Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and still the largest city. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi County. The name “Nairobi” comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to “the place of cool waters”.

Nairobi is the most populous city in East Africa, with a current estimated population of about 3 million.  According to the 2009 Census. Nairobi is currently the 12th largest city in Africa, including the population of its suburbs.

Nairobi hosts several United Nations agencies like the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlement Programme (UN HABITAT). Other agencies such as United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)and United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) have offices in Nairobi.

Nairobi city also hosts internationalbanks and financial institutions,multi-national corporations and international research institutions.

Nairobi is also a major tourist destination because of its favourable climate,national parks and a golfcourse in
the city centre.

Nairobi has played a significant role in peace in the region, hosting peace talks for Somalia and Sudan.

Kenya is a member of`Common Markets for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC) and lntergovrernmental Authority on Drought and Develop1nent (ICAD) and has a lot of influence on inter-regional trade due to its superior infrastructure at Jomo Kenyatta international Airport (JKIA).

Nairobi also serves the region through a well-established telecommunication network, the best in East and Central Africa. The region is also a hub for the northern corridor transport network and the trans African highway from Cape Town to Cairo. It is the seat of Government, the biggest commercial, financial and Industrial ccntrc of the country, contributing slightly more than 50per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and accounts for the largest proportion of wage employment at 44.3 per cent.

Nairobi accounts for 20.1 per cent of the national urban population and 5.2 of Kenya’s poulation.

As Nairobi is adjacent to the eastern edge of the Rift Valley, minor earthquakes and tremors occasionally occur. The Ngong hills, located to the west of the city, and the Nairobi National Park are the most prominent geographical feature of the Nairobi Area. Mount Kenya is situated north of Nairobi and Mount Kilimanjaro is towards the south-east. Both mountains are visible from Nairobi on a clear day.

The Nairobi River and its tributaries traverse through the Nairobi Province. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai has fought fiercely to save the indigenous Karura Forest in northern Nairobi which was under threat of being replaced by housing and other infrastructure.

Nairobi’s western suburbs stretch all the way from the Kenyatta National Hospital in the south to the UN headquarters and Gigiri in the north, a distance of about 20 kilometres (12 mi).

The city is centred on the City Square, which is located in the Central Business District. The Kenyan Parliament buildings, the Holy Family Cathedral, Nairobi City Hall, Nairobi Law Courts and the Kenyatta Conference Centre all surround the square.

The sunniest and warmest part of the year are from December to March, when temperatures average the mid-twenties during the day. The mean maximum temperature for this period is 24 °C (75 °F).

There are two rainy seasons but rainfall can be moderate. The cloudiest part of the year is just after the first rainy season, when, until September, conditions are usually overcast with drizzle. As Nairobi is situated close to the equator, the differences between the seasons are minimal. The seasons are referred to as the wet season and dry season. The timing of sunrise and sunset varies little throughout the year, due to Nairobi’s close proximity to the equator.

Popular Shopping Malls in Nairobi include;

1. The Yaya Centre (Hurlingham),
2. Sarit Centre(Westlands),
3. Westgate Shopping Mall(Westlands),
4. ABC Place(Westlands),
5. The Village Market(Gigiri),
6. Junciton Shopping Centre(Ngong Road),
7. Prestige Plaza(Ngong Road),
8. Crossroads Shopping Centre(Karen),
9. and T-Mall(Langata).
10. Nakumatt, Uchumi and Tuskys are the largest supermarket chains with modern stores through-out the city.

The Nairobi Java House is a popular chain of restaurants with multiple branches located around the city including one at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Street Markets

As in most African countries, there is a huge range of cheap souvenirs to be purchased along the roadside while on your Kenya safari. These are handmade but mass-produced. Materials include ebony, soapstone and ivory. Note that it is illegal to export products that contain any elements of elephant, rhino or sea turtle. There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase souvenirs during your trip When on Safari there are curio shops wherever you stop for a rest break whilst travelling between game parks. On the coast you will find plenty of people operating on the hotel beaches trying to persuade you to buy anything from a carved key ring with your name engraved on it to a weeks safari. Listed below are a few of the most common souvenirs on offer.

