Nairobi is Kenya's vibrant capital city and a major hub for East Africa, blending modern skyscrapers with abundant wildlife right at the city's edge. It is the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, where lions and giraffes roam against a backdrop of the urban skyline. Known as the 'Green City in the Sun,' Nairobi offers world-class dining, diverse culture, and serves as the gateway to Kenya's legendary safari destinations.
Nairobi's history is surprisingly brief but dramatic. The city was founded in 1899 as a railway depot and supply town on the Uganda Railway, built by the British colonial administration to connect the Indian Ocean coast to Uganda. The site was chosen for its flat terrain and water supply, despite being considered inhospitable swampland by the Maasai who called it 'Enkare Nairobi' (cool water). Within decades it grew from a temporary camp to the capital of British East Africa and eventually of independent Kenya, which gained independence under Jomo Kenyatta on December 12, 1963. Today Nairobi is East Africa's largest city and the continent's fourth largest, a testament to its remarkable century of growth.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Nairobi.
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1
Maasai Lands
The area known as 'Enkare Nairobi' (cool water) was Maasai grazing land, used seasonally for cattle herding across the Athi Plains
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2
Railway Depot Founded
The Uganda Railway construction team establishes Mile 327 depot — Nairobi — as a supply and administration centre; makeshift tented camps quickly grow into a settlement
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3
Colonial Town Develops
Indian craftsmen brought to build the railway remain and establish businesses; Bazaar Street (now Biashara Street) becomes the commercial heart of the emerging town
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4
Capital of British East Africa
Nairobi becomes the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate, replacing Mombasa; permanent colonial government buildings begin construction
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5
Municipality Established
Nairobi is formally declared a municipality; the Muthaiga Club and other colonial institutions are established for European settlers
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6
Kenya Colony
The East Africa Protectorate becomes Kenya Colony; Nairobi is its capital and grows rapidly with European settlement encouraged by the colonial government
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7
Karen Blixen Era
Danish writer Karen Blixen lives on her coffee farm in the area now bearing her name; her experiences form the basis of 'Out of Africa,' publishing in 1937
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8
Mau Mau Emergency
The Kikuyu-led Mau Mau liberation movement fights British colonial rule; Nairobi sees political unrest, curfews and the imprisonment of Jomo Kenyatta
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9
Independence
Kenya gains independence on December 12, 1963 (Jamhuri Day); Jomo Kenyatta becomes the first Prime Minister and later first President; Nairobi becomes the national capital
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10
Republic of Kenya
Kenya becomes a republic; Nairobi grows rapidly with new government buildings, universities and international institutions
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11
UNEP Headquarters
The United Nations Environment Programme establishes its global headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi — the first UN agency HQ on African soil
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12
US Embassy Bombing
A devastating terrorist bombing of the US Embassy in the CBD kills 213 people and injures thousands; a dark chapter in Nairobi's history
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13
Westgate Mall Attack
An Al-Shabaab terrorist attack on Westgate Mall kills 67 people; the attack profoundly affects Nairobi's sense of security
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14
SGR Railway and Modern Growth
The Standard Gauge Railway linking Nairobi to Mombasa opens, transforming travel; Nairobi continues to grow as East Africa's tech and business hub
Historical eras
The chapters of Nairobi's past.
Pre-Colonial
The area was Maasai grazing land and Kikuyu farming territory; no permanent settlement at the future city site
Railway Town
Explosive growth from a tent camp to a supply town as the Uganda Railway construction progressed; Indian traders established the commercial foundation
Colonial Capital
Nairobi develops as a distinctly segregated colonial city with European, Asian and African quarters; farm country in Karen and Muthaiga
Independent Kenya
Rapid expansion as the capital of an independent nation; growth of government, UN institutions, technology sector and modern infrastructure
Historical sites
Places where Nairobi's past comes alive.
Karen Blixen Museum
The preserved farmhouse of Danish writer Karen Blixen, author of 'Out of Africa,' set in beautiful grounds with views toward the Ngong Hills
Where: Karen Road, Karen, Nairobi
Admission: $8
Nairobi Railway Museum
The story of the Uganda Railway — the 'Lunatic Express' — that created Nairobi; historic steam locomotives and original colonial railway memorabilia
Where: Station Road, Nairobi CBD
Admission: $3
Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
The national monument marking Kenyan independence, featuring the original flag pole and commemorative gardens
Where: Langata Road, Nairobi
Admission: $2
Old PC House / Nairobi Gallery
One of Nairobi's finest colonial-era buildings now housing the Nairobi Gallery with Kenyan art and historical exhibitions
Where: Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi CBD
Admission: $3
Parliament Buildings
Kenya's colonial-era parliament building, site of the independence declaration in 1963 and the seat of democratic government
Where: Parliament Road, Nairobi CBD
Admission: Free (guided tours when not in session)
Museums
Curated collections that tell Nairobi's story.
Nairobi National Museum
Kenya's flagship national museum covering natural history, cultural heritage, paleontology and art; includes the famous 'Origin of Mankind' evolution exhibit and Joy Adamson wildlife paintings
Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily
Admission: $10
Nairobi Gallery
Contemporary and historical Kenyan art in a beautiful colonial building in the CBD
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Mon-Fri
Admission: $3
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.
Walking tours
Free walking tours of the CBD depart daily at 10 AM from KICC (Kenyatta International Convention Centre); various paid heritage tours available
Day tours
Full-day historical and cultural tours from $50-100 include Karen Blixen Museum, Railway Museum and city history
Private tours
Private history-focused guides available from $60-100 for half-day; ask at top hotels for recommended guides