Introduction
The capital of Kenya, Nairobi is also the chief city of East Africa. The city lies at a distance of 87 miles (140 kilometers) from the Equator. Its climate, however, is pleasant because it is situated at an elevation of 5,500 feet (1,680 meters) above sea level. To the north of Nairobi is Mount Kenya and to the south, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The name Nairobi is derived from a water hole known to the Masai people of Kenya as Enkare Nairobi, meaning “cold water.”
Places of interest
Notable places in the city include the modern Kenyatta Conference Center, the Parliament building and city hall, the law courts, and the Roman Catholic cathedral. There is also a well-planned commercial center. The University of Nairobi and other institutions of higher education are centered there. Other important buildings in the city are the Central Government Archives, the National Museum of Kenya, the McMillan Memorial Library, and the Kenya National Theater. The Nairobi National Park, a large scenic animal sanctuary, lies just 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of the city. It covers 45 square miles (117 square kilometers) and has wooded areas, plains, and valleys. Several rivers flow through and meet in the park. Many different mammals such as the lion, gazelle, black rhinoceros, giraffe, various species of antelope, and zebra, as well as reptiles and hundreds of species of birds, live in the park.
Economy
Nairobi is the main industrial center of Kenya. Products such as beverages, cigarettes, and processed food are manufactured here. Many agricultural products are transported from Nairobi to Mombasa in order to be shipped as exports. The city plays a key role in the community of eastern African states. Tourism is an important industry and contributes significantly to the economy.
History
Nairobi's origins can be traced to the late 1890s when it was a colonial railway settlement. In 1905 it was chosen to be the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate. Protectorates are territories that are dependent on more powerful countries. It attracted many people from Kenya's rural areas and grew into a large city. It was declared a municipality in 1919 and was granted city status in 1954. In 1963, when Kenya became independent, Nairobi's municipal area was expanded to its present size. Population (1999 estimate), 1,504,900.
