Nairobi - Post Report Question and Answers
Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
answer - Mar 2024
Possibly somewhat. It's not as developed or as accommodating as the States for sure, but much better than many other developing countries. I have had a few friends whose elderly parents lived with them here and did well. - Mar 2024
Yes, most places are not built with accessibility in kind. - Aug 2023
Yes. - Mar 2022
Yes. Nairobi is not a city that is in any way helpful for people with mobility issues. - Aug 2021
I'm sure it depends on the disability. There are few sidewalks, but I've noticed that most malls have ramps, elevators, and electric doors, that would make navigating them easier. - Apr 2021
Yes. - Nov 2020
I'd think it would be extremely difficult to get around Nairobi if you were disabled. Heck it's hard enough for me to get around as-is, and I'm pretty darn spry. There are sidewalks here and there, but their quality is well below average, and the roads here are atrocious. There are elevators in most multi-level facilities, and there is handicapped parking in most if not all venues. - Dec 2018
Yes, I would imagine so. - Jun 2018
Yes, there is little accommodation for those with physical challenges. Even for the elderly I would imagine that free movement in Kenya would pose real challenges. For example, a typical car ride through Nairobi would knock the dentures right out of someone's mouth. - Jul 2016
yes - Sep 2015
It would be a challenge, but possible. Most Western-oriented buildings and shopping centers have ramps and elevators, but getting around day to day would require a car to get you right to those places. - Aug 2015
Yes--it's horrible for mobility-impaired. Most sidewalks, where they exist, are broken up and frequently end mid-block. Lots of dirt piles, mud, and deep holes in sidewalks. Mostly there are dirt paths. No really servicable ramps except in major restaurants/hotels. - Jul 2015
No. There are ramps, but they are more like steep hills. They do not cater to disabilities at all. - May 2015
I don't think so. - Dec 2014
Probably. - Jun 2014
You pretty much drive everywhere, so it should not really be a problem. - Jun 2014
Yikes! Nothing is wheelchair accessible and the streets are uneven. There is nary a sidewalk in sight. - Jul 2013
Many. There are no ramps -- or even sidewalks -- to speak of. - Jun 2013
There is no infrastructure at all to accommodate people with disabilities. There are no sidewalks, frequently no elevators. At the airport, there are several bathrooms where you have to climb up 5-6 steps to get into them, with no ramp option. - Dec 2012
Outside of the USG housing and the embassy one would have major difficulties. Some of the newer malls have elevators, but this is a small concession. Safari vans do not have lifts. There are few sidewalks and fewer well-maintained sidewalks. This is Africa. How much more do I need to say? - Aug 2012
Lots. - Dec 2011
The embassy premises are quite accommodating for those with disabilities. The general community (housing, shopping) is not. However, as household help and drivers are very affordable, some families may find it worthwhile to choose Nairobi as a post. Nairobi has more opportunities for therapies, etc., than many countries and would be worth looking into. I know several families with children with disabilities (both young and adult) who have found this to be a good post. - Dec 2011
Few accommodations are made for the disabled. However, household help is easily available and inexpensive. - Sep 2011
Many, no sidewalks, no handicapped parking spots, etc. - Dec 2010
Roads and sidewalks are awful, huge potholes. Appreciation for human life does not seem to rate as high as in the US. - Dec 2009
It is pretty hard to get around, since a lot of the time walkers don't have a sidewalk. - Jul 2009
Tons. Kenya is not easy to deal with normally let alone with a disability. - Jun 2008
It’s better than in some developing countries as there are modern shopping malls with ramps and elevators but day-to-day living might be more challenging. - Feb 2008