Wooden Carvings

These can be found almost everywhere you find a tourist normally depicting wild animals or tribes people.

Soapstone

You will find a verity of objects carved from soap stone which include chess boards, soap dishes, candle sticks, bowls and drinks coasters.

Baskets

Kiondos are woven sisal baskets and are sold everywhere; they are strong, durable and long lasting.

Textiles

All sorts of brightly coloured textiles are offered for sale the most common being cotton kangas which are traditional wrap-arounds

Beads and Necklaces

Every visitor to Africa goes home laden with souvenirs – from the smallest pieces of Masai jewelry to a six foot wooden giraffe. Africa is renowned for its fine craftsmanship and souvenirs are available in shops and markets just about everywhere between in Nairobi and other towns in Kenya. Remember that while it’s easy enough to store these items on an overland truck, at some point you will have to fit all your souvenirs into your backpack – and be able to carry it! Souvenir specialties include:

1. Kenya – Masai beads and blankets
2. Bbatiks and wooden giraffes (Nairobi city market)
3. Kikois and tangas – a male and female version of the sarong (Nairobi shops)

If you are after quality artwork, it is probably wisest to look in galleries and shops that deal in it rather than trading in the informal sector.

Much of African culture places great emphasis on appearance and therefore on jewelry. African jewelry has been given tremendous attention for centuries. Own a useful and beautiful part of African culture now. Many pieces of African jewelry contain cowry shells. They are not only beautiful but also symbolic! Wood Carvings & Art Work You will find a great variety of Hand-carved wooden sculptures and carvings with more traditional themes in the markets of Kenya. Even in the Open Markets you will find them. You can bargain if you enjoy bargaining. Here a bargain is a must.

Nairobi is served primarily by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. It is the largest airport in East and Central Africa, and handled over 4.9 million passengers in 2008. The airport is a major transit hub for passengers flying to East Africa’s natural attractions, and other smaller cities in East and Central Africa. The airport is situated 20 km (12 mi) from Nairobi’s Central Business District. The airport directly serves intercontinental passengers from Europe and Asia. There are currently major plans underway to expand the airport to accommodate growing air traffic.

Wilson Airport is a small, busy airport to the south of Nairobi. It handles small aircrafts that generally operate within Kenya, although some offer services to other East African destinations.

Eastleigh Airport was the original landing strip in the pre-jet airline era. It was used as a landing point in the 1930s and 1940s British passenger and mail route from Southampton to Cape Town. This route was served by flying boats between Britain and Kisumu and then by land-based aircraft on the routes to the south. The airport is now a military base.
Matatu

Matatus are the most common form of public transport in Nairobi. Matatus, which technically means, “thirty cents for a ride” (nowadays much more) are privately owned minibuses, and the most popular form of local transport,and generally seat fourteen to twenty-four. Matatus ama(or) mathree operate within Nairobi and from Nairobi to other towns. The matatu’s destination is imprinted on the side of the bus, and matatus plying specific routes have specific route numbers. Matatus were easily distinguishable by their extravagant paint schemes, as owners would paint their matatu with various colorful decorations, such as their favourite football team or hip hop artist. More recently, some have even painted Barack Obama’s face on their vehicle. They are notorious for their poor safety records, which are a result of overcrowding and reckless driving. Matatu drivers are pressured to make as many round trips as possible to maximize profits for their operator. Due to the intense competition between matutus, many are equipped with powerful sound systems and television screens in order to attract more customers.

