Editing Nairobi (section)

==Infrastructure==
===Transport===
[[File:Syokimau Railway Station.jpg|thumb|left|Syokimau Railway Station]]
Major plans are being implemented in the need to decongest the city's traffic and the completion of [[Thika Road]] has given the city a much needed face-lift attributed to road's enhancement of global standards. Several projects have been completed (Syokimau Rail Station, the Eastern and Northern Bypasses) while numerous other projects are still underway.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-27 |title=How to get to Syokimau Railway Station in Embakasi by Bus? |url=https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Syokimau_Railway_Station-Nairobi-site_34921496-3540 |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=moovitapp.com |language=en-KE |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211180228/https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Syokimau_Railway_Station-Nairobi-site_34921496-3540 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The development of these critical transport facilities will, besides reducing transport costs due to faster movement of goods and people within the region, also increase trade, improve the socio-economic welfare of Northern Kenya and boost the country's potential in attracting investments from all over the world.

====Airports====
[[File:Nairobi Arrivals Terminal.jpg|thumb|right|[[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]]]]
[[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]] is the largest airport in Kenya. Domestic travelers made up 40% of overall passengers in 2016. An increase of 32% in 5 yrs since 2012. JKIA had more than 7 million passengers going through it in 2016. In February 2017, JKIA received a Category One Status from the [[FAA]] boosting the airport's status as a Regional Aviation hub.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001232614/aviation-sector-in-new-high-as-passenger-numbers-hit-record-10-million|title=Aviation sector in new high as passenger numbers hit record 10 million|first=Frankline|last=Sunday|access-date=4 May 2017|archive-date=14 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314073709/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001232614/aviation-sector-in-new-high-as-passenger-numbers-hit-record-10-million|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Wilson Airport]] is a general-aviation airport handling smaller aircraft, mostly propeller-driven. In July 2016, construction of a new air traffic control tower commenced at a cost of KES 163 million (approximately US$1.63 million).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000210004/wilson-airport-builds-sh163m-tower-amidst-land-grabbing-claims|title=Wilson Airport builds Sh163m tower amidst land grabbing claims|first=Peter|last=Muiruri|access-date=4 May 2017|archive-date=5 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905174300/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000210004/wilson-airport-builds-sh163m-tower-amidst-land-grabbing-claims|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Moi Air Base]] is a military airport. In its earlier years, it was utilised as a landing strip in the pre-[[jet aircraft|jet]] airline era. It was mostly used as a British passenger and mail route from [[Southampton]] to [[Cape Town]] in the 1930s and 1940s. This route was served by [[flying boat]]s between Britain and [[Kisumu]] and then by land-based aircraft on the routes to the south.

====Matatu====
[[File:A matatu.jpg|thumb|left|A matatu]]
{{main|Matatu}}
Matatus are the most common form of public transport in Nairobi. [[Matatu]], which literally translates to "three cents for a ride" (nowadays much more) are privately owned minibuses.<ref>{{cite web |last=United Nations Offices Nairobi Interns |title=How to get around Nairobi |publisher=interns.unon.org |url=http://interns.unon.org/index%206.1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203075002/http://interns.unon.org/index%206.1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 February 2007 |access-date=5 July 2007 }}</ref> They generally seat 14 to 33 riders. Matatus operate within Nairobi, its environs and suburbs and from Nairobi to other towns around the country.<ref name="uonbi.ac.ke"/> The matatu's route is imprinted along a yellow stripe on the side of the bus, and matatus plying specific routes have specific route numbers. However, in 2004, a [[Seat belt legislation|law was passed, requiring all matatus to include seat belts]], [[speed governor]]s and to be painted with a yellow stripe.<ref>{{cite news|title=Crackdown hits Kenyan commuters|publisher=BBC|date=2 February 2004|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3450777.stm|access-date=3 July 2006|archive-date=2 April 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040402081250/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3450777.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> At first, this caused a furore amongst Matatu operators, but they were pressured by government and the public to make the changes. Matatus are now limited to {{convert|80|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.

However, in November 2014 President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted the ban on the yellow stripe and allowed matatus to maintain the colourful graphics in an effort to support the youth in creating employment. Matatus in Nairobi were easily distinguishable by their extravagant paint schemes, as owners would paint their matatu with various colourful decorations, such as their favourite [[association football|football]] team or [[hip hop music|hip hop]] artist. They are notorious for their poor safety records, which are a result of overcrowding and reckless driving.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foster |first=Kendrick |date=2019-09-20 |title=Matatus, Mototaxis, and More: Paratransit and Inequality |url=https://hir.harvard.edu/matatus-mototaxis-and-more/ |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=Harvard International Review |language=en}}</ref> Due to the intense competition between matatus, many are equipped with powerful sound systems and television screens to attract more customers.

====Buses====
[[File:Nairobi Public Transport.jpg|thumb|Public transport in Nairobi]]
Buses are increasingly becoming common in the city with some even going to the extents of installing complimentary WiFi systems in partnership with the leading mobile service provider. There are four major bus companies operating the city routes and are the traditional Kenya Bus Service (KBS), and newer private operators Citi Hoppa, Compliant MOA and Double M. The Citi Hoppa buses are distinguishable by their green livery, the Double M buses are painted purple, Compliant MOA by their distinctively screaming names and mix of white, blue colours while the KBS buses are painted blue.

