Immigrating to Nairobi

Sorry - to add one more thing regarding visas/residency - is it possible to get a residency visa as a dependent or will I need to also get a work visa through a job I find there?
How many consecutive visit visas (I believe these are 30 days at a time?) can someone have until it becomes a problem?
Thanks

Hi!
Can't answer all your questions, but here's a few tips... I moved here in August 09 from UK and am working in the private sector, living in westlands...

First thing you should do is join the facebook group 'Nairobi Expat Social (NES)'.  I set up the group on 1 Feb, and we already have nearly 300 members!  We organise weekely socials (coffee, drinks, supper, partying etc) but its also a great network for getting advice on all the things you'll need to know.

accommodation - I suggest you contact HassConsult (google their website).  They are a fantastic family run company with lots of experience here.  Also try Knight Frank, and look for Laangata Link online.  Once you're here you can look at the ads in the newspapers and in teh shopping malls.  Be prepared to barter the asking price down - I got 30% off the rent price.

Jobs - you have to have your own work permit.  As a dependent on your spouse's visa you are not supposed to even look for work (but ppl do).  Check the un jobs website as they're one of the biggest employers.  Also contact embassies etc on an individual basis.  Depends what kind of work you do really...

Food/drink - its expensive to live here and socialise.  I spend as much on food and booze as I would in UK, if not more.  Depends how decadent you are!  My weekly groceries bill (I live on my own) is about KSH 7,000 (approx £60) and I spend another KSH 6,000 (approx £50) socialising.  Big supermarkets stock all the US/european brands, but its at a premium.  Indicative prices - beer KSH 300, wine (glass) KSH 300, meal in a restaurant KSH 2000 (per person).  (Approx exchange rate £1 = Ksh 125; US$1 = KSH 75).

Furniture and white goods - bring as much stuff with you as you can fit in a container!  White goods are double the price of UK, as is furniture.  (and if you can squeeze in a sofa for me too that'd be awesome ;-)  .  Also bring stuff like bed sheets, curtains, towels, small kitchen appliances - its all available here but either crap quality, or bloody expensive! 

Ok - think that's about it... good luck with everything, and hope to meet you guys once you arrive.

KRs

Vanessa

[email protected]

Wow Vanessa - thanks!!! Definitely a lot of info there and we'll join the facebook group as soon we know for definite that we're heading there.
Look forward to meeting you!
Thanks again,
Janine

Hello,  I agree with the last post that Nairobi is expensive.  Food bills can be kept down by shopping for fresh produce at markets - imported stuff in supermarkets is up to 3 - 4 x UK prices. The real answer is to buy local - Our food bill is around Kes 8000 for 4 of us.

I disagree that white goods and furniture are double UK prices - we have bought our TV's CD, DVD, and fridges, freezers irons and microwaves here and all at prices similar to the UK ands in some cases, less.  It depends on the brand you want.

With furniture, it isn't easy to find the cheap (poor quality) flat pack type of furniture, but the locally made furniture is of very good quality and cheaper than comaparable quality furniture from the UK.

When planning to import household goods, duty is applicable to many such items and it would be a good idea to do your homework by checking the KRA website and freight forwarders.

Regarding visas, there are a number of permits availble, depending on your circumstances and the immigration website gives information on these.  A visitors visa is valid for 3 months, extendable to 6 months.  For a stay exceeding 90 days, you must register as an alien.  To renew a visitors visa it is only necessary to leave Kenya (and COMESA) and return - there isnt a limit to how many times you can do this.

For accommdation, also try Neptune Shelters and VillaCare.  Hass consult and KnightFrank are very good, but also 'top end' as far as the properties they advertise. They will all give you a good idea of prices - look in Westslands, Kyuna, Loresho, kileleshwa, Riverside, Lavington, for the best areas.

Good luck.

nice blog

hi the forum is a great place and so is the group on FB. However if you do require any further info (legal, employment, immigration and or housing) do let me know. I work as a consultant for several expats residing in Kenya and investors from the UK who specifically do business on behalf of expats so please feel free to contact me at any time.

Hi,

I got a Marketing - middle management job offer in Nairobi wherein the accomodation would be provided by the company.

Can someone please suggest the per person living cost for decent lifestyle in Nairobi and what is the expected salary bracket for my profile in that economy.

thanks,
prattul

Life in Nairobi is generally not expensive
There are supermarkets like nakumattwhere you can get all your supplies. However you can get fresh produce at market places

Accomodation is available in areas like westlands,parklands, loresho, karen,kyuna

You can buy all other staff like kitchen appliances here and sale ( but at a lower price) when you are living

Prattul have they not offered you a salary as yet?
Nairobi is quite expensive but if you knw where to shop you can save some money

Sorry if this is in the wrong thread. I will be moving to Nairobi in a few weeks and wanted to know if there was any duty for new furniture imported from outside.
I plan to take a 2-3 BR apartment and wanted to know a guesstimate of how much it would take to furnish each of the rooms. Is USD 1500 enough per room?
TIA