Do Your Background Check

The most important thing before moving to Nairobi is a background check on the prospective neighborhood. You need to do a thorough background check on whatever estate you intend to live in. These are usually highlighted in property listings and property guides. This should be able to guide you through prioritizing critical services like accessibility, water, security and much more.

Stay Local and Embrace Public Transport

In the same line, it is advisable that you stay local. Proximity to facilities like cafes, malls saves you on unnecessary travel expenses. However, if you have to travel, embrace public transport.

It is cheaper on a matatu from the town center to Kasarani than private means whose fuel can be relatively high. If you have the intention of mastering the routes, then public transport it is.

Avoid Rush Hours Like a Plague

In the process of using public transport, always take note of rush hours. Avoid them like a plague. The time between 7-9am is usually a busy time on Nairobi roads, as well as 4-8pm. This is a time where traffic is packed to capacity. If you are reporting to work at 8:00am, please, hit the roads at 6:00am.

Prioritize Your Personal Security

Nairobi is known for mugging and petty theft. When seeking a house for rent, your personal security should be your responsibility. As you make the best of your city life, be careful on how you tread. Avoid crowded areas when having that weekend afternoon walk.

If you have to carry a bag maybe to pick a new laptop from the CBD, get a strap bag and avoid very crowded areas. Don't carry your beats by Dre headphones and tablet on your arms, no, that is an attraction to thieves. Carry necessary and a few valuables.

Don't Overplan Out of Excitement

Your stay in Nairobi shall see you meet a fast-talking Online Marketing guy who makes $300 a day, to a pretty lass promising you a thrilling massage in some parlor, or worst, a college giving you a diploma in Sales and Marketing in 3 months.

The eye-catching adverts in fast food stalls and events popping up every then can drain your pockets if you rush into them. Trust me, they are so many in Nairobi. Plan wisely for your cash lest you want a conflict with your landlord owing to rent debts.

Learn a Few Fix-It Skills

Lastly, when living in Nairobi, learn a few fix-it skills. Don't rush to the plumber for a minor leakage in your apartment. Why spend on a mechanic for some minor oil errors in your vehicle when you can do it? The essence of survival in the city is saving. This is only possible if you can do a few things by yourself, after all they say if you want a job well done, do it yourself.