Kenya (KE)
Kenya is East Africa's economic, tech, and diplomatic powerhouse — home to the United Nations' Africa headquarters, the Silicon Savannah startup ecosystem, and some of the world's most iconic wildlife.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Kenya.
Public Transport Overview
Nairobi's public transport is dominated by matatus (minibuses, 14–33 seats) and buses (KBS, City Hoppa). Matatus are privately owned, often brightly decorated, and serve most routes across the city. The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system on Thika Road (Route 1) operates since 2021 with dedicated lanes. Nairobi Commuter Rail (operated by Kenya Railways) connects the CBD to Embakasi, Syokimau, and Kikuyu — useful for airport access. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR/Madaraka Express) connects Nairobi to Mombasa (5 hours, from KES 700 economy).
🎫 Transit Passes
All Nairobi neighbourhoods and intercity routes
CBD to Thika Road (Roysambu, Kasarani, Garden City)
CBD Nairobi Station to Syokimau (JKIA area), Embakasi, Kikuyu
Nairobi (Syokimau) to Mombasa (Miritini), via Athi River, Mtito Andei
Taxi & Rideshare
Metered taxis are rare outside hotels. Most taxis negotiate fares — always agree price before boarding. Bolt and Uber are widely used in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu and are much more reliable and transparent than street taxis. Little Cab (Safaricom-backed) also operates in Nairobi. Typical Nairobi Bolt/Uber fare: KES 200–600 for short to medium journeys.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
Bolt is the most popular ride-hailing app in Kenya, followed by Uber. Both offer multiple tiers (economy, comfort, boda-boda motorcycle option). Boda-boda motorcycle taxis are ubiquitous for short journeys and traffic navigation but carry higher safety risk — always wear a helmet (legally required). Tuk-tuks (3-wheelers) common in Mombasa and coastal towns.
Cycling
Cycling infrastructure in Nairobi is minimal and roads are shared with heavy traffic — not recommended as a primary commute mode in the city. However, cycling is growing as sport/recreation, with groups in Karen, Runda, and Karura Forest. Mountain biking is popular in Karura Forest (Nairobi) and in highland areas. The SGR and most intercity coaches allow bicycles as luggage.
Intercity Trains
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR / Madaraka Express) links Nairobi to Mombasa (5 hrs) and Naivasha (1.5 hrs). Extremely popular and reliable — book in advance especially for weekends and holidays at madarakaexpress.com. The older metre-gauge railway (operated by Rift Valley Railways) covers Mombasa-Nairobi historically but is largely out of passenger service. Intercity buses (Easy Coach, Modern Coast, Mash Poa) serve Nairobi to Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and other towns.
Driving
Kenya drives on the LEFT. Traffic in Nairobi is notoriously congested — rush hour (7–9am and 5–8pm) can extend journey times dramatically. The Nairobi Expressway (2022) provides a faster toll road from JKIA to Westlands (KES 100–550 per trip, M-Pesa payment). Northern and eastern Kenya have many unpaved roads requiring 4WD — especially during rains. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 110 km/h on open roads — strictly enforced by NTSA traffic cameras on major roads. International Driving Permit valid for first 90 days.
Airports
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA, NBO) is the main hub, 15 km southeast of Nairobi CBD. Terminal 1 (international) and Terminal 1A (domestic). Wilson Airport (WIL, 6 km from CBD) handles domestic and regional charter flights, including Maasai Mara bush flights. Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA) is the second largest. From JKIA to Nairobi: Bolt/Uber (~KES 1,500–2,500), Nairobi Commuter Rail to Syokimau station (~KES 50), or taxi (negotiate ~KES 3,000+).