IEEE IES East Africa Hubs & Nodes Innovation Summit 2026
Nairobi Travel Guide
Everything you need for a seamless visit to Kenya's vibrant capital
Proudly sponsored by IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes
Learn MoreWelcome to Nairobi, Kenya
We are excited to have you as part of the IEEE IES East Africa Innovation Summit 2026. This guide is to make your travel and visit to one of the most beautiful countries easy, and to give you the best experience during your time in Kenya. Get ready for an exciting journey in the heart of East Africa where culture meets technology.
Karibu Kenya - Welcome
Kenya is an East African country known for its rich cultural heritage, wildlife, and athletes. Its coast was once a destination for Omani Arab traders who brought the Swahili culture, widely celebrated to this day.
Stepping into Kenya is more than arriving in another country - it is entering a land of contrasts, colors, and cultures. From the vibrant energy of Nairobi to the wide-open savannahs where wildlife roams free, every corner offers something unique.
Visa & Passport
To enter Kenya, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry, with at least two blank pages for stamps. Check with the Kenyan embassy in your country for detailed requirements.
Kenya has become a VISA-free country for all African nations, except Somalia and Libya - a bold step towards strengthening African unity and regional integration.
For an overview of visa types and exemptions: etakenya.go.ke
Currency & Money Tips
Official Currency
The Kenyan Shilling (KES). Notes: 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 KES. Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 KES.
ATMs & Exchange
Currency exchange available after immigration. ATMs widely available - accept Visa, Mastercard and international debit cards. Major banks: Equity, KCB, Cooperative, Standard Chartered and Absa.
M-Pesa & Cards
Digital and card payments accepted in hotels, restaurants and malls. Kenya is famous for M-Pesa, a secure mobile money service used everywhere. Exchange money at the airport on arrival.
Venue
Nairobi - The Green City in the Sun
Nairobi is the vibrant capital of Kenya and hub of East Africa's business, innovation and culture - combining the buzz of a modern metropolis with the natural beauty of wildlife and greenery.
Unique feature - Nairobi is the only city in the world with a national park just 20 minutes from its center, and is home to the United Nations Office in Africa.
📍 Strathmore University
A leading private university located along Madaraka Estate, off Ole Sangale Road - centrally located and well connected to Nairobi's business and academic district. World-class conference and event facilities make it an ideal host for international delegates.
Culture: Public Demeanor & Common Phrases
Greetings
Useful Words
Cultural Tips
- A handshake is the most common greeting; a nod or smile works in casual settings.
- Bargaining is expected in local markets - always do it politely.
- Kenyans love football - mentioning EPL teams is a great conversation starter.
- Public displays of affection are less common, but holding hands is normal.
Areas Around the Venue
The venue is in Madaraka / Kilimani, with easy access to Nairobi's most vibrant neighborhoods for dining, shopping, and unwinding after sessions.
🛍️ Shopping & Malls
- Sarit Centre Mall - Largest mall with international brands, banking, restaurants and a cinema.
- Westgate Mall - Stylish mall with fashion outlets, cafes, bookshops and supermarkets.
- GTC Mall - Near the Global Trade Centre, high-end shops and fine dining.
🍹 Leisure & Refreshments
Kempinski's Balcony Bar — Great for evening cocktails.
Level 8 Lounge (Best Western) — Rooftop bar with panoramic city views.
J's Fresh Bar & Kitchen — Lively place for drinks, food and music.
🏋️ Wellness & Fitness
Villa Rosa Kempinski Spa — Full-service luxury spa.
Smart Gyms (Sarit Centre) and other gyms around Westlands.
🍽️ Restaurants Nearby
- Kienyejis — Traditional Kenyan food: nyama choma, ugali, stews.
- Nana Swahili — Coastal Kenya cuisine, Swahili specialties.
- Beit é Selam — Modern African fusion, stylish indoor-outdoor setting.
- Nairobi Street Kitchen — Trendy food hall, live music.
- Mama Oliech (Kilimani) — Famous tilapia wet fry with ugali.
Accommodation Guide
Nairobi offers a wide range of accommodation options from 5-star luxury hotels to mid-range business hotels and serviced apartments, many within easy reach of Strathmore University.
- Elegant rooms and suites with modern amenities
- Multiple restaurants offering international and Kenyan cuisines
- Full-service spa, fitness centers and rooftop lounges
- Excellent security and privacy
- Easy access to Nairobi CBD and Westlands malls
View Recommended Hotels & Rates
See our curated list of 8 hotels near Strathmore University, with indicative 3-night rates and star ratings — from budget-friendly to 5-star luxury.
Transport
Airport Transfer — JKIA to Strathmore University
From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Strathmore University is approximately 22 km, with an average travel time of 22 minutes. Our official transfer partner, HR Services Logistics & Tours, provides coordinated pickups at a flat rate of USD 35 per delegate — inclusive of expressway tolls and drop-off to your hotel.
