Nairobi has been ranked among the top 50 destinations in the world for 2022 by TIME Magazine.
TIME remarked that Nairobi’s inclusion on the list was mostly due to the Expressway because of the benefit it has provided in resolving the city’s traffic congestion crisis.
According to the article, Nairobi has a wide range of amazing attractions and pleasures for tourists to enjoy. TIME remarked that the capital of Kenya offers art and cultural events that visitors would appreciate, moving away from the typical safari that Kenya is well-known for.
“The brand-new Nairobi Expressway, the $650 million (Ksh76 billion) project, provides a long-overdue reprieve from congestion in the centre of the city, so residents and visitors can access it more easily and quickly than ever before,” the magazine noted.
“And although tourists may have previously opted to make a beeline into the bush, today Nairobi is offering visitors plenty of reasons to keep inside the capital. The Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) just celebrated its opening with an exhibit showcasing Nairobian artist Sane Wadu.”
The growing food scene in Nairobi was also a key point in the recommendations by TIME.
According to the publication, the city holds a variety of cultures and the food scene had grown to accommodate travellers looking to enjoy international cuisine.
“In the food scene, a synthesis of global inspiration is heating up. Cultiva Farm Kenya is an exceptional example, where Ecuadorian restaurateur Ariel Moscardi renders East African ingredients and flavours with South American techniques.”
Kenya is among Africa’s fastest-growing economies and a number of international start-ups and businesses have planted their roots in Nairobi, this has also expedited the growth of education with companies giving back to the local communities through CSRs.
“In the district of Mukuru, Micato Safaris opened the Harambee Community Centre, providing resources and education to help ensure that the recent economic boom will be felt more equitably,” TIME noted.
Nairobi was among the only four other cities in Africa that made it to the TIME magazine ranking. Kigali, South Africa’s Franschhoek, known for its wineries, and Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park were also recommended.
The list was compiled by TIME’s international network of correspondents and contributors.
The 50 cities to make the list include classic big-hitters and less-explored spots, but what unites them is that they are “thriving, growing and changing.”
