You land at JKIA. You clear immigration. You grab your bags.

Now you need internet.

Before you order an Uber, message your host, or check Google Maps, you need a Kenyan SIM card. Luckily, getting one in Nairobi is simple if you know where to go.

Here’s exactly where to get a SIM card when you first arrive — and what to expect.

Option 1: Buy a SIM card at the airport (fastest option)

The easiest place to get connected is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

You’ll find official telecom shops in the arrivals area. The main providers are:

  • Safaricom

  • Airtel Kenya

  • Telkom Kenya

Safaricom is the most popular. It has the strongest coverage and runs M-Pesa, which you’ll use constantly in Nairobi.

What you need:

  • Your passport

  • A few minutes for registration

Kenyan law requires SIM registration. The agent will scan your passport and activate your line on the spot.

Cost:

  • SIM card: Usually free or around KES 50–100

  • Data bundle (recommended): KES 1,000–2,000 for a strong starter package

Within 10–15 minutes, you’re connected.

This is the best option if you want immediate access to ride apps, banking alerts, and WhatsApp.

Option 2: Buy a SIM card at a mall near your apartment

If you don’t want to deal with it at the airport, you can buy a SIM card at any major mall in Nairobi.

If you’re staying in one of our furnished and serviced apartments in Nairobi, you’ll likely be near a major shopping center.

Here’s where to go depending on your area:

If you’re staying in Westlands

If you booked one of our Westlands apartments, visit:

  • Sarit Centre

  • Westgate Mall

Both have official Safaricom and Airtel shops inside.

If you’re staying in Kilimani

From our Kilimani apartments, head to:

  • Yaya Centre

  • Prestige Plaza

  • The Junction Mall

You’ll find telecom shops on the ground floors.

If you’re in Lavington

Guests in our Lavington apartments can visit:

  • Lavington Mall

  • Valley Arcade

Both are reliable and less crowded than Westlands malls.

If you’re in Kileleshwa

From our Kileleshwa apartments, you’re close to:

  • Kasuku Centre

  • Valley Arcade (also convenient)

If you’re in Riverside

Staying in one of our Riverside apartments?
All the Westlands malls are just minutes away.

Mall shops are official. Avoid street vendors for your first SIM. Registration errors can cause problems later.

Which network should you choose?

Here’s the honest breakdown.

Safaricom

  • Best coverage nationwide

  • Fast mobile data

  • M-Pesa works seamlessly

  • Slightly more expensive

Most expats choose Safaricom. It just works.

Airtel Kenya

  • Cheaper data bundles

  • Good coverage in Nairobi

  • M-Pesa alternative available

If you mostly stay in Nairobi, Airtel works fine.

Telkom Kenya

  • Cheapest data

  • Limited coverage outside major areas

Not ideal if you plan to travel outside the city.

If you’re unsure, choose Safaricom. You’ll avoid headaches.

How much does data cost?

Here are real numbers.

Short-term bundles:

  • 1GB: KES 99–250

  • 5GB: KES 1,000–1,500

  • 10GB: KES 2,000–3,000

Monthly heavy-use plans:

  • 20–40GB: KES 3,000–6,000

Home WiFi in your apartment will handle streaming. But you’ll rely on mobile data for:

  • Ride apps

  • Google Maps

  • Food delivery

  • M-Pesa payments

  • Banking apps

If you stay in our serviced apartments, you’ll have WiFi included, which reduces how much mobile data you need.

Can you use eSIM?

Yes — if your phone supports eSIM.

Safaricom and Airtel now offer eSIM options in Nairobi. You still need to visit a physical store with your passport for registration. After that, they activate your eSIM digitally.

This is convenient if you don’t want to swap physical SIM cards.

Should you buy a SIM before arriving?

Some travelers buy international travel SIMs before flying. They work, but they’re expensive.

You’ll pay 2–3 times more for data compared to local Kenyan rates.

Unless you absolutely need internet the second you land, just buy locally. It’s cheaper and easy.

Getting around after you land

If you buy your SIM at the airport, you can immediately order Uber or Bolt.

If you wait to buy one later, you’ll need airport WiFi or arrange pickup in advance.

You can also book one of our vehicles through our car hire in Nairobi service. That way, you don’t depend on ride apps during your first hours in the city.

Many first-time visitors prefer this. It removes stress.

Important: Register for M-Pesa

When you buy a Safaricom SIM, ask the agent to activate M-Pesa.

You will use M-Pesa for:

  • Paying rent

  • Paying utility bills

  • Paying at supermarkets

  • Paying for taxis

  • Sending money

In Nairobi, mobile money is standard. Many places don’t like cash. Some don’t accept cards.

Set this up immediately.

What if you lose your SIM?

Go to any official telecom store with:

  • Your passport

  • Your registered phone number

They’ll replace your SIM for a small fee (usually under KES 200).

Keep your number active. Many services link to it.

Final advice for your first day

Here’s a simple plan:

  1. Land at JKIA.

  2. Buy a Safaricom SIM at arrivals.

  3. Load KES 1,000–2,000 worth of data.

  4. Activate M-Pesa.

  5. Order your ride or drive to your apartment.

If you’re heading to one of our apartments in Westlands, Kilimani, Lavington, Riverside, or Kileleshwa, you’ll arrive already connected. That makes settling in easier.