- ✦ HR Services Logistics & Tours — official partner (USD 35, recommended)
- ✦ Uber or Bolt — safe, app-based, cashless
- ✦ Private taxi — confirm price before boarding
- ✦ Nairobi Expressway (tolled ~USD 5) — faster with city views
Ride-Hailing
Uber, Bolt, Little cab - convenient, safe and cashless. Best for short trips around Westlands, CBD and Karen.
Hotel Transport
Hotels often arrange chauffeur-driven cars - safer and more professional, but higher cost. Private car hire available through Avis, Europcar or local firms.
Intercity Travel
Jambojet, Safarilink and Kenya Airways offer domestic flights to Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Malindi and Maasai Mara.
🛡️ Travel & Safety Tips
Book Your Airport Transfer
Register for the official HR Services Logistics & Tours airport transfer — USD 35 flat rate, 24/7 availability at JKIA, and direct drop-off to your hotel.
Weather & What to Pack
Nairobi sits at ~1,800m above sea level. The temperature is mild and pleasant year-round, rarely extreme.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothes for daytime sessions
- Light jacket / sweater for evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration
- Smart-casual or business attire for symposium sessions
- Neutral-colored clothing (beige, olive, brown) for safaris
- Hat & sunglasses for sun protection
- Travel umbrella or light rain jacket - weather changes quickly
- Formal / semi-formal evening wear for the closing dinner
- Dress modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites
Kenyan Cuisine
For the adventurous and for the relaxed.
Ugali
Kenya's staple made from maize flour, served with vegetables, meat, or fish.
Chapati
Soft flatbread with Indian influence, eaten with stews or beans.
Nyama Choma
Grilled meat (goat or beef), often enjoyed with friends - Kenya's unofficial national dish.
Pilau
Spiced rice cooked with meat or vegetables, a coastal specialty.
Sukuma Wiki
Collard greens sautéed with onions and tomatoes, a common side dish.
Mandazi
Sweet fried dough, similar to doughnuts, popular for breakfast or tea.
The Nairobian Experience
Nairobi, the “Green City in the Sun”, mixes modern skyscrapers with wild savannah just next door - a unique balance of business, leisure, and adventure.
Nairobi CBD has a rich history but it is advised to have a guided tour and be cautious with your belongings.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Visit the famous Maasai Market - a rotating open-air craft market, the best place for authentic Kenyan beadwork, carvings, Maasai shukas and art pieces. Bargaining is part of the experience; carry cash or M-Pesa.
🦁 Wildlife in the City
- Nairobi National Park - 20 min from city center; lions, rhinos, giraffes with the skyline backdrop.
- David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage - Morning visits at 11 am.
- Giraffe Centre - Feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes.
🏛️ Culture & History
- Karen Blixen Museum - Home of the “Out of Africa” author.
- Nairobi National Museum - Kenya's history, art and wildlife heritage.
- Bomas of Kenya - Cultural dances and traditional homestead replicas.
🌿 Green Spaces
- Karura Forest - Walking and cycling trails, waterfalls and caves.
- Uhuru Park & Central Park - Popular city parks for relaxation.
- Ngong Hills (short drive) - Hiking with panoramic Rift Valley views.
Daily Living Needs
📶 Communication & Internet
SIM Cards available at the airport or in town (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom). Safaricom has the widest coverage. Mobile internet is fast (4G widespread, 5G in Nairobi). Most hotels, cafes and malls have free Wi-Fi. WhatsApp and Zoom are widely used.
💳 Money & Payments
M-PESA is the most common payment form - even small shops and taxis accept it. International cards work in most hotels, restaurants and malls. Always carry some KES cash for taxis, tips or markets.
🔌 Electricity & Power
240V, 50Hz AC. Sockets: Type G (three rectangular prongs, same as UK). Carry a universal power adapter. Hotels have backup generators for occasional power outages.
Emergency Contacts & Safety Tips
Essential Numbers
- Police (General Emergencies)999 / 112 / 911
- Ambulance Services999 / 112
- Fire Brigade (Nairobi)999
- Kenya Red Cross+254 703 037 000
- Nairobi Hospital (24/7)+254 20 284 5000
- Aga Khan University Hospital+254 20 366 2000
- MP Shah Hospital+254 20 429 1000
- U.S. Embassy Nairobi+254 20 363 6000
Other Embassies: Delegates should register with their embassy or consulate before arrival.
See You in Nairobi!
We are honored to host brilliant minds, innovators, and industry leaders from across the globe here in Kenya. This gathering is not only a platform for groundbreaking research and technological advancements, but an opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and build lasting networks.
Karibu Kenya - where innovation meets hospitality.
