Pregnancy

If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year, you may wish to consult a fertility specialist.  Some of the private obstetrician/gynecologists can offer the basic tests and treatments.  Nairobi Hospital (Argwings Kodhek Road, 0722-204114, 0733-639301, 272-2160, 271-4400, 271-4409) has a fertility clinic which offers IVF.  But this is a nascent procedure in Kenya so it’s important to do your research and be an informed consumer.  Many Kenyans and expats travel to South Africa or other countries for advanced fertility treatments.

Once you have conceived, rally your friends for hand-me-down maternity clothes and raid your husbands closet for big shirts.  Fill the gaps by shopping for essentials at Mother Care (Sarit Center, 3749573).  Or, you can haunt the mitumba markets for used clothes.  Some stalls specialize in maternity wear but they are few and far between.  Your best bet is to buy big clothes.  

If neither you nor your spouse is Kenyan, your child is not eligible for Kenyan citizenship if born in Kenya.  Be sure that s/he is eligible for citizenship in your home-country if born in Kenya.  For example, if you are a British citizen but you were not born in Great Britain, your children will not be eligible for British citizenship if born here.

Now you are pregnant and should consider birthing classes.  There are two certified Lamaze instructors in Kenya, Jennifer Carroll (0733-618455, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and Hilary Ahluwalia (434-8289, 434-8120).  You can contact them directly for information on the next Lamaze class or you can sign up to take childbirth education classes at Nairobi Hospital (Argwings Kodhek Road, 0722-204114, 0733-639301, 272-2160, 271-4400, 271-4409) or the Aga Khan Hospital (3rd Parklands Ave. 366-2000, 374-0000).  Both these hospitals also have good quality maternities and some excellent doctors.  Home births are generally not recommended in Kenya due to lack of infrastructure for emergencies.

You will need to select a health care provider to deliver your baby with you.  There are many qualified obstetrician/gynecologists in Kenya.  Both Nairobi and Aga Khan Hospitals offer Midwife Clinics.  These are less expensive than seeing an Ob/Gyn.  However, there is little continuity of service; you will see whatever midwife is on duty when you go for checkups and your birth.  If there are complications, you will be assigned whatever doctor is on duty at the hospital at the time.  

If you also wish to have a doula by your side, there is only one in Kenya that is certified by Doulas of America; Jennifer Carroll (0733-618455, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).  But having any woman who has given birth in the room with you during labor can provide excellent support.

You will also need to select a pediatrician, preferably a neonatal pediatrician, to accompany you at the birth of your child.  There are many excellent pediatricians in Kenya - see our directory of services to select one near you.

There is a yoga class for pregnant women in Nairobi on Friday afternoons at 4pm in Lavington (contact Lola for details 0735 374 451 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Other classes are forming now. If you are interested, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Newborns

You thought the hard part was giving birth but that’s only the beginning!  If you would like support while raising your newborn, join the mother support network. The monthly meetings involve a lecture on a specific topic (such as nutrition) but there is also support for anything related to having a newborn including breastfeeding.  If interested contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Get additional support for breastfeeding from Jennifer Carroll, a lactational support specialist.  If you are American, there is also an American Woman’s Association playgroup which informally provides support for women with children. (www.awakenya.org)

Kids

Where do you buy strollers, cribs and other children’s gear?  Children’s clothes and gear feature heavily in the various car boot sales around Kenya.  Check the KenyaBuzz calendar of events for the next car boot sale near you.  You can also check the KenyaBuzz classifieds to see what kid gear is on sale.  To get new kids gear, try the Nakumatt nearest you, Mother Care (Sarit Center, 3749573) or Babyland (Chiromo Rd
4449449, 4447889) in Westlands.

The best place to buy children’s clothes is at the Toi market off Ngong road.  Fresh bales of used clothes are opened daily and tables cost anywhere from 5 to 200 shillings per piece.  For new clothes, try Mother Care (Sarit Center, 3749573) or 4U2 in the Sarit Center (3753761), or 4U2 in Capital Centre on Mombasa Rd (554547).  If you’re downtown, try Kids Den on Biashara St (226980, 246079).  For kids shoes, try any Bata store or Little Soles at the Junction Shopping Centre (3872878, 38755733).

Diapers, wet wipes, baby food, baby bottles, baby cups and so forth can be found at most major grocery outlets.

There are so many lovely places to travel with kids in Kenya.  Here are a few tips for your next trip:

1. Use car seats and seatbelts when driving on Kenya’s roads
2. Travel with your ayah so you can relax.  Almost all hotels have staff accommodations.  If you are traveling to the coast and can’t afford to fly your ayah, send her by bus.  
3. Pack everything you need for kids such as nappies, wetwipes, medications etc. as these are not easily found outside Nairobi.
4. Consider signing up with an emergency medical evacuation insurance.
5. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has a very nice children’s play area in the international departures area near gate 11.