Companies such as Easy Coach, Guardian Angel, Transline, Tahmeed, NorthWest, Kisii Classic and Ena coach scheduled buses and luxury coaches to other cities and towns.

A [[Bus rapid transit]] will commence operating with 100 high capacity buses along [[Thika Road]] in July 2022 between [[Kasarani]] and the [[Kenyatta National Hospital]]. After the pilot, Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (Namata) will implement another 300 buses as the first phase that will expand the [[Bus rapid transit|BRT]] line to run from [[Ruiru]] to [[Kenyatta National Hospital]]. A second phase will later extend the line to run between Kenol in [[Murang'a County]] to [[Ongata Rongai]] in [[Kajiado County]].

====Trains====
[[File:Nairobi Terminus.jpg|thumb|left|[[Nairobi Terminus]]]]
Nairobi was founded as a [[railway town]], and the main headquarters of [[Kenya Railways|Kenya Railways (KR)]] is still situated at [[Nairobi railway station]], which is located near the city centre. The line runs through Nairobi, from [[Mombasa]] to [[Kampala]]. Its main use is freight traffic connecting Nairobi to Mombasa and [[Kisumu]]. A number of morning and evening commuter [[Nairobi rail service|trains]] connect the centre with the suburbs, but the city has no proper light rail, tramway, or rapid transit lines. A proposal has been passed for the construction of a commuter rail line. The country's third president since independence, President [[Mwai Kibaki]] on Tuesday, 13 November 2012 launched the Syokimau Rail Service marking a major milestone in the history of railway development in the country. The opening of the station marked another milestone in efforts to realise various projects envisaged under the Vision 2030 Economic Blueprint. The new station has a train that ferries passengers from [[Syokimau]] to the city centre cutting travel time by half. Opening of the station marks the completion of the first phase of the Sh24b Nairobi Commuter Rail Network that is geared at easing traffic congestion in Nairobi, blamed for huge economic losses. Other modern stations include Imara Daima Railway Station and Makadara Railway Station.

The new [[Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway]] connects the port city of Mombasa and Nairobi. The new railway line has virtually replaced the old metre-gauge railway. The [[Nairobi Terminus]] is located at [[Syokimau]], some 20&nbsp;km from the city centre. Passengers travelling from Mombasa are transferred the short distance into the CBD with the metre-gauge trains.

====Roads====
[[File:The A104 heading to Nairobi CBD.jpg|thumb|The A104 heading to Nairobi CBD]]

Two trans-African automobile routes pass through Nairobi: the [[Cairo-Cape Town Highway]] and the [[Lagos-Mombasa Highway]]. Nairobi is served by highways that link Mombasa to Kampala in Uganda and Arusha in Tanzania. These are earmarked to ease the daily motor traffic within and surrounding the metro area. However, driving in Nairobi is chaotic. Most of the roads are tarmacked and there are signs showing directions to certain neighbourhoods. The city is connected to the [[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]] by the Mombasa Highway, which passes through Industrial Area, South B, South C and Embakasi. [[Ongata Rongai]], Langata and Karen are connected to the city centre by Langata Road, which runs to the south. Lavington, Riverside, and Westlands are connected by Waiyaki Way. Kasarani, Eastlands, and Embakasi are connected by [[Thika Road]], Jogoo Road, and Outer Ring Road.

Highways connect the city with other major towns such as Mombasa, Machakos, Voi, (A109), [[Eldoret]], [[Kisumu]], [[Nakuru]], [[Naivasha]], and Namanga Border Tanzania (A104).

Nairobi is undergoing major road constructions to update its infrastructure network. The new system of roads, flyovers, and bridges are intended to better cope with high traffic levels. It is also a major component of Kenya's Vision 2030 and Nairobi Metropolis plans. Most roads now are well lit and surfaced with adequate signage.

In 2020, the construction of The [[Nairobi Expressway]] began. The Nairobi expressway is a 27&nbsp;km toll road connecting the Eastern Nairobi neighbourhood of Mulolongo to the uptown neighbourhood of Westlands at James Gichuru junction through Nairobi CBD. The road is directly to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport enabling travellers to access the airport faster avoiding the heavy traffic on Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way. The road has an 11.025&nbsp;km elevated section between Airtel Center and Westlands.

This road, is intended to ease traffic from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that accesses Nairobi city center. Also traffic from Central Nairobi is expected to be facilitated, to reduce the number of departing passengers who miss their fights, while stuck in road traffic jams on the city streets.[5] The work involves expansion of the existing road to four-lanes one-way, (8 lanes total), with foot paths, drainage channels, overpass bridges and street lighting. It was opened to the public in May 2022.

