Hi an eager Indian planning to settle in Nairobi.... Advice !! Advice!

Hi Bala,

Welcome to the club! The Telecom industry is on the rise here and this is the best time to be in the game. There are several Indians here (3rd/4th generation immigrants as well as professionals working on projects).

The cost of living is significantly higher than that in India and there are several posts on the forum detailing this. Please read these carefully and if you have further queries you can msg me. I've been here for ~ 1 year and am originally from Mumbai.

Best of luck!

Hi Bala

Karibu Kenya! As rightly said by THEJOKER, cost of living is quite high here but if you earn anything around or above 300,000 Kenya Shillings (Which is around 3750 USD) after tax deduction then you can stay here comfortably. Considering that you have 2 children you might need some extra money for schooling but this is a raw figure I have given you.

Depending on the duration of your stay, you'd either go for a furnished or unfurnished flat/apt. Getting an unfurnished flat is much easier and pocket friendly. You can get a maisonette or a flat (3 bedrooms) for around 80,000Ksh (Unfurnished) in a nice locality like westlands/parklands. Its preferable to buy your own car if you plan to stay for more than an year or so. You can get a nice car for around 800,000 Ksh (Ex: Toyota NZE). Petrol is almost around 100Ksh per litre and monthly consumption shouldn't be more than 50 litres (Sans Trips and Excursions).

Your monthly grocery or rather Nakumatt (A store just like Big Bazar) bill shouldn't be more than 18,000 Ksh. As far as I know your mobile bill would be on company's account but even if you have to pay on your own, it should be anywhere between 4000 to 6000 Shillings (You can call India @3 Ksh per min nowadays). Househelp would cost 4000 to 8000 per month, depending upon the area where you'd live.

Will write more sometime..

Cheers!!

The only 2 things that are as cheap as in India (if not cheaper)

1. Cigarettes (140 Shillings for 20 sticks)
2. Daru (Liquor) - A bottle of ABSOLUT is for 1600 Ksh which is around 950 INR or a bottle of Johnny walker (Green) is for 2400 Ksh which is around 1500 INR.

Also there are 2 things that you won't get it here (I mean I didn't get till now)-

1. Indian Cigarettes (There r only 3 brands available- Embassy, Dunhill and Sportsman) the last one is like 4 square.

2. Sarso ka Tel

Rest almost everything is available here. Even parleG and shikakai soap..

Tnx a lot The Joker & Socialiser,,

This was really helpful tips for me.. Catch u guys later.. Cheers.. Bala

To rent a threed bedroomed apartment in WestLands, Parklands where people like yourself live ai anything between 40,000 to 70,000 kshs per month.
School fees for kids is anything from 40-60 K per kid per term(3 terms in ayear) at any of the top English medium Schools
  A saloon car  would cost your between 500,000 ksha to 800,000 kshs. Petrol is 100shs per litre and if you do 50-100 km a day at in between 9-15 litres per km you got to calculate it. Do not forget the jams are there in Nairobi all the time.
Shopping for groceries, clothes,eatables with 2 kids 10-000kshs minimum per week.
Eating at restaurants, Hotels and fast-food inlets 15,000 aq week.
If you need to know anything else just give me a shout

@Kenyandoc- What exactly do you mean by "People like yourself"?? Can you please elaborate? 'Beige' colored people?? Hilarious!!!

PS:- Its 9-15 Kms per Litre instead of the other way round..

Hi Socialiser
permission to enter this thread please.

thanks for the inputs you have been giving so far.
it helps me to jump to a decision.
am talking to my prospective employer.

@Shaheed- Best of luck!!

Hello all....

I am interested in getting some help about Nairobi as I am considering moving there by February.If you can help, outstanding or direct me to someone who can. Many thanks in advance.

My questions:

1. Is it safe?? I have heard of car jackings, muggings being part of life?

2. Language issues? Is English easily understood?

3. Living expenses? I am keen to know these. Cost of housing, car, Indian domestic help and a local driver...vegetarian food..

4. where to live? not in an apartment but a villa. 2 / 3 bedroom.

5. Domestic travel safety


Many thanks.

Hi madsad,

You should start a new discussion on the Nairobi forum.

Thank you.

@Madsad- I have sent you a private message answering all your questions. Cheers!

Hey Guys,

I couldn't bear but just pass on a word of thanks for all the info.
Everyone, much appreciated.

TS

I WANT TO SHETTLE IN NAIROBI CAUSE I HAVE JOB OPPORTUNITY IS THERE,BUT WANT TO STAY THERE AS PAYING GUEST & I AM VEGETERIAN,WANT TO KNOW COST FOR STAY THERE AS PAYING GUEST IN INDIAN FAMILY. I AM 45 YRS OLD,MY FAMILY IS IN GUJARAT & I AM GUJARATI.

Hi Jitu

Am an Indian, staying in a three bedroom apartment and currently sharing with one Italian male

If you are interested in sharing the apartment with the two of us, we can talk further.

Cheers
G

My Dear,

I am interested in staying as paying guest with Indian Family Only