However, in 2004, a law was passed requiring all matatus to include seat belts and speed governors and to be painted with a yellow stripe. At first, this caused a furore amongst Matatu operators, but they were pressured by government and the public to make the changes. Matatus are now limited to 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph).
Buses

Buses are increasingly common in the city. The three bus companies operating the city routes are the traditional Kenya Bus Service (KBS), and newer private operators Citi Hoppa and Double M. The Citi Hoppa buses are distinguishable by their green livery, the Double M buses are painted purple while the KBS buses are painted blue.

Companies such as; Akamba, Coast Bus, Modern Coast, Eldoret Express, Chania and Mash run scheduled buses and luxury coaches to other cities and towns.
Smartbus

Smartbus-Kenya is the latest bus operator in Kenya and serves Nairobi and the areas around it. Presently, the company operates buses to Kitengela, Kiserian, Rongai, and Ngong. Passengers have a smartcard which they must swipe in order to gain access to the vehicle. Passengers top up their smartcard and the fare is deducted from the amount of money in the account. The fare is determined by the point at which the passenger enters and the point at which the passenger exits the bus.
Trains

Nairobi was founded as a railway town, and the Kenya Railways (KR) main headquarters are still situated at Nairobi railway station, near the city centre. The line runs through Nairobi, from Mombasa to Kampala. Its main use is freight traffic, but regular nightly passenger trains connect Nairobi to Mombasa and Kisumu. A number of morning and evening commuter trains connect the centre with the suburbs, but the city has no proper light rail, tramway or subway lines.

Nairobi is also the junction for a branch railway to Nanyuki.
Taxi

Taxis are available in most parts of the city. They are costly in comparison to matatus and buses but are a safer and more convenient form of transport. They park outside most hotels, at taxi ranks in the city centre and at shopping malls.
Roads

Driving in Nairobi is straight-forward. Most of the Roads are tarmacked and there are signs showing directions to certain neighborhoods. The city is connected to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by the Mombasa Highway which passes through Industrial Area, South B, South C and Embakasi. Ongata Rongai, Langata and Karen are connected to the city centre by Langata Road which runs to the south. Lavington, Riverside, Westlands etc. are connected by Waiyaki Way. Kasarani, Eastlands, Embakasi are connected by Thika Road, Jogoo Road and Outer-ring Road.

Highways connect the city with other major towns such as Mombasa, Machakos, Voi,(A 109), Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Namanga Border Tanzania(A 104) etc.

Nairobi is currently undergoing major road constructions in order to update its infrastructure network. The new systems of roads, flyovers and bridges would cut outrageous traffic levels caused the inability of the current infrastructure to cope with the soaring economic growth in the past few years. It is also a major component of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Nairobi Metropolis plans. Most roads now, though are well lit and surfaced with adequate signage.

Kibera is one of the largest slums in Africa, and is situated to the west of Nairobi. (Kibera comes from the Nubian word Kibra, meaning “forest” or “jungle”). The slums cover two square kilometres and is on government land. Kibera has been the setting for several films, the most recent being 

Other notable slums include Mathare and Korogocho. Altogether, 66 areas are counted as slums within Nairobi.

Many Nairobi non-slum-dwellers live in relatively good housing conditions. Large houses can be found in many of the upmarket neighbourhoods, especially to the west of Nairobi. Historically, British immigrants have settled in Gigiri, Muthaiga, Langata and Karen. Other middle and high income estates include Parklands, Westlands, Hurlingham, Milimani, Spring Valley, Lavington, Rosslyn, Kitisuru, and Nairobi Hill.

To accommodate the growing middle class, many new apartments and housing developments are being built in and around the city. The most notable development is Greenpark, at Athi River town, 25 km (16 mi) from Nairobi’s CBD. Over 5,000 houses, villas and apartments are being constructed at this development, including leisure, retail and commercial facilities. The development is being marketed at families, as are most others within the city. Eastlands also houses most of the city’s middle class and includes South C, South B, Embakasi, Buru Buru, Komarock, Donholm, Umoja, and others.

