Nairobi for Digital Nomads
Africa's Silicon Savannah where tech meets wildlife
Kenya • Africa/Nairobi (+3)
TL;DR
Nairobi scores 7.6/10 on our Hustle-Free Index. You'll spend around $1,450/month for a comfortable setup. Nairobi is Africa's startup capital—mobile money was invented here, tech hubs are everywhere, and a safari is a weekend trip away. The energy is entrepreneurial, the weather is perfect, and the cost lets you live well. Perfect for isolated solopreneurs and payment-frustrated freelancers. It's okay to want both adventure and stability. Here's everything you need to know.
Hustle-Free Index Score
Based on safety, happiness, and cost of living data
Quick Facts
| Monthly Budget | $1,450 (comfortable) |
| Visa Situation | 90 days visa-free DN Visa Available |
| Internet Speed | 40 Mbps avg (Good) |
| Best For | Solopreneurs, Freelancers |
| Skip If | Risk-averse about safety, Need guaranteed infrastructure |
| English Level | Excellent |
| Safety | Variable (Score: 55/100) |
Why Nairobi Works for Freelancers Like You
Nairobi is Africa's startup capital—mobile money was invented here, tech hubs are everywhere, and a safari is a weekend trip away. The energy is entrepreneurial, the weather is perfect, and the cost lets you live well. Just stay aware of your surroundings and embrace the adventure.
"Giraffes at sunset from a Karen rooftop with Kenyan coffee in hand"
What Makes It Special
- ✓ New digital nomad visa (2024)
- ✓ Thriving tech and startup ecosystem
- ✓ Safari and wildlife on weekends
- ✓ Excellent English spoken
- ✓ Perfect year-round climate (high altitude)
What It Actually Costs
Comfortable Budget: $1,450/month
Housing
$600
Coworking
$150
Food
$300
Transport
$80
Fun & Social
$150
Health
$60
Misc
$110
Total
$1,450
Lean Budget: $930/month ▼
For those who want to stretch their runway. Trade-offs include shared housing, café working instead of coworking, and cooking most meals.
Housing: $360 • Food: $210 • Total: $930
Treat Yourself: $2,350/month ▼
Nice apartment, premium coworking, eating out regularly, and enjoying the city's best experiences.
Housing: $1,100 • Food: $450 • Total: $2,350
Getting Work Done
WiFi Reality
40 Mbps average • Good reliability • Power: Occasional Outages
Café Culture
Growing café scene for working
Recommended Coworking Spaces
Nairobi Garage
Tech hub • Community • Westlands
Contact
iHub
Innovation hub • Events • Kilimani
Contact
The Foundry
Startup focus • Central
Contact
Visa & Legal Stuff (Don't Panic)
The Quick Answer
You get 90 days visa-free entry , plus there's a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa available.
Digital Nomad Visa (2024)
Duration
1 year
Income Required
$2,000/mo
Cost
$250
Renewability
renewable
Processing
2-3 weeks
Tax Situation
Non-residents taxed only on Kenya-sourced income
Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Living Your Best Sustainable Life
👥
Expat Community
Medium
💻
Nomad Scene
Emerging
🤝
Local Friendliness
Very Welcoming
🍽️
Food Scene
Good
Nightlife: Vibrant
The Honest Truth
✓ What's Amazing
- • New digital nomad visa (2024)
- • Thriving tech and startup ecosystem
- • Safari and wildlife on weekends
- • Excellent English spoken
⚠ What's Challenging
- • Safety requires vigilance
- • Power outages possible
- • Traffic congestion severe
- • Internet can be inconsistent
- • Not walkable in most areas
Skip Nairobi If...
- • Risk-averse about safety
- • Need guaranteed infrastructure
- • Prefer established nomad communities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Nairobi? ▼
Does Kenya have a digital nomad visa? ▼
How is the internet for remote work in Nairobi? ▼
Is Nairobi safe for digital nomads? ▼
What is the digital nomad community like in Nairobi? ▼
Your Next Step
You've done your research. That's already more than most people do.
There's no rush to decide. Nairobi will still be here when you're ready.
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How We Calculate the Hustle-Free Index
Our Hustle-Free Index balances three factors that matter most for sustainable freelance life:
Formula: HFI = (Safety Score × Happiness Score) / Cost of Living Index
- Safety Score (55/100): From Numbeo Safety Index
- Happiness Score (70/100): World Happiness Report + freelancer surveys
- Cost of Living Index (38): Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Last updated: 2026-01-03 • Data sources: Numbeo, World Happiness Report, local research