Nairobi, commonly referred to as the city under the sun can be a little bit confusing and overwhelming especially for a first time visitors.
If you're a newbie in this city here are few tips that can help you survive in it with ease.
1. Choose home cooked meal over buying food
Unless money isn't a problem, you should definitely choose cooking at home over eating out.
The latter is an easier and faster option but one thing for sure is it will leave your pockets dry before you know it.
When you cook your meals at home, you'll not only save a great deal of expense, but also you will be enjoying some tasty nutritious food made at home with love.
One tactic that will keep you going is befriending one of the "mama mbogas" around your neighborhood and become her loyal customer.
On a bad day, she might come through and save you from sleeping hungry by loaning you some 'sukumawiki' or tomatoes then pay her later.
2. Stay away from 'pata potea' crowds
If you're walking around the streets and notice people surrounding and spectating a guy playing with cards, run for the hills.
These are just tricksters masquerading as magicians. Most of the time, they hire this crowd to keep people enticed and interested.
Also, most of the winners who emerge from the crowd are the trickster's business partners. Be alert always.
3.Avoid getting yourself arrested
If you get yourself on the wrong side of the law, especially on Friday, try getting the issue resolved with the men in blue before you get to a police station.
If you don't, just brace yourself for a cold night on a cold floor in a police station.
Also, always carry your Identification Card with you, it might ease your way out of police custody.
4. Be alert in matatus
Matatus are one of those places where thievery goes on without your knowledge. Some of the people who board the matatu with you are thieves on a mission.
Therefore, you have to be extra careful especially if you have valuable items like laptops, phones or a load of cash in your wallet.
So if you're one of those people who enter a matatu and immediately fall asleep as you await your destination, it's time to ditch this habit. You might find all your valuables gone.
5. Keep off rush hours
Unless it is very necessary, avoid commuting during rush hours.
This way you will pay less fare if you commute in the middle of the day and also the traffic will be quite minimal.
In addition, you should also avoid isolated, and dingy streets to reduce your chances of getting mugged.