• The University of Nairobi is the oldest university in Kenya. It was established in 1956, as part of the University of East Africa, but became an independent university in 1970. The university has approximately 22,000 students.
• Kenyatta University is situated 23 km (14 mi) from the centre of Nairobi. The university was established in 1985, offering mainly education-related courses, but has since diversified, offering medicine and environmental studies as well as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce degree courses. It has a student body of about 21,500, the bulk of whom (17,000) are in the main (Kahawa) campus.
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is a public university near Nairobi, Kenya. It is situated in Juja, 36 kilometres North East of Nairobi, along Nairobi-Thika Highway. It offers courses in Engineering, Science, Architecture and Building sciences. The university has a strong research interest in the areas of biotechnology and engineering.
• Strathmore University started in 1961 as an Advanced Level (UK) Sixth Form College offering Science and Arts subjects. The college started to admit accountancy students in March 1966, and thus became a university. In January 1993 Strathmore College merged with Kianda College and moved to Ole Sangale Road, Madaraka Estate, Nairobi.
• United States International University – Nairobi is a branch of the United States International University, which has campuses across the world. The Nairobi campus was established in 1969. The university has accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, in USA and the Government of Kenya.
• Daystar University is a Christian liberal arts university located in Athi River, an outlying town south-east of Nairobi, with a satellite campus on Nairobi’s Ngong Road.
• In 2005, The Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi was upgraded to a teaching hospital, providing post graduate education in medicine and surgery including nursing education, henceforth renamed the Aga Khan University Hospital.
• The Catholic University of Eastern Africa which obtained its “Letter of Interim Authority” in 1989. Following negotiations between the Authority of the Graduate School of Theology and the Commission for Higher Education (CHIEA), the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences was established three years later, culminating in the granting of the Civil Charter to CHIEA on 3 November 1992.
• The Africa Nazarene University, located in Ongata Rongai, is a aprivate chartered Christian university sponsored by the Church of the Nazarene International and it is a member of the worldwide family of Nazarene institutions.

Nairobi is the regional headquarters of several international companies and organizations. In 2007, General Electric, Young & Rubicam, Google, Coca Cola, Zain and Cisco Systems relocated their African headquarters to the city.The United Nations Office at Nairobi hosts UNEP and UN-Habitat headquarters.

Several of Africa’s largest companies are headquartered in Nairobi.  Kenya Airways, Africa’s fourth largest airline, uses Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as a hub.

Goods manufactured in Nairobi include clothing, textiles, building materials, processed foods, beverages, cigarettes. Several foreign companies have factories based in and around the city. These include Goodyear, General Motors, Toyota Motors, and Coca Cola.

Nairobi has a large tourist industry, being both a tourist destination and a transport hub.

Central business district and skyline

Nairobi has grown around its central business district. It takes a rectangular shape, around the Uhuru Highway, Haille Selassie Avenue, Moi Avenue and University Way. It features many of Nairobi’s important buildings, including the City Hall and Parliament Building. The city square is also located within the perimeter.

A feature of the central business district that strikes foreign tourists the most is the skyline. Nairobi’s skyline has been compared to many Asian and American cities. This is due to a construction boom after independence, and another construction boom in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Most of the skyscrapers in this region are the headquarters of businesses and corporations, such as I&M and the Kenyatta international Conference Center. The United States Embassy bombing took place in this district, prompting a new embassy building to be built in the suburbs.

In 2006, a large beautification project took place in the CBD, as the city prepared to host the 2006 Afri-Cities summit. Iconic buildings such as the Kenyatta International Conference Centre had their exteriors cleaned and repainted.

The district is bordered to the southwest by Uhuru Park and Central Park. The Mombasa to Kampala railway runs to the southeast of the district.

A. COMMERCIAL BANKS

African Banking Corporation Ltd.

