Nairobi

UK citizens must apply for an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure. Apply at etakenya.go.ke - this is the only official site. Fee: $30 (approximately £24). Processing takes about 72 hours.

Requirements: Passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter). Yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from a risk country.

Important: There is no visa on arrival. Do not board your flight without an approved eTA. For internships longer than 90 days, you may need a work permit or student pass arranged through your host organisation - our team handles this.

What we do: Our local team guides you through the full visa process and coordinates with your host organisation for any additional permits needed for longer placements.

Nairobi requires more street awareness than European cities. Petty crime - phone snatching, pickpocketing, and bag theft - is common, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and on public transport. This is not something to be terrified about, but it is something to take seriously.

Safe areas for interns: Kilimani, Westlands, Karen, Lavington, and Gigiri are where most expats and young professionals live. These areas have 24-hour security, good infrastructure, and a lively social scene. Most apartments come with security guards as standard.

Areas to avoid: Eastlands (Dandora, Eastleigh, Kayole), informal settlements (Kibera, Mathare), and parts of the CBD (River Road, Archives) after dark. Do not walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Transport safety: Use Uber or Bolt rather than hailing taxis off the street. Avoid matatus at night. Do not use the old Airport South Road or Jogoo Road after dark.

What we do: Every intern receives a comprehensive safety orientation on arrival covering neighbourhood awareness, transport, phone safety, and emergency contacts. Our local team is available 24/7 and knows the city inside out.

Nairobi has good private hospitals - Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and MP Shah are all well-equipped and staffed. But costs for foreigners add up quickly without insurance. ER visits: £80-200. Hospital rooms: £150-300/night.

Vaccinations: Check with your GP at least 6-8 weeks before travel. Commonly recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (required if transiting through certain countries). Malaria prophylaxis is not typically needed in Nairobi itself (too high altitude for most mosquitoes) but is essential for safari trips to lower-lying areas like the Maasai Mara.

Water: Do not drink tap water. Use bottled or filtered water. Most apartments and offices have water dispensers.

Travel insurance with at least £500,000 medical cover including evacuation is non-negotiable.

Kilimani: The most popular area for young professionals and expats. Trendy, walkable during the day, with cafes, restaurants, and co-working spaces nearby. Shared apartment: £250-400/mo. Our top recommendation for most interns.

Westlands: Nairobi's commercial hub. Close to many offices, shopping malls, and nightlife. Slightly more expensive than Kilimani but very convenient. Shared apartment: £300-450/mo.

Karen: Leafy, suburban, quieter. Named after Karen Blixen (Out of Africa). Close to wildlife conservancies and the Giraffe Centre. Better for conservation interns. Own room: £300-500/mo. Further from the city centre - budget for longer commutes.

Lavington: Residential, safe, good value. A solid middle-ground between Kilimani's bustle and Karen's quiet. Shared apartment: £250-380/mo.

Nairobi sits at 1,795 metres above sea level, which gives it a subtropical highland climate that is nothing like the hot, humid Africa you might imagine. Daytime temperatures range from 20-26°C, and nights cool to 12-14°C. You will actually need a jumper for evenings.

Two rainy seasons: The "long rains" run March to May (heavier, afternoon downpours). The "short rains" run October to November (lighter, shorter). June to September and January to February are the driest and sunniest months.

The reality: Even during rainy season, mornings are usually clear and rain falls in afternoon bursts rather than all-day grey. It rarely disrupts work. Pack layers and a waterproof - not shorts and sunscreen only.

Nairobi National Park: The only national park inside a capital city. Lions, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras with the Nairobi skyline as a backdrop. Entry: about £30 for non-residents.

Day trips: Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (Karen, £10-15), Lake Naivasha (1.5hrs drive, hippos and birdlife), Hell's Gate National Park (rock climbing and cycling among wildlife), Mount Longonot hike (2hrs, volcanic crater).

Safari weekends: The Maasai Mara is a 5-6 hour drive or a short flight. Budget safari from £150-300 for a weekend. If you are in Nairobi during the Great Migration (July-October), a Mara trip is unforgettable.

City life: Nairobi has a vibrant music scene (live Afrobeats, Benga, and hip-hop), craft markets, art galleries (like the Nairobi National Museum and Kazuri Beads), and a growing food scene. The nightlife in Westlands is lively - particularly along Mpaka Road.

Some are. Unlike many internship destinations where everything is unpaid, several Nairobi organisations offer small stipends of KES 15,000-30,000/month (roughly £75-150). Larger NGOs and tech companies are more likely to offer something. Many social enterprises provide accommodation or meals instead. The real value is in the experience, impact, and the fact that Nairobi on your CV sets you apart from the crowd.

Potentially, yes. The Turing Scheme funds international placements through participating UK universities. You cannot apply directly - check with your university's placement or international office. The scheme covers travel and living expenses and is confirmed through the 2026-27 academic year. We provide all the documentation your university will need.

Most UK universities accept international placements if they meet their learning criteria. We provide formal documentation including learning agreements, supervisor reports, and internship confirmations. If your university has specific requirements, share them with us early and we will ensure compliance. We have experience with placement year, sandwich year, and year in industry formats.

No. English is one of Kenya's two official languages and is used in all professional settings, government, and education. All our placements operate in English. That said, learning basic Swahili ("jambo" for hello, "asante" for thank you, "habari" for how are you) will earn you enormous respect from Kenyans and make everyday interactions much richer.

Minimum 8-12 weeks for a meaningful experience. Nairobi has a steeper adjustment curve than European destinations - the first 2-3 weeks are settling in, understanding the culture, and building trust with colleagues. For a placement year, 4-6 months is ideal. The students who get the most from Nairobi are those who stay long enough to go beyond the surface.

Many of our Nairobi interns are women and consistently report positive experiences. Standard precautions apply more strongly here than in Europe: avoid walking alone at night, use Uber/Bolt rather than matatus after dark, keep valuables concealed, and be cautious with strangers. Our local team provides a gender-specific safety briefing and is available 24/7. Living in Kilimani or Westlands with other interns is recommended.

Nairobi is Africa's tech and innovation capital - if you want fintech, startups, or tech-driven social enterprise, nowhere else on the continent compares. Cape Town has a stronger creative and tourism industry with better infrastructure and safety. Accra is more laid-back with a growing tech scene but smaller scale. All three are excellent - the right choice depends on your field and personality.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a risk country (check the list). Malaria is not a significant risk in Nairobi itself due to the altitude (1,795m), but if you plan safari trips to lower-lying areas like the Maasai Mara or coastal regions, you will need malaria prophylaxis. Consult your GP at least 6-8 weeks before departure. Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid vaccinations are also commonly recommended.