doctor cleansing ceremonies, traditional food and drink tasting, dances, and a lecture on traditional lifestyle. Visitors are greeted by a group of elders and are welcomed in true Kikuyu style, with an invitation to drink from a horn filled with Muratina, a locally brewed drink.

Nairobi's night life is very popular with tourists, both young and old. From a collection of gourmet restaurants offering local and international cuisine, Nairobi has something to offer to every age and pocket. For those more discerning travellers, one can choose from a wide array of local cuisine, Mediterranean, fast food, Ethiopian, and Arabian. The most popular clubbing spots are centred in upmarket Westlands which has come to be known as "Electric Avenue", Karen, Langata, Hurlingham, and "uptown" venues in the city centre.