Address:P.O Box 46452-00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20- 4263000, 223922, 2251540/1, 217856/7/8. Fax: +254-20-2222437
Email: headoffice@abcthebank.com
Website: http://www.abcthebank.com
Physical Address: ABC Bank House. Mezzanine Floor, Koinange Street.
Date Licensed: 5/1/1984
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 9
Bank of Africa Kenya Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 69562 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20- 3275000, 2211175 Fax: +254-20-2214166/ 2211477
Email: bkoafrica@boakenya.com
Website: www.boakenya.com
Physical Address: Re-Insurance Plaza. Taifa Rd.
Date Licenced: 1980
Peer Group: Medium
Branches:7
Bank of Baroda (K) Ltd.

Address: P. O Box 30033 – 00100 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2248402/12, 2226416, 2220575 Fax: +254-20-316070
Email: barodabk_ho@kenyaweb.com
Website: www.barodabank.com
Physical Address: Baroda House, Koinange Steet
Date Licenced: 7/1/1953
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 8
Bank of India

Address:P. O. Box 30246 – 00100 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2221414 /5 /6 /7 Fax: +254-20-2221417
Email: cmnrb@boikenya.com
Website: www.bankofindia.com
Physical Address: Bank of India Building. Kenyatta Ave.
Date Licenced: 6/5/1953
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 4
Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 30120 – 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20- 3267000, 313365/9, 2241264-9, 313405, Fax: +254-20-2213915
Email: barclays.kenya@barclays.com
Website: www. barclayskenya.co.ke
Physical Address: Barclays Plaza, Loita Street.
Date Licenced: 6/5/1953
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 105
CFC Stanbic Bank Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 72833 – 00200 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-36380000. /11 /17 /18 /20 /21, 0711-0688000 Fax: +254-20-3752905/7
Email: cfcstanbic@stanbic.com
Website: http://www.cfcstanbicbank.co.ke Date Licensed: 5/14/1955
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 18
Charterhouse Bank Ltd
UNDER – STATUTORY MANAGEMENT

Address: P. O. Box 43252 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2242246 /7 /8 /53 Fax: +254-20-2219058, 2223060, 2242248
Email: info@charterhouse-bank.com
Website:
Physical Address: Longonot Place. 6th Floor , Kijabe Street. Date Licensed: 11/11/1996
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 10
Chase Bank (K) Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 28987 – 00200 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20- 2774000, 2244035, 2245611, 2252783, 0727-531175, 0736-432025 Fax: +254-20-4454816/4454800-10
Email: info@chasebank.co.ke
Website: http://www.chasebankkenya.co.ke
Physical Address: Riverside Mews. Riverside Drive.
Date Licenced: 4/1/1991
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 7
Citibank N.A Kenya

