Cities in Kenya and Towns Worth Visiting in 2024

Kenya is one of the most highly acclaimed African safari destinations. The country has vast concentrations of wildlife, birdlife, and varied landscapes. Visiting Kenya or Tanzania allows one to experience wildlife spectacles such as the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Beyond wildlife, Kenya has incredible urban destinations with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru are the main cities worth visiting in Kenya. Let’s look at their location, important features, getting there, and interesting places.

Nairobi – The capital city of Kenya

Nairobi is the largest and capital of Kenya. It is located in the south-central part of Kenya, at an elevation of 1,795 meters (5,889 ft). The name is derived from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which translates to ‘place of cool waters’. Nairobi is commonly referred to as The Green City in the Sun.

Nairobi was founded in 1899 by colonial authorities as a rail depot on the Uganda – Kenya Railway. It was chosen as an ideal resting point due to its temperate climate, and adequate water supply. The town quickly grew to replace Mombasa as the capital of Kenya in 1907.

Nairobi is home to key international companies, businesses, and non-governmental organizations. The parliament of Kenya, the state house, the United Nations headquarters of Africa, and several expatriates’ homes sit here. This means the safety of Nairobi is on another level.

Getting there and where to go

If you are visiting Nairobi, you need to book a flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. From there you can book into any of the best hotels around including the Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi. You can use public transport christened ‘mamatu’ or take a taxi to move around.

There are various attractions where you can spend your time. You can visit the Nairobi National Park, right in the heart of the city, or go and see how orphaned baby elephants are cared for at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Don’t miss lunch at one of the best restaurants in the Village Market.

Mombasa – The largest coastal city of Kenya

Mombasa is the largest coastal city in Kenya. It is located on the Indian Ocean coastline. Mombasa is Kenya’s oldest and second-largest city. Before Nairobi,  it was the capital city of Kenya while under British colonial rule. This city now serves as the headquarters of Mombasa County.

Mombasa was a historic trading center for gold, ivory, and spices. Its trade links reached as far as India, Arab, Persian, and China. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese navigator, was the first known European to visit Mombasa. Fort Jesus built by the Portuguese is one of the most outstanding landmarks in the history of Mombasa.

As a seaport, Mombasa sometimes experiences severe increases in temperatures to a maximum of 34°C and 35 °C. This is especially true when the sun is directly above the equator. When visiting Mombasa, be sure to carry light breathable clothing and get a hotel with a functional AC.

Getting there and where to go

Mombasa is accessible by sea, land, and air. Moi International Airport is the main international entry point. Various voyage ships also dock at the port of Mombasa. You can also get to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and proceed to Mombasa via road or rail transport.

Beyond the sea and pristine beaches, Mombasa offers tourists a chance to experience its rich seafaring traditions. You can visit the old Mombasa town to understand the Swahili culture and history of Portuguese as the former rulers of the island.

Kisumu – Fishery city of Kenya

Kisumu is the third largest city in Kenya after Nairobi and Mombasa. It sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, located in the western part of Kenya. The city is believed to be one of the oldest settlements in Kenya. Currently, it’s home to the Luo people, known to have many PhDs.

Formerly Port Florence, Kisumu has a fascinating history dating back to the 1900s. The city was discovered by the British explorers as an alternative railway terminus and port. It later became the most prominent urban center in the pre-colonial, post-colonial, and modern eras for natives of the Kavirondo region.

Apart from being an important political city, Kisumu has several industries and commercial establishments. These include textiles, fish and sugar processing plants, and various manufacturing companies. The city also serves as a trading and transportation hub for the Great Lakes region.

Getting there and where to go

Kisumu is accessible by road, rail, and air. A flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kisumu International Airport is the fastest way to the destination. Kisumu has world-class resorts where you can book your accommodation including Ciala Resort, Sarova Imperial, and Acacia Premier Hotel.

Moving around is more convenient when you hire a car or taxi. There are also plenty of motorcycles taking people from one place to another. The climate is good year-round with few episodes of rain. The average temperature is 24.6 °C (76 °F), with a minimum of 17.8 °C (64 °F) and a maximum of 31.5 °C.

Attractions in the city include the Kisumu Museum, an impala sanctuary, a bird sanctuary, Hippo Point, Shopping malls, and the nearby Kit Mikayi and Ndere Island National Park. There are also open-air markets like Kibuye Market and Oile Market where you can get some souvenirs.

PS: Kisumu has “friendship” status with Cheltenham, United Kingdom. Kisumu’s sister cities are Roanoke, Virginia, Boulder, and Colorado in the United States.

Nakuru – Agricultural city of Kenya

Nakuru is located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. It’s an important hub for agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. The city is famous for the large population of flamingos on Lake Nakuru, one of the Rift Valley soda lakes, which forms part of the Lake Nakuru National Park.

Like other cities in Kenya, Nakuru is a cosmopolitan city. It’s home to diverse ethnic groups including Kikuyu people, Kalenjin, Luhya, Gusii, Luo, and people of Indian descent. According to the 2019 Kenya Population Census, Nakuru had the third-largest urban population in Kenya.

Getting there and where to go

Nakuru is accessible mainly through rain and roads. The destination is approximately 158 km from Nairobi, which takes about 3 to drive. The Eldoret-Nairobi highway passes through this city linking it to other towns in Kenya including Eldoret, Kitale, Bungoma, and Busia.

Nakuru has many attractions including the Hells Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru, Lord Egerton Castle, Menengai Crater, and Hyrax Hill Museum. Movements around are easier when you use a private car or taxi. Tour operators can also handle your transport and accommodation logistics.

Other towns worth visiting in Kenya

Apart from the major cities in Kenya, travelers can explore other towns  which include the following:

Eldoret

Eldoret town nicknamed ‘The Home of Champions’ is located in the Rift Valley approximately 170 km from Nakuru. It is the fifth most popular urban area in Kenya. Various international athletes hail from this town including Eliud Kipchoge the world marathon Champion.

Eldoret has lately grown into a sports tourism destination. The town is also a key trading center in the region with a focus on textile and food processing industries. Eldoret International Airport makes it easy to access Eldoret by air but it’s also reached through road transport.

Malindi

Malindi is a town on the Indian Ocean coastline of Kenya. It’s the largest urban city in Kilifi County. The city is popular among Italian tourists. Attractions include the Vasco da Gama Pillar, the Portuguese Chapel, the House of Columns, and the Malindi Museum Heritage Complex.

Travelers to Malindi also extend their safari to Marafa Hells Kitchen to have a glance at this beautiful site. The nearby twins of Watamu and Gede towns are also points of interest. Malindi is served by a domestic airport and a road between Mombasa and Lamu.

Kakamega

Kakamega is approximately 52 km north of Kisumu. Several highways lead to this destination from other cities in Kenya. The local inhabitants are mostly the Luhya tribe whose economic activity is mainly farming. The town is also home to various businesses including retail malls.

The Kakamega Forest is the main tourist attraction in the area. Crying Stone of Ilesi, a dome-shaped stone resembling a human figure with water dropping like tears is just less than 10 km from Kakamega town. The last time I checked, the crying stone had dried up due to climate change.

Final thought

Kenya safaris offer an unforgettable experience of Africa’s incredible wildlife. The country also boasts stunning cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. They are all interconnected with great roads, rail, and air. Each city has its unique charm and something to offer visitors.