Nairobi Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / March 24, 2025
Nairobi Then
Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, has a rich colonial history that traces back to the late 1890s.
Originally established as a railway settlement, it was named after a Maasai term, Enkare Nairobi, meaning “Cold Water,” referring to a nearby water hole.
The city’s strategic location became significant when the British colonial railway line reached the area in 1899, prompting the British to move the capital of the Ukamba province from Machakos (now Masaku) to Nairobi.
In 1905, Nairobi officially became the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate, cementing its status as a key administrative center.
The city’s development as a trading hub began around 1900 with the establishment of a small Indian bazaar, which contributed to Nairobi’s growth as both a commercial and cultural center.
Over time, Nairobi evolved into a vibrant metropolis, blending its colonial heritage with modern influences, and remains the heart of Kenya’s political, economic, and cultural life.
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Nairobi History
Nairobi, originally a swampy area inhabited by pastoralist Maasai, sedentary Akamba, and agricultural Kikuyu people, has evolved from a small colonial railway depot into a bustling metropolis.
The city’s name, derived from the Maasai phrase “Enkare Nairobi,” meaning “cool waters,” refers to a cold water stream that once flowed through the area.
Sir George Whitehouse, the chief engineer of the Uganda Railway, identified the site in the late 19th century as a prime location for a railway depot, due to its high elevation, temperate climate, and proximity to the Limuru escarpment.
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Although initially criticized for being flat, poorly drained, and infertile, the site eventually became the heart of British East Africa due to its strategic advantages, including its accessibility and water supply.
In 1898, the first town layout for Nairobi was designed by Arthur Church, establishing key streets and structures, including the Indian commercial area.
When the railway arrived in Nairobi in 1899, it quickly became a hub for trade and administration, with Nairobi replacing Machakos as the capital of Ukamba province.
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Over the next few years, the city’s population grew, and by 1907, it had replaced Mombasa as the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate.
Despite early challenges like malaria and a devastating plague outbreak in the early 1900s, Nairobi’s economy thrived, with tourism—particularly big game hunting—contributing to its growth. By 1919, it was officially declared a municipality.
Nairobi’s growth continued throughout the 20th century, with significant social and political upheavals, particularly in the 1950s.
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The rapid expansion of the city led to growing resentment from indigenous groups like the Kikuyu and Maasai, contributing to the Mau Mau Uprising.
The post-World War II period saw further urbanization, but with it came challenges related to infrastructure, such as power outages and water shortages.
Following Kenya’s independence in 1963, Nairobi remained the capital, and its rapid expansion continued, with the development of major landmarks like the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in 1973.
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The KICC, with its distinctive eco-friendly design and open spaces, became a symbol of the city’s modernity, while Nairobi’s airport, later renamed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, also underwent significant expansion during the 1970s.
In the 1980s, Nairobi saw the opening of the Giraffe Centre, dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, reflecting the city’s growing focus on environmental conservation alongside its urban development.
However, the city’s history was marred by tragic events, such as the 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy by Al-Qaeda, which left a lasting impact on Nairobi’s security landscape.
Despite these challenges, Nairobi remains a vibrant, rapidly growing city that continues to be a central hub for politics, commerce, and culture in East Africa.
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Nairobi Now
Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya, is a vibrant metropolis that serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country.
The city’s name originates from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, meaning “place of cool waters,” which is a reference to the Nairobi River that flows through the city.
With a population of over 4.3 million according to the 2019 census, Nairobi has grown from a small colonial railway settlement into one of the most dynamic cities in Africa.
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It is often referred to as “The Green City in the Sun” due to its lush greenery and temperate climate, making it a unique urban environment compared to other major cities on the continent.
As the political capital of Kenya, Nairobi is home to the Kenyan Parliament Buildings and hosts key international organizations, most notably the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) and the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).
These institutions, along with a thriving business sector, contribute to Nairobi’s role as an important hub for diplomacy and international cooperation in Africa.
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The city is also a significant business center, housing thousands of local enterprises as well as international companies.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) is one of the largest and most active stock exchanges on the continent, ranking as Africa’s fourth-largest exchange by trading volume and capable of handling up to 10 million trades a day.
This makes Nairobi a crucial player in the regional and global financial landscape.
Geographically, Nairobi is situated in the south-central part of Kenya, at an elevation of about 5,500 feet (1,680 meters) in the highlands.
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Its location, approximately 300 miles (480 kilometers) northwest of Mombasa, Kenya’s major port on the Indian Ocean, places it at a strategic point for trade and commerce in East Africa.
The city’s proximity to both the coast and the interior of the country has helped it develop as a central point for transportation and logistics.
Additionally, Nairobi’s unique positioning in relation to nature is highlighted by the Nairobi National Park, located just on the outskirts of the city.
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This park is home to a variety of wildlife and offers a rare opportunity to see animals like giraffes, zebras, and lions within a short distance of the urban center, emphasizing Nairobi’s blend of urban development and natural beauty.
Nairobi’s growth and development have not gone unnoticed on the global stage.
In 2010, the city joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, further cementing its role as a center for education, innovation, and sustainable development in Africa.
With its combination of political significance, economic vitality, and environmental richness, Nairobi continues to stand as a leading city in Africa and an important player on the global stage.
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FAQs
Nairobi is famous as the capital of Kenya and a major hub for business, culture, and diplomacy in East Africa.
It’s home to international organizations like the UN Environment Programme and boasts unique attractions, such as Nairobi National Park, where wildlife exists near the city center.
Nairobi offers a high standard of living with modern amenities, a thriving job market, and access to nature, making it attractive for expatriates and locals alike.
However, like any major city, it has challenges such as traffic congestion and security concerns in certain areas.
The cost of living in Nairobi can vary. While housing and imported goods can be expensive, local food, transportation, and utilities are relatively affordable compared to other global cities.
It’s a city where one can live modestly or expensively depending on lifestyle choices.
Nairobi is an exciting destination for tourists, offering a mix of urban attractions and nature.
Tourists can visit Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, or take a cultural tour of local markets and museums. It’s a gateway to safaris in Kenya, making it a key start for exploration in the country.