FIVE TIPS TO SURVIVE IN NAIROBI CITY
Coming from the rural areas to the city can be complicated at times especially if you’re new to the city life. Nairobi is one of the fast growing cities in Africa, it may take you months to adapt to chaotic scenes that comes with fast-paced traffic, phone snatchers, unreasonable touts just to name a few.
Another challenge that you’re likely to face while relocating to Nairobi City is finding a cheaper place to live. Rental houses are too expensive in Nairobi, the few that you might find are located in areas with poor security and lack of proper water supply.
Here are five tips to survive in Nairobi City.
Adopt to the city norms and customs
Nobody will teach you the norms in the city, it requires you to adapt as quickly as possible. No one will tell you that carrying an identification card is a must have requirement while roaming around the city.
You never know the next minute you might need to enter a government office where you are needed to produce an ID before being allowed in.
When it comes to dress codes you have to try your best to fit in a particular social class that is in the same pedigree as you. It’s better to blend in than to stand out. As they say, when you go to Rome do what Romans do.
The best way to get used to living in Nairobi is to be observant, where you’re not sure, try asking the locals. Pay close attention to written warnings before accessing some private areas.
For instance, its common sense to know that accessing some restricted areas like the Parliament building or the State House might get you in trouble, by the time you will be explaining yourself, you would probably be facing jail time.
Make use of public transport
We all don’t like the commotion that comes with using public transport, but it’s probably the best option mainly when you’re new to the city.
Despite the challenges, it is even cheaper, with the rising cost of fuel, public transport will save you some money. Importantly, it saves you the trouble of getting lost in the city.
Owning a car is likely to cost a lot more than you can afford. Many of the Nairobians are currently wallowing in debt trying to impress or to fit in a social class that they can’t maintain.
There’s no shame at all in using public means, in fact majority of car owners use their cars during the weekend when they’re going out with their families or when travelling to upcountry.
Again, this doesn’t mean that you can’t use your car on daily basis, if you can afford, then why not?
Control your sexual behaviors.
Ever heard stories of people being robbed by those they thought are innocent and honest? Never be fooled, in Nairobi everyone is trying to survive. Never fall prey to those who are out to mint money in the name of love.
Be careful with who you fall in love with in Nairobi. People have been scammed in the name of love. This group, get to the powerful politicians. It’s said that a man who can control his sexual desires is a powerful man.
Be focused, better ‘import’ your girlfriend from the village rather than getting involved in an expensive game of love that might take you time to recover.
Be street smart.
What I mean by this is that you should be extremely careful when maneuvering in Nairobi. You must know that in some streets in Nairobi you are likely to lose your laptop or your phone. Avoid these areas if you can.
In Nairobi, there are places you can get cheaper things. For instance a trouser in Gikomba might cost a thousand bob while the same will cost up to three thousand in up town. Make the correct choices this will save you some money.
Same to food, when you are trying to make a living in Nairobi don’t go again making bad choices. Lunch in high end hotels will cost you a minimum of three thousand shillings while a good dish in local joints will cost you close to two hundred shillings. It only requires common sense to make the correct decisions.
Meet new people
Make friends as fast as possible. Nairobi needs you to share a lot with those who are in the same predicament as you. You might learn something new. As you do this, ensure you don’t become friends with the wrong people as this will bring more troubles than solutions.
We will keep on updating this page with several life hacks. Feel free to contribute through editor@krn.co.ke we will publish your article.
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