Starehe and the CBD: a neighbourhood guide

Starehe is "town" for most of Nairobi: the CBD, plus Ngara, Pangani, Ziwani, Kariokor and Nairobi South around it. It is where the city works, catches a matatu home, eats lunch on the run and, more often than people admit, goes sightseeing.

Things to see in a day

• KICC - the conference centre on City Hall Way has a rooftop viewing deck with one of the best views over the city.
• Kenya National Archives on Moi Avenue - public galleries of historical photographs and art, right in the middle of the bustle.
• Nairobi Gallery in the Old PC's Office, at Kenyatta Avenue and Uhuru Highway.
• McMillan Memorial Library on Banda Street, open since 1931.
• Uhuru Park and Jeevanjee Gardens for a sit-down between errands.

Markets and shopping

City Market on Muindi Mbingu Street is the place for flowers, fresh produce, fish and curios. Ngara Market serves the neighbourhood just north of town.

Getting around

Most matatu routes start or end in the CBD, and Nairobi Railway Station at the southern edge of town runs the commuter trains. Weekday mornings and evenings are the busiest; weekends are a calmer time to explore on foot.

Help us fill this in

Know a lunch spot, a hidden rooftop or a shop worth the walk? Share it in the Starehe community - the best tips end up on this page.

Cover photo: Lebu Ayiga / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.