I came to Nairobi in mid-July to co-convene an India–Africa Entrepreneurship Summit. My plan? Stay a week, get the work done, and fly back. Six weeks later… sijui (I don’t know) where “home” really is anymore, because this city feels like it.

 

From the very start, Nairobi greeted me with Hakuna matata.

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There’s a calm confidence in how people interact with you - no stress, no fuss, just warmth. Everyone I’ve met radiates positivity and a willingness to help. It has been incredibly effortless to strike friendships. Even the roads tell a story. I’ve been in Ubers multiple times a day, and yet - no road rage. Drivers wait patiently, sometimes for three hours in remote schools, and never try to overcharge. That level of trust and integrity has floored me. 

 

Humour flows easily here, as natural as saying karibu (welcome). You don’t feel like an outsider. The entrepreneurial energy is palpable, buzzing through co-working spaces, cafes, and conversations. And an intention to move things forward.

 

Then there’s the food.

 

Kachumbari and Githeri taste like echoes of home, reminding me of what goes into Raita and Rajma, yet with their own Kenyan soul. Add to that the cosmopolitan blend of Europeans, Somalians, Indians, Ethiopians, Ugandans, Chinese, and Nubians, and you get a cultural feast far beyond the plate.

The art scene? Moto kabisa (absolutely on fire). Collectives and bead factories brim with African creativity, dynamism, and collaboration. People are outspoken, unafraid to demand the democracy they deserve. Chaos is everywhere, yes - but so is visible hard work and hustle.
As an Indian, I’ve felt not just respected, but deeply integrated into the rhythm of the city. Even nightlife has its unique charm - the Gen Z crowd dances with joy, is fun-loving and trendy, but never rowdy.

Most of all, Nairobi has soul. The warmth and friendliness of the average Kenyan have made me feel so deeply welcome that leaving feels unthinkable. What started as a work trip has turned into something far greater! Nairobi, Asante Sana. You’ve given me not just a summit, but a second home.