Address: P. O. Box 30711 – 00100 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20- 2754000. Fax: +254-20-2714810/1
Email: Kenya.citiservice@citi.com
Website: http://www.citibank.co.ke
Physical Address: Citibank House, Upper Hill Road.
Date Licenced: 7/1/1974
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 3
Commercial Bank of Africa Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 30437 – 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2884000 Fax: +254-20-2734599
Email: cba@cba.co.ke
Website: www.cba.co.ke
Physical Address: CBA Building. Mara/Ragati Road. Upper Hill
Date Licenced: 1/1/1967
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 17
Consolidated Bank of Kenya Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 51133 – 00200, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-340208/340836,340551, 340298, 340747,340298,211950, 0722-999177 Fax: +254-20-340213
Email: headoffice@consolidated-bank.co
Website: www.consolidated-bank.com
Physical Address: Consolidated Bank House. Koinange Street.
Date Licenced: 12/18/1989
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 12
Co-operative Bank of Kenya Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 48231 – 00100 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-3276000 Fax: +254-20-2245506
Email: md@co-opbank.co.ke
Website: www.co-opbank.co.ke
Physical Address: Co-operative House. Haile Selassie Ave.
Date Licenced: 1/1/1965
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 73
Credit Bank Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 61064 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2222300/ 2220789/ 2220789/ 2222317 Fax: +254-20-2216700
Email: cblnbi@creditbankltd.com
Website:
Physical Address: Mercantile House, Ground Floor , Koinange Street
Date Licenced: 5/14/1986
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 4
Development Bank of Kenya Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 30483 – 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-340401 /2 /3, 340416, 2251082, 340198 Fax: +254-20-2250399
Email: dbk@devbank.com
Website: www.devbank.com
Physical Address: Finance House. 16th Floor. Loita Street.
Date Licenced: 1/1/1973
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 1
Diamond Trust Bank (K) Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 61711 – 00200, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2849000, 2210988/9 Fax: +254-20-2245495
Email: user@dtbkenya.co.ke
Website: http://www.diamondtrust-bank.com
Physical Address: Nation Centre. 8th Floor, Kimathi Street.
Date Licenced: 1/1/1946
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 13
Dubai Bank Kenya Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 11129 – 00400, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-311109 /14 /23 /24 /32 Fax: +254-20-2245242
Email: info@dubaibank-kenya.com
Website: www.dubaibank.co.ke
Physical Address: I C E A Building. Ground Floor. Kenyatta Ave.
Date Licenced: 1/1/1982
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 4
Ecobank Kenya Ltd

Address: P. O Box 47499, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2883000, 2249633 /4, 0722-204863 Fax: +254-20-2883304
Email: info@ecobank.com
Website: www.ecobank.com
Physical Address: Ecobank Towers. Muindi Mbingu Street.
Date Licenced: 01/11/2005
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 13
Equatorial Commercial Bank Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 52467, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2710455, 2710715, 2710973, 2710972, 2710829 Fax: +254-20-312542 / 2710366
Email: customerservice@ecb.co.ke
Website: www.equatorialbank.co.ke
Physical Address: Equatorial Commercial Bank Centre. Nyerere Road.
Date Licenced: 12/20/1995
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 14
Equity Bank Ltd.

Address: P. O Box 75104-00200, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2736617 /20, 2262000 Fax: +254-20-2737276
Email: info@equitybank.co.ke
Website: http://www. equitybank .com
Physical Address: NHIF Building. 14th Floor. Ragati Road / Haille Sellasie Av. Junction
Date Licenced: 28/12/2004
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 102
Family Bank Ltd

Address: P. O Box 74145, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20- 318173, 318940,/2, 2240601, 318947,2244166, 0736-698300,0720-098309 Fax: +254-20-318174
Email: info@familybank.co.ke
Website: http://www.familybank.co.ke
Physical Address: Fourways Towers. Muindi Mbingu Street.
Date Licenced: 1984
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 38
Fidelity Commercial Bank Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 34886, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2242348, 2244187, 2245369, 2220845, 2243461, 315917 Fax: +254-20-2243389/2245370
Email: customerservice@fidelitybank.co.ke
Website: www.fidelitybank.co.ke
Physical Address: I.P.S Building. 7th Floor, Kimathi Street.
Date Licenced: 6/1/1992
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 6
Fina Bank Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 20613 – 00200, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-3284000, 2246943, 2253153, 2247113, 2253040, 0722-202929 Fax: +254-20-2247164/2229696
Email: banking@finabank.com
Website: www.finabank.com
Physical Address: Fina House. Kimathi Street.
Date Licenced: 1/1/1986
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 14
First community Bank Limited

Address: P. O. Box 26219-00100., Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2843000 -3 Fax: +254-20-2213582 /344101
Email: info@fcb.co.ke
Website: www.firstcommunitybak.co.ke
Physical Address: Prudential Assurance Building, 1st Floor, Wabera Street
Date Licenced: 29.04.2008
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 11
Giro Commercial Bank Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 46739 – 00200, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-340537, 310350, 2216005, 2217777 /6, , Fax: +254-20-319426/2230600/2246926
Email: girobank@girobankltd.com
Website:
Physical Address: Giro House, Kimathi Street.
Date Licenced: 12/17/1992
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 6
Guardian Bank Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 67681 – 00200, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-8560548, 8561411, 8561411, 8560411, 0722-938629 Fax: +254-20-216633/8561393/8560598/8561411
Email: viewpark@guardian-bank.com
Website:www.guardian-bank.com
Physical Address: Chandaria Industries Complex. Baba Dogo Road – Ruaraka
Date Licenced: 12/17/1992
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 7
Gulf African Bank Limited

Address: P. O. Box 43683 – 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2740000, 2718608/9 Fax: +254-20-2729031/ 2715655
Email: info@gulfafricanbank.com
Website: www.gulfafricanbank.com
Physical Address: Gemina Insurance Plaza. Kilimanjaro Avenue, Upper Hill
Date Licenced: 1/11/2007
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 7
Habib Bank A.G Zurich

Address: P. O. Box 30584 – 00100 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-341172/76/77, 340835, 310694 Fax: +254-20-2217004 /2218699
Email: habibbank@wananchi.com
Website:
Physical Address: Nagina House. Koinange Street.
Date Licenced: 1/7/1978
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 5
Habib Bank Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 43157 – 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2226433, 2222786, 2226406/7, 2218176 `Fax: +254-20-2214636 /2214636
Email: hbiro@hblafrica.com
Website: www.habibbankltd.com
Physical Address: Exchange Building, Koinange Street.
Date Licenced: 2/3/1956
Peer Group: Small Branches : 4
Imperial Bank Ltd

Address:P. O. Box 44905 – 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2874000, 343416 /12/17/18/19/94, 342373, 2719617 /8 /9 Fax: +254-20-2719705/2719652, 342374
Email: info@imperialbank.co.ke
Website: www.imperialbank.co.ke
Physical Address: Imperial Bank House. Bunyala Road, Upper Hill
Date Licenced: 1/11/1992
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 11
I & M Bank Ltd

Address: P.O. Box 30238 – 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-310105-8, 2711994-8 Fax: +254-20-2713757 / 2716372
Email: invest@imbank.co.ke
Website: http://www.imbank.com
Physical Address: I & M Bank House. 2nd Ngong Ave.
Date Licenced: 1/1/1974
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 13
Jamii Bora Bank Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 22741 – 00400, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20- 2224238/9, 0722-201112 Fax: +254-20-341825/2245223/2214534
Email: cfbl@swiftkenya.com
Website: http://www.cityfinancebank.co.ke
Physical Address: Unity House. Koinange Street.
Date Licenced: 9/10/1984
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 1
Kenya Commercial Bank Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 48400 – 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-3270000, 2851000, 2852000, 250802 Fax: +254-20-2216405/2229565
Email: kcbhq@kcb.co.ke
Website: http//www.kcb.co.ke
Physical Address: Kencom House. Moi Ave.
Date Licenced: 1/1/1896
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 144
K-Rep Bank Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 25363 – 00603, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20- 3906000-7, 3873169, 3568996/7, 0711-058000-7, 0732-058000-7 Fax: +254-20-3873178 / 3568998
Email: registry@k-repbank.com
Website: www.k-repbank.com
Physical Address: K-Rep Centre. Wood Av.. Kilimani
Date Licenced: 3/25/1999
Peer Group: Medium
Branches: 31
Middle East Bank (K) Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 47387 – 0100 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2723120/24, 2722879, 2723124, 2723130, 0722-205903’ 0733-333441 Fax: +254-20-343776 / 2256901
Email: ho@mebkenya.com
Website: www.mebkenya.com
Physical Address: Mebank Tower – Milimani Rd.
Date Licenced: 10/1/1980
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 3
National Bank of Kenya Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 72866 – 00200 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2828000, 2226471, 0711-038000, 0735-995050-4 Fax: +254-20-311444/2223044
Email: info@nationalbank.co.ke.
Website: www.nationalbank.co.ke
Physical Address: National Bank Building, Harambee Ave.
Date Licenced: 1/1/1968
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 39
NIC Bank Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 44599 – 00100 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2888000, 2888600, 0722-203885/6/7 Fax: +254-20-2888505/13
Email: info@nic-bank.com
Website: www.nicbank.com
Physical Address: NIC House, Masaba Road, Upper Hill
Date Licenced: 17th September 1959
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 15
Oriental Commercial Bank Ltd