Almost all hotels in Kenya are friendly for children but a few make a special effort to cater to children:

• Turtle Bay Beach Club in Watamu (042-32622, 042-32003)
• Voyager Beach Resort on North Coast (041-475114)
• Baobab Beach Resort on South Coast (040-3202032)
• Peponi Hotel in Lamu (734 203082 or 722 203082)
• Ol Tukai in Amboseli (456-2205)
• Kilaguni Serena in Tsavo West (045-340000)
• Intrepids in Samburu (4446651)
• Mara Intrepids (4446651) and Mara Serena (050-22253, 050-22137) in Masai Mara
• Kiangazi House (882598) and Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha (4446651) Lion Hill (271 3333) and Lake Nakuru Lodge (051-850228, 051-850518) in Nakuru
• Sweetwaters Tented Camp (62-31970) and Outspan Golf and Country Club (061-2032441, 061-2032424/5/6) in the Mt. Kenya area
• Lake Baringo Club in Baringo (650500, 651991).  

Treetops (061-2034920) and the Ark (061-55620) host very occasional kids’ weekends.  Travel agents usually know one month in advance.

Almost all restaurants in Kenya are also friendly towards children but the following have playgrounds for kids:

• Carnivore off Langata Rd (605933, 0722-204647)
• Golden Spur Restaurant (Sundays there is a bouncy castle and a clown) located in the Holiday Inn on Parklands Road (374-0249)
• Java House Gigiri (7120232, 0721-425403)
• Java House in Adams Arcade off Ngong Road (3873583, 4451978/9)
• Jolly Roger Theme Park & Restaurant next to Mamba Village, Langata (891051) Le Rustique on General Mathenge Rd. off Ring Road in Westlands (3753081, 0721-609601)
• Mamba Village off Langata North Rd (2891765, 891189)
• Pepper’s on Parklands Rd. Opp Holiday Inn (3755267, 0722-201880, 0734-599888).

Entertainment for kids outside the home can be tricky when they are young.  As they get older, the options expand.  There are kids clubs that organize special outings and events for kids.  Try All About Kids at the Yaya Centre (444-9081, 375-5634/5, 0720-384964, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), the NuMetro Kids Club (7121454),  or Kids Club Kenya in Lavington (3004702, 0721-149792, 0733-391521).

Some great places in Nairobi to enjoy wildlife with your children are:

The Giraffe Visitor’s Centre on Koitobos Rd.Off  Langata Road (890952, 890952)
in Langata where kids can feed giraffe and warthogs and see tortoises.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage in the Nairobi National Park off Magadi Road (891996, 890053, 890125, 890335, http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org)
where kids can get a close-up view of baby elephants and rhino and learn something about them.

The Safari Walk is located at the main entrance to Nairobi National Park and is like a zoo.  It’s also a nice place to have a picnic (600800, 602345, 604372).

The Animal Orphanage at the main entrance to Nairobi National Park (891612, 609774, 600234) is also like a zoo where orphaned animals found in the park have been raised.  

You can try your luck driving through Nairobi National Park (891612, 609774, 600234).  Sometimes the park is packed with animals including lions and rhino, other times, you will be lucky to see many animals.  

The Snake Park at the National Museum on Museum Hill (3742131) has crocodiles, snakes, tortoises, turtles and fish on view as well as some local plants.  There is even an alligator!

Some nice museums in Nairobi for kids are:

The National Museum is closed at the moment for renovations but expected to reopen soon and should be fantastic. (882571, 882572, 882573)

The Nairobi Railway Museum, located near the main railway station downtown (221211), is great for kids as there are lots of old railway cars they can climb in and on.  But the railway cars are filthy so dress them in old clothes and bring wetwipes to clean them up after and keep an eye on them as there are lots of places to fall.

For some nice playgrounds:

The Village Market has two playgrounds; one on the roof for big kids and one downstairs near the food court for little kids. (27122488/9/90)

For a huge and fabulous indoor playground, try Children’s World above Java House in Adam’s Arcade on Ngong Road. (3875308, 3875249)

Yaya Centre has a children’s play area with a bouncy castle.  (2713360, 2713361)

At Jolly Roger, there is a huge outdoor playground with a small pool. (891051)

Other entertainment ideas include:

Take your kids bowling to Cosmic Bowling in Sound Plaza 4th Flr, Woodvale Grove in Westlands (4444742) or the Bowling Alley in Village Market in Gigiri (7122488/89/90).

Or take your kids go-karting off Langata Road at GP Karting (608444/5, 0733-666333).  This is great fun for adults or kids.

There are two water slide parks in Nairobi, the Hi-Tide & Putt-o-mania in the Village Market (27122488/9/90) and Splash Waterworld off Langata Rd near Wilson Airport
(603777, 603659, 608525).

The Kenya National Theatre on Harry Thuku Road opposite the Norfolk Hotel (225174
313171) often hosts plays to entertain children.  Check the KenyaBuzz Calendar of Events or call them directly.

If you want to visit abandoned domesticated animals, try the KSPCA off Langata Road (882500, 890806, 884948).

For a little walk through nature, visit the National Arboretum, off Arboretum Road near Statehouse (746090, 749957)

Why not take your kids to the movies?  There are many cinemas around Kenya and most offer children’s movies (link to KenyaBuzz entertainment/cinemas)

There are a couple of notable amusement parks in Kenya; Rock City Gardens (313213) and Paradise Lost (315296, 315273), both off Kiambu Road.

You can generally find sports lessons for kids through the schools that they attend or through local clubs such as:

• Muthaiga Club, Muthaiga Rