If you’re thinking about working in Nairobi, you’re not alone. Nairobi attracts thousands of expats every year because it’s East Africa’s business hub.

The city moves fast. Deals happen quickly. New companies open every month. You’ll find tech startups, NGOs, global companies, and local businesses all competing for talent.

This guide breaks down what you need to know before you start your career here — from the industries hiring foreigners to the realities of working culture, salaries, and where most expats live.

1. Why Nairobi Attracts So Many Expats

Nairobi has a mix of opportunity, connectivity, and lifestyle that’s rare in the region. You can fly to any major African capital in a few hours. Internet speeds are fast.

Many companies use Nairobi as their headquarters for East Africa and sometimes the whole continent.

You also have good accommodation options near business districts. For example, you can find serviced and furnished apartments in Westlands, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, or Lavington through The Skyline Collection.

These neighborhoods give you easy access to offices, restaurants, malls, and gyms, which makes settling in easier.

2. The Main Industries Hiring Expats in Nairobi

You’ll find job opportunities spread across multiple sectors. But a few industries hire foreigners more than others. Here’s what you should expect.

a) Technology and Startups

Tech drives Nairobi’s growth. The city has been called “Silicon Savannah” for a reason. Fintech, e-commerce, digital payments, and mobile services dominate the market.

Companies like Safaricom, Sendy, Wasoko, and dozens of funded startups often hire expats for specialized roles in:

  • Engineering

  • Product management

  • Data science

  • Cybersecurity

  • Growth and digital marketing

The ecosystem is young but fast-moving. If you’re used to dynamic environments, you’ll fit right in.

b) NGOs and International Organizations

Nairobi hosts the UN headquarters in Africa, plus hundreds of global organizations. If you work in development, humanitarian response, policy, research, or environmental work, you’ll find solid opportunities.

Popular employers include:

  • United Nations

  • UNEP

  • UN-Habitat

  • Red Cross

  • International Rescue Committee

  • World Bank

  • Save the Children

These jobs often come with structured contracts, strong benefits, and good compensation.

c) Finance and Banking

Nairobi’s financial sector is growing. The city attracts regional headquarters for international banks and investment firms.

You’ll find opportunities in:

  • Corporate banking

  • Financial analysis

  • Risk management

  • Audit

  • Wealth management

  • Fintech research

Multinationals often look for foreigners with niche experience or global exposure.

d) Tourism and Hospitality

Kenya is one of Africa’s top tourist destinations. While most roles go to locals, senior management positions in hotels, lodges, and hospitality chains sometimes go to expats, especially those with international experience.

e) Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Kenya’s manufacturing sector isn’t huge yet, but it’s growing. Foreigners work in areas like:

  • Factory management

  • Quality control

  • Engineering

  • Supply chain

  • Logistics

Companies in food processing, textiles, and industrial goods often bring in foreign specialists.

f) Education

International schools in Nairobi hire teachers from all over the world. Subjects in high demand include science, math, IT, and languages. Salaries are competitive and include benefits like housing allowances and medical coverage.

3. Where Expats Usually Live

Your neighborhood matters when you’re working in Nairobi because traffic is part of daily life. Most expats choose places close to the business districts.

Here are the top areas:

  • Westlands — central, modern, and lively

  • Kilimani — close to offices, malls, and restaurants

  • Kileleshwa — quiet but still near everything

  • Lavington — upscale, green, and peaceful

You can look at options in these areas through:

Or browse all listings through The Skyline Collection’s main serviced apartments page.

4. Work Permits and Legal Requirements

You can’t work in Nairobi legally without a work permit. Employers know this, and immigration enforces it strictly.

The most common permit categories for expats include:

  • Class D — for employment with a Kenyan company

  • Class G — for investors or business owners

  • Class I — for NGOs and missionary organizations

  • Special Pass — temporary authorization while waiting for a permit

To apply, you’ll use the eCitizen portal. The process can take weeks or months depending on your documents and employer.

Your employer or sponsor must submit:

  • A cover letter

  • Company registration documents

  • Your contract

  • Your academic and professional certificates

  • Passport and passport photos

If you want a deeper breakdown, you can read the full work permit guide we wrote earlier.

5. Salaries in Nairobi: What to Expect

Salaries vary widely. Kenya has a large income gap, so expect a mix of high-paying expat roles and more modest local salaries.

Here’s a rough idea of monthly earnings for expat-heavy sectors:

  • Tech (mid to senior): KES 250,000–800,000

  • NGOs/UN: KES 300,000–1,000,000+

  • Investment/Finance: KES 200,000–600,000

  • International schools: KES 150,000–450,000

  • Hospitality management: KES 150,000–400,000

These numbers vary, but they give you a realistic picture.

6. Nairobi’s Working Culture: What You Should Expect

a) Meetings start later than expected

Not every meeting starts on time. Some do. Some don’t. Build in buffer time.

b) Communication can be indirect

People tend to avoid confrontation. You may not hear a direct “no,” but you can usually tell what someone really means from their tone.

c) Networking matters

Connections open doors. People trust recommendations from someone they know.

d) Work hours vary

Office jobs run about 8am–5pm. Tech and startup jobs may run longer. NGOs tend to be structured.

e) A mix of formality and informality

People respect professionalism, but the environment isn’t overly rigid.

7. Cost of Living for Working Expats

Your cost of living in Nairobi depends on your lifestyle.

Housing

Serviced apartments range from:

  • KES 80,000–150,000 (1 bedroom)

  • KES 130,000–250,000 (2 bedroom)

  • KES 180,000–300,000+ (3 bedroom)

You can compare options on The Skyline Collection.

Transport

If you don’t want to commit to buying a car yet, you can rent one through Skyline Collection’s car hire service.
It’s easier than dealing with finance, insurance, and repairs when you’re new in the city.

Food

Eating out can be affordable or premium depending on where you go.

Internet

Fast and reliable. Safaricom home fibre is the most common option.

8. Navigating the City While Working

Nairobi is a big city, and moving around takes planning.

a) Traffic is real

It slows everyone down. Live close to your office if possible.

b) Ride-hailing apps help

Bolt, Uber, and Little Cab work well.

c) Renting a car gives you more control

If your job requires regular movement between meetings, renting a car through Skyline’s car hire page saves time and stress.

d) Walkable areas exist

Neighbourhoods like Kilimani, Westlands, and Kileleshwa let you walk to cafes, gyms, and malls.

9. Networking and Job Hunting Tips

If you’re still looking for a job, you can speed things up by focusing on the right places.

a) Use LinkedIn

It’s the most active professional platform in Kenya.

b) Check job boards

  • BrighterMonday

  • Fuzu

  • NGO-specific boards

c) Attend industry events

Tech meetups, NGO gatherings, and business events help you meet decision-makers.

d) Get referrals

People respond better when someone introduces you.

e) Keep your documents ready

Kenyan employers move quickly when they find the right candidate.

10. Final Thoughts

Working in Nairobi gives you access to a growing economy, a strong tech ecosystem, and a multicultural environment.

The job market is wide, and many industries have space for skilled foreigners. You’ll find everything you need to settle in — from furnished apartments in Westlands, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Lavington, available through The Skyline Collection, to car rentals that help you navigate the city faster.

Once you understand how the job market works, what employers expect, and where you fit, Nairobi becomes an easy city to build a career in.