An Expat's Guide to Living in Nakuru, Kenya

A Few Fast Facts About Nakuru

Before we dive into the in's and out's of daily life living in Nakuru, Kenya, there are a few quick things I want to note about this fantastic city so few have heard of before.

Language

Swahili is the official language here, but I quickly discovered that most people speak enough English to have a friendly chat, making it easier to build connections despite the language barrier.

It’s amazing how even a few Swahili phrases like ‘Asante sana’ (thank you very much) or ‘Habari yako?’ (how are you?) can open doors to new friendships and show respect for the local culture.

Big Growth

Nakuru, is right in the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. It’s a place that’s rapidly growing in popularity with expats, offering a perfect blend of city life and easy access to nature.

Believe it or not, Nakuru is the fastest-growing city in Africa and the fourth fastest-growing in the world!

The locals here are incredibly welcoming, and Nakuru feels very safe—even as a woman living alone, I’ve never felt uneasy. The community is warm, and there’s a genuine sense of hospitality that makes settling in feel easy and comforting.

For me, it strikes the perfect balance—affordable living, a growing economy, and stunning natural beauty all around.

Affordability

Another major plus of living in Nakuru is the cost of living. Compared to cities like Nairobi or Mombasa, Nakuru is much more affordable.

Rent, groceries, and transport are all budget-friendly, which makes everyday life comfortable and stress-free. Plus, with fresh, organic vegetables readily available from local farms, eating well is not only easy but also economical.

Job Opportunities for Expats

Nakuru’s rapid economic growth has led to an increase in job opportunities for expatriates, particularly in sectors like: 

• Teaching
• Hospitality
• Conservation

Many expats find work in international schools, like me, in and around Nakuru, with a steady demand for qualified educators, especially in subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science.

Beyond teaching, Nakuru’s development has led to the growth of new industries, making the city a hub for entrepreneurs and expats with various professional skills. The affordable cost of living in Nakuru makes it easier for expats to start a business or find employment in local industries.

The continued expansion of the city center is expected to create even more job opportunities in the coming years, making Nakuru an exciting place for those looking to advance their careers.

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Visas & Residency Options

Understanding the visa and residency requirements for Kenya is essential for expats planning to move to Nakuru.

A tourist visa allows visitors to stay in Kenya for up to 90 days and can be easily obtained through the e-visa system. For those planning a longer stay, applying for a residence permit is necessary.

Many expats working in Nakuru City apply for a Class D work permit, which is typically sponsored by employers. The application process for these permits can be time-consuming, so it’s important to start early.

Unfortunately, Kenya does not yet offer a digital nomad visa, so expats planning to work remotely will need to consider other visa options that best suit their needs.

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Getting Around Nakuru

If you move here as a teacher or with another type of job already secured, there's a good chance housing will be included in your package. All expats, myself included, that live in Nakuru have had their housing provided for them.

Sometimes this will be near your job or in the center of work, sometimes you'll need to rely on public transportation, taxis, or your own car to get around.

While Nakuru offers plenty of benefits in terms of lifestyle and nature, transportation can sometimes be a challenge.

Public transport options are limited, and matatus (shared minibusses) are often overcrowded and unreliable. As a result, many expats, including myself, rely on taxis to get around. However, this can become quite costly over time, so I highly recommend purchasing a car if you plan to stay long-term.

Owning your vehicle gives you the freedom to explore both the city and the surrounding areas at your own pace. The upfront cost of buying a car may seem steep, but the convenience and flexibility that come with it make it a worthwhile investment.

Having your own transportation also makes it easier to take impromptu trips to the capital, Nairobi, other major cities, or a nearby town, enriching your experience of living in Kenya.

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Healthcare in Nakuru

One of the major concerns for expats moving to a new city is the quality of healthcare. Fear not though, the quality offered in Nakuru City does not disappoint.

The city has a well-established healthcare system, with reliable hospitals and clinics spread throughout Nakuru County, making them easily accessible.

The main hospital in Nakuru is well-equipped, providing good medical care to both locals and expats. Whether you need routine checkups or more specialized treatments, Nakuru’s healthcare facilities are more than adequate for most medical needs.

For expats, having private healthcare insurance is highly advisable, and it's reassuring to know that many employers in Kenya include this as part of their employment package. Even if you pay upfront for medical services, the process is smooth — I simply submit my receipt to my healthcare provider, and the reimbursement typically arrives within seven days.

It's a seamless system that adds to the sense of security and well-being as an expat living abroad.

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Nature & Wildlife at Your Fingertips

Living in Nakuru means having access to some of Kenya’s most famous national parks and wildlife reserves, which has easily become one of my favorite parts about living here. 

There are so many parks, reserves, and stunning places located close to the city, making them easily accessible on the weekends and days off.

A few of my favorite outdoor activities include:

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is just a short drive from the city center. One of my most unforgettable experiences was spending a day there and managing to see four of the Big Five.

It was a surreal adventure coming across elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and a majestic lion all within hours.

The sheer thrill of spotting these magnificent animals in their natural habitat is incomparable, and it made me truly appreciate the stunning biodiversity that Kenya has to offer. Moments like these remind me how fortunate I am to live somewhere so connected to nature.

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the park, Lion Hill Game Lodge offers a unique stay within the reserve. With breathtaking views, delicious local cuisine, and the chance to relax by the pool for an afternoon swim (don't worry—the lions are safely kept away!), it’s the perfect base to explore the wonders of Lake Nakuru National Park.

Lake Elementaita

While Lake Nakuru itself is iconic, many flamingos have recently migrated to Lake Elementaita, a more tranquil and less populated lake nearby that provides better feeding conditions. This migration has made Lake Elementaita another beautiful day out for visitors and residents alike.

Watching these graceful birds contrast against the serene lake backdrop is a truly awe-inspiring experience, and there’s also the opportunity to dine at restaurants with panoramic views over the water, a perfect blend of nature and luxury.

Mount Kenya

Nakuru’s location makes it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. In addition to Lake Nakuru, there is easy access to Mount Kenya and other national parks. Mount Kenya presents a tough climb, perfect for adventure seekers looking for a challenge.

Mount Longonot

For those wanting to train or start with a less intense hike, Mount Longonot, a dormant stratovolcano situated in Naivasha, just an hour’s drive away, offers a manageable climb. It’s a 6.2 km trek up and back, extending to 13.5 km if you choose to hike the crater rim.

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A Few Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Nakuru

While the pros of living here certainly outweigh the cons for me, there are a few things I wish I knew before moving that would have made the transition easier.

1. The climate is a bit of an adventure itself—in the mornings, it’s often chilly, so you might spot me bundled up in a big winter coat. By the afternoon, the sun is out, and I’m enjoying a swim in the school’s outdoor pool, only to end the day with rainy evenings by a warm fire. Nakuru truly has all four seasons packed into a single day!
2. One of the few downsides is the occasional power outage, but you get used to it. When I first arrived, we had no electricity for three days, and I thought, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ But thankfully, there haven't been any major outages since.

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Will You Move to Nakuru?

Nakuru is truly a hidden gem in Kenya, offering expats the perfect mix of affordability, economic opportunity, a slower pace of life, and incredible access to nature.

For me, moving to Nakuru was life-changing. The city boasts a unique blend of economic growth and natural beauty, and the kindness of both local residents and my colleagues made my transition incredibly smooth.

All things considered, living in Nakuru is an incredibly rewarding experience. I feel so fortunate to not only explore this part of the world but to also call it home.