Nairobi - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
The Community Liaison Office (CLO) and American Embassy Association (AEA) do a great job offering lots of events and social activities like wine tastings, family movie nights, trivia, karaoke, seasonal parties, etc. Additionally, there are other communities one can get involved in outside of the embassy bubble, which I highly recommend. Our family loves our church and has found a lot of good community there, and we intentionally attend one that is not completely overrun with embassy people but has a lot of diversity. - Mar 2024
People host sundowners at their residences or meet for dinner/drinks at different restaurants. - Aug 2023
Work functions, school functions. - Mar 2022
If you don't have kids, it can be hard. I had to put in a lot of effort to make friends. Having a dog helps. You can meet people through dog groups or even just from the regulars you see walking in Karua or Aborteum. CrossFit is a nice community. There are various groups...French Speakers, Spanish Language Speakers, AWA...I didn't do much with any of them. - Aug 2021
Many fun bars and restaurants; live music venues; local sport-related groups (like running groups (Urban Swaras), cycling groups (Baiskeli Adventures), hiking groups) - Apr 2021
House parties, the Watering Hole, golfing, hanging out at The Alchemist, going to the movies (there are some really good theaters here), beach weekends with your friends. There are plenty of ways to get out and find some positive work-life balance, granted you're willing to give it the ol' college try. - Dec 2018
Running clubs such as Urban Swaras are a great way to meet people! - Jun 2018
Locals are very friendly and hospitable. There are many opportunities to socialize with expats and locals. Pick an activity and you'll likely find a group. - Jul 2016
Visiting each other homes for lunch or dinner - Sep 2015
Going out to dinner, movie theaters, dinner parties, softball, football (soccer), hangout at the embassy pool/restaurant/bar, hiking/biking in Karura Forest right by the Embassy - Aug 2015
dinners with friends, hiking, traveling. You have to get out of Nairobi every couple weeks just to remember there is a wonderful country here outside the city limits. - Jul 2015
Camping, Hiking, good resturants and night clubs - May 2015
BBQs in the garden. - Dec 2014
Trips to the coast, house dinners/parties, restaurants, etc. - Jun 2014
Restaurants, parties at houses, movie theaters, malls (if you dare go after Westgate). There are nightclubs in town too. - Jun 2014
Plenty to do. Dinners out, family get togethers etc. - Jul 2013
Due to the great weather, there are always parties, picnics and BBQs amongst friends. - Jun 2013
You can find anything and everything here. - Dec 2012
Lots of restaurants, active CLO, there are some highly social people here. - Aug 2012
House parties, restaurants, clubs for the younger set. - Dec 2011
This is not the place to be if you like downtown city living and nightlife partying -- it's just not safe. But there is plenty to do to stay busy, entertained, and have a social life. We don't go out much after dark due to safety concerns. - Dec 2011
it is such a big post that it isn't all that social. Better if you have kids and live on the big compound. - Dec 2010
Bars, clubs, and restaurants. - Dec 2009
Tons. Clubs, bars etc. - Jun 2008
It is what you make of it: home parties, bars, restaurants, trips out of town. Due to the security situation, most people tend to stay home or in their immediate area at night. Entertaining at home is more common than going out to local clubs like Pavement. - Feb 2008
