Landmarks to turn to when you are lost in Nairobi

It was one of those busy days in Nairobi’s Central Business District and I had just alighted from a matatu.

Just as I was about to cross the road, I felt a light tap on my back. “Excuse me! I’m a bit lost… Could you direct me to Corner House?” asked a tall, slender lady.

Without skipping a beat, I responded: “Hi! Corner House is opposite the Hilton Hotel, between the junction of Mama Ngina Street and Kimathi Street.”

As if I had just spoken Greek, the lady who was lost gave me a puzzled expression. It seemed my directions had left her in a more confused state than she already was. Realizing that she was genuinely clueless, I decided to take her to the location as I had a few minutes to spare.

We finally arrived and I could see how relieved she was.

“You are a lifesaver,” she said before walking away.

I paused for a moment and gazed at the buildings around the CBD and imagined how many Kenyans have had a hard time finding their way around the city.

Moreover, the streets are littered with people going about their business that any chance of stopping to ask someone for directions might be futile, considering the increase in street crime. This leads more people to be vigilant and less trusting when strangers ask for assistance.

Where can someone find help when lost, I asked myself? With the rise in uptake of technology, Google Maps has emerged as a solution, but not everyone is conversant with it. It’s always helpful at least have a basic grasp of the streets and buildings as it makes your experience less strenuous.

Here are landmarks within the Nairobi CBD that are easy to trace:

The Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC)

A host to many high profile events, KICC is the easiest landmark to trace. Formerly known as Kenya International Conference Centre, the convention centre hosts a number of conferences, exhibitions as well as meetings. It is located along Harambee Avenue within Nairobi Centre.

The Kenya International Convention Centre [Courtesy]

Kenya National Archives

This is arguably the most popular rendezvous point for most Kenyans. The Kenya National Archives is located along Moi Avenue opposite Ambassadeur hotel, downtown Nairobi. This historical site, established in the 1960s, houses important African artefacts that were collected in the 19^th century.

Kenya National Archives [Courtesy]

Hilton Hotel

Just a few minutes’ walk from the KICC is the Hilton hotel. This is a global brand under the American multinational company; Hilton. With an architectural design that is second to none, the hotel is located at the heart of Nairobi CBD opposite Kencom and just across the road from Corner House.

Aerial view of Hilton Hotel taken on 11th September 2018.[Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Tom Mboya Statue

The statue was erected in 2011 in honor of Tom Mboya, a Kenyan hero and a major political leader In the 1960s before he was assassinated. The statue stands about 10 metrrs high along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.

Kenya National Archives [Courtesy]

Afya Centre

Afya Centre, also known as Afya Co-operative house, is a 21-story high-rise building located along Temple Road next to Nairobi bus station. The aesthetic building is light green in colour and easily stands out due to its high visibility.

Afya Centre [Courtesy]

So if it’s your first time in Nairobi CBD or you aren’t familiar with the buildings, just look around and you’ll be sure to see these landmarks. No need of the hysterical response when someone asks of your location and you say “Niko hapa kwa Mpesa shop karibu na barabara (I’m at the Mpesa shop which is close to the road).