Nairobi, Kenya
​
East Africa's most dynamic city and the continent's leading hub for technology, finance, and international development — Nairobi offers professionals an energetic, well-connected, and rapidly evolving training environment at the heart of a continent undergoing extraordinary transformation.
WHY NAIROBI
The gateway to East Africa
​
Nairobi is the undisputed business capital of East Africa — home to the regional headquarters of hundreds of multinational corporations, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, and one of the continent's most sophisticated financial and technology ecosystems. Known globally as the Silicon Savannah, Nairobi has established itself as Africa's leading technology and innovation hub, whilst simultaneously serving as the principal gateway for trade, development, and professional services across East and Central Africa.
East Africa's business capital
Regional HQ for hundreds of multinationals and home to UNEP and UN-Habitat — one of only four cities in the world to host a UN headquarters.
Excellent connectivity
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) offers direct connections to London, Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and all major East, West, and Southern African cities.
Silicon Savannah
Africa's foremost technology and innovation hub — home to M-Pesa, Safaricom, and a thriving start-up ecosystem that has redefined mobile finance globally.
Excellent value
Nairobi offers outstanding value relative to European training destinations — world-class hotels, venues, and services at a significantly lower cost for delegates and their organisations.
CULTURE & ATTRACTIONS
Beyond the classroom
Nairobi is one of the few cities in the world where you can observe wildlife within the city boundaries — and its cultural life, national parks, and proximity to some of Africa's greatest natural wonders make it an extraordinary destination for delegates seeking experiences well beyond the ordinary.
Attraction
What to expect
Nairobi National Park
​The only national park in the world situated within a capital city. Lions, rhinos, giraffes, and buffalo roam freely against the backdrop of the Nairobi skyline — a remarkable and entirely unique experience.
Giraffe Centre
The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife's breeding centre for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Visitors can hand-feed giraffes at close range — one of Nairobi's most memorable experiences.
David Sheldrick Wildlife
Trust
The world's most successful elephant orphanage. Daily public visits allow delegates to interact with baby elephants at remarkably close range — a globally celebrated conservation programme.
Nairobi National Museum
Kenya's principal museum, housing extraordinary collections covering East African prehistory, natural history, and contemporary Kenyan art. The adjacent Snake Park is popular with visitors.
Karen Blixen Museum
The preserved farmhouse of Danish author Karen Blixen, set on the slopes of the Ngong Hills — a beautifully maintained colonial-era property surrounded by tranquil gardens.
Maasai Market
A rotating open-air market showcasing the finest Maasai and Kenyan crafts, jewellery, textiles, and artwork. Held at various locations across the city throughout the week.
Uhuru Park & CBD
Nairobi's central park and green lung — a pleasant space for morning walks adjacent to the city centre, offering an insight into the energy and pace of modern East African urban life.
Maasai Mara (excursion)
Approximately five hours by road or 45 minutes by light aircraft. One of the world's greatest wildlife reserves — the annual wildebeest migration is among the most spectacular natural events on earth.
WEATHER
What to expect throughout the year
Nairobi sits at an altitude of 1,795 metres above sea level, giving it a remarkably pleasant and temperate climate year-round — far cooler than its equatorial location might suggest. The city experiences two rainy and two dry seasons, with the dry seasons offering the most comfortable conditions for training and exploration.
Season
Temperature
Notes
Long dry season
(Jun–Sep)
14°C – 26°C
Cool, sunny, and dry. The finest season for training and outdoor exploration. Excellent conditions throughout.
Short dry season
(Dec–Feb)
15°C – 26°C
Warm and mostly dry. Excellent conditions for training and city exploration. A popular season to visit.
Long rainy season
(Mar–May)
13°C – 24°C
Warm with regular afternoon rain. Lush and green. Training continues normally indoors.
Short rainy season
(Oct–Nov)
14°C – 25°C
Occasional showers, still warm and pleasant. City remains fully operational throughout.
Dress Code Guidance
Context
Recommended Attire
Training sessions
Smart business or casual attire. Venues are well air-conditioned; a light layer is advisable for indoor sessions.
City exploration
Light to medium clothing is comfortable year-round given the mild altitude climate. A light rain jacket or compact umbrella is advisable during the rainy seasons.
GETTING AROUND
Navigating the city
Nairobi is best navigated by taxi or ride-hailing service for most journeys. Traffic congestion during peak hours can be significant — delegates are advised to allow additional time during morning and evening rush hours. Most training venues, hotels, and attractions are concentrated in a manageable cluster of central neighbourhoods.
Mode
Deatils
Taxis & ride-hailing
Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab are the most practical and widely used transport options for delegates. All operate extensively throughout the city. Metered taxis are available at major hotels. Ride-hailing is strongly recommended over hailing taxis on the street for unfamiliar visitors.
Airport connections
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is approximately 15–20 kilometres from the city centre — a journey of 30–60 minutes by taxi or Uber depending on traffic. Wilson Airport (WIL), closer to the city, serves light aircraft and safari flight connections.
Car hire
Widely available at the airport and from established operators throughout the city. Recommended for delegates visiting Nairobi National Park, Karen, or arranging onward regional travel. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
Nairobi Commuter Rail
& SGR
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connects Nairobi to Mombasa and the coast. For most delegates travelling within the city, ride-hailing services are more practical than the rail network for day-to-day movement.
Walking
Westlands, Upper Hill, and Karen are pleasant to walk during daylight hours. Delegates are advised to remain on well-populated routes and use ride-hailing services after dark or in unfamiliar areas.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before you arrive
Key practical details to help delegates from across the GCC, Africa, and Asia prepare for a comfortable and productive visit to Nairobi.
Topic
Information
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES). Card payments are widely accepted at major hotels, supermarkets, and established restaurants. Carrying a modest amount of cash is advisable for markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available throughout the city centre and at the airport.
Time Zone
EAT (UTC+3) year-round — Kenya does not observe daylight saving time. Nairobi is on the same time as Riyadh in winter, 1 hour behind Dubai, 3 hours ahead of London in winter, and 2 hours ahead in summer.
Electricity
Type G plug (three rectangular pins — the same as the United Kingdom), 240V / 50Hz. Delegates from the UK will find their plugs fully compatible. GCC and most Asian delegates will require a UK-style adaptor. Available at JKIA Airport and throughout the city.
Halal Dining
Nairobi has an extensive halal food scene, reflecting its significant Muslim community. Halal-certified restaurants are widely available, particularly in the Eastleigh neighbourhood and in many establishments throughout Westlands and Upper Hill near major training venues.
Places of Worship
Nairobi has numerous mosques throughout the city, including the Jamia Mosque in the CBD — one of the most prominent in East Africa. Christian delegates are exceptionally well served — Kenya is a predominantly Christian country with churches of every denomination throughout Nairobi.
Ready to train in Nairobi?
Browse our full programme of courses and reserve your place today.