====Private car population projection for Nairobi====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! YEAR !! 2004 !! 2010 !! 2015 !! 2025
|-
| '''Number of private cars''' || 207,339 || 327,366  || 486,207 || 716,138<ref>{{cite web |author1=Mairura Omwenga |title=Integrated Transport System for Liveable City Environment: A Case Study of Nairobi Kenya |url=http://www.isocarp.net/data/case_studies/2022.pdf |website=www.isocarp.net |access-date=6 May 2017 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194404/http://www.isocarp.net/data/case_studies/2022.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

===Water supply and sanitation===
{{Further|Water supply and sanitation in Nairobi}}
94% of the piped water supply for Nairobi comes from rivers and reservoirs in the [[Aberdare Range]] north of the city, of which the reservoir of the [[Thika Dam]] is the most important one. Water distribution losses – technically called [[non-revenue water]] – are 40%, and only 40% of those with house connections receive water continuously. Slum residents receive water through [[water kiosk]]s and end up paying much higher water prices than those fortunate enough to have access to piped water at their residence.

===Housing===
[[File:Nairobi Metro location map.png|thumb|left|Nairobi metro map<br />[[Nairobi County]] (red)<br />[[Kajiado County]] (green) <br />[[Machakos County]] (yellow) <br />[[Kiambu County]] (purple)]]

There is a wide variety of housing options in Nairobi. The options range from privately owned housing units/apartments, rented units, leased spaces and even houses on mortgage. Most wealthy Kenyans live in Nairobi, but the majority of Nairobians are of average and low income. Half of the population has been estimated to live in [[slum]]s which cover just 5% of the city area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalurban.org/Issue1PIMag05/Sheehan%20article.htm |title=Where the Sidewalks End |publisher=Globalurban.org |date=11 September 2001 |access-date=18 October 2010}}</ref> The growth of these slums is a result of urbanisation, poor town planning, lack of good governance and proper leadership in these settlements and lack of empowerment and social capital among other factors.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Mutisya |first1=Emmanuel |last2=Yarime |first2=Masaru |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/1363074369 |title=Understanding the Grassroots Dynamics of Slums in Nairobi: The Dilemma of Kibera Informal Settlements |date=2011 |oclc=1363074369}}</ref>

[[File:Nairobi Kibera 04.JPG|thumb|View of [[Kibera]], Nairobi]]
[[Kibera]] is one of the largest slums in Africa,<ref>{{cite news |last=BBC News |title=Living amidst the rubbish of Kenya's slum |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk/ |date=20 September 2005 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4261846.stm |access-date=25 August 2008 |archive-date=8 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208140747/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4261846.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and is situated to the west of Nairobi. (Kibera comes from the Nubian word Kibra, meaning "forest" or "jungle").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=62409 |title=IRIN In-Depth &#124; KENYA: Kibera, The Forgotten City &#124; East Africa &#124; Kenya &#124; Environment Urban Risk &#124; In-Depth |publisher=Irinnews.org |access-date=18 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612222344/http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=62409 |archive-date=12 June 2011 }}</ref> The slums cover two square kilometres<ref>{{cite web |last=CSG Kibera |title=What is Kibera? |publisher=www.csgkibera.org/ |url=http://www.csgkibera.org/ |access-date=25 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821110141/http://www.csgkibera.org/ |archive-date=21 August 2008 }}</ref> and are on government land. [[Kibera]] has been the setting for several films, the most recent being ''[[The Constant Gardener (film)|The Constant Gardener]]''.

Other notable slums include [[Mathare]] and [[Korogocho]]. Altogether, 66 areas are counted as slums within Nairobi.<ref>{{cite web |title=The slums of Nairobi: explaining urban misery |publisher=encyclopedia.com |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-150852093.html |access-date=2 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323110512/http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-150852093.html |archive-date=23 March 2008 }}</ref>

Many Nairobi non-slum-dwellers live in relatively good housing conditions. Large houses can be found in many of the upmarket neighbourhoods, especially to the west of Nairobi. Middle and high income estates include [[Gigiri]], [[Muthaiga]], [[Langata]] and [[Karen, Kenya|Karen]]. Other middle and high income estates include [[Parklands, Nairobi|Parklands]], [[Westlands, Nairobi|Westlands]], Hurlingham, Kilimani, Milimani, Spring Valley, Lavington, Rosslyn, Kitisuru, and Nairobi Hill.

To accommodate the growing middle class, many new apartments and housing developments are being built in and around the city. The most notable development is ''Greenpark'', at [[Athi River (town)|Athi River]], [[Machakos County]] {{convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Nairobi's Central Business District. Over 5,000 houses, villas and apartments are being constructed at this development, including leisure, retail and commercial facilities.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kenya Engineer |title=Housing estate being developed at Stoney Athi |publisher=kenyaengineer.com |url=http://www.kenyaengineer.com/newsdetails.php?NewsID=314&AuthorID=45&CountryID=7&NewsTypeID=16&IssueID=36 |access-date=2 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014062115/http://www.kenyaengineer.com/newsdetails.php?NewsID=314&AuthorID=45&CountryID=7&NewsTypeID=16&IssueID=36 |archive-date=14 October 2007 }}</ref> The development is being marketed to families, as are most others within the city. Eastlands also houses most of the city's middle class and includes [[South C]], [[South B]], [[Embakasi]], [[Buru Buru]], Komarock, Donholm, Umoja, Saika, Ruai, Kasarani  and various others.