Address: P.O BOX 44080 – 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2228461/2, 2242265, 2221875, 2222076 Fax: +254-20-2219469
Email: info@orientalbank.co.ke
Website: www.orientalbank.co.ke
Physical Address: Finance House. Koinange Street.
Date Licenced: 8/2/1991
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 5
Paramount Universal Bank Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 14001 -00800 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-4449266/7/8, 446106 /7, 4443896, 445722 Fax: +254-20-449265
Email: info@paramountbank.co.ke
Website: www.paramountbank.co.ke
Physical Address: Sound Plaza Building. 4th Floor. Woodvale Gr. Westlands
Date Licenced: 10/1/1993
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 4
Prime Bank Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 43825 – 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-4203000 Fax: +254-20-4451247
Email: headoffice@primebank.co.ke
Website: www.primebankenya.com
Physical Address: Prime Bank Building. Chiromo Lane / Riverside Drive.-Junction, Westlands
Date Licenced: 3/1/1992
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 11
Standard Chartered Bank (K) Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 30003 – 00100 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-3293000, 3293900 Fax: +254-20-2223380
Email: Talk-Us@sc.com
Website: www.standardchartered .com
Physical Address: Stanbank House, Moi Ave.
Date Licenced: 10/1/1910
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 35
Trans-National Bank Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 34353 – 00100 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2224234-6, 2210335, 2252190/1, 2224235/6, 2252219 Fax: +254-20-2252225
Email: ceo@tnbl.co.ke
Website: www.tnbl.co.ke
Physical Address: Transnational Plaza, Mama Ngina Street.
Date Licenced: 8/1/1985
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 12
Victoria Commercial Bank Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 41114 – 00100 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-2719499, 2719815, 2710271, 2716108, 2719814 Fax: +254-20-2713778/2715857
Email: victoria@vicbank.com
Website:
Physical Address: Victoria Towers, Kilimanjaro Ave. Upper Hill
Date Licenced: 6/1/1987
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 1
UBA Kenya Bank Ltd.

Address: P. O. Box 34154– 00100, Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20-3740814 Fax: +254-20-3740817
Email: None
Website: http://www.ubagroup.com
Physical Address: 1st Floor, Apollo Centre, Ring Road, Vale Close Road, Westlands
Date Licenced: 24/09/2009
Peer Group: Small
Branches: 3
B. MORTGAGE FINANCE INSTITUTIONS
Housing Finance Ltd

Address: P. O. Box 30088 Nairobi
Telephone: +254-20- 3262000, 317474, 2221101 Fax: +254-20-340299/2250858
Email: housing@housing.co.ke
Website: www.housing.co.ke
Physical Address: Rehani House. Kenyatta Ave. / Koinange Street – Junction.
Date Licenced: 5/7/1965
Peer Group: Large
Branches: 10

Rural migrants to the city began constructing these settlements on land belonging to the Nairobi City Council approximately 28 years ago. The six villages occupy a total land area of 4.1 hectares (10.2 acres).
which has resulted in a very high density of 1630 people/hectare.

Huruma settlements is a 12 by 10 foot shack built with an iron sheet roof, mud & wattle walls and a mud floor. Like most informal settlements the basic services in Huruma like water, sewage, road access, and toilets are inadequate and sometimes non-existent.