Nairobi is the largest city and Kenya capital. The name Nairobi comes from the Massai tribe words Enkare Nyorobi, which means to the place of cool waters. Nairobi has a more popular name as Green City in the Sun. The city became the capital instead of Mombasa in 1905. The city lies on the Nairobi River, in the south of the country Kenya at an altitude of 1661 meters above sea-level. Nairobi is the most populous city in East Africa, with an estimated urban population of between 3 and 4 million. Nairobi is the fourth largest African city. Politically and financially, Nairobi is one of the most famous African city and is home to many companies and organizations. Nairobi is well known as hub for business and culture and competes for best African city.
In 1905, Nairobi replaced Mombasa as capital of the British protectorate with administration and tourism as mainstays and advent of big game hunting. Nairobi also became the starting point for British colonial desires and movements and many grand hotels were built for this. Mostly game hunters occupied these hotels. Nairobi was declared a municipality in 1919. From 1920 to 1950, white settlers in Nairobi rose from 9,000 to 80,000. There was friction between the settlers and local people. Nairobi was granted city status in 1954. After the Mau Mau rebellion, pressure by locals led to the 1963 Kenyan independence.
Mount Kenya is north of Nairobi and Mount Kilimanjaro is south-east of Nairobi and on a clear day, the mountains are visible from Nairobi. The climate of Nairobi is enjoyably moderate. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai fought for saving indigenous Karura Forest north of Nairobi. The city centers on City Square, located in CBD - Central Business District. Kenyan Parliaments building, Kenyatta Conference Center, Nairobi City Hall, Holy Family Cathedral and Nairobi Law Courts are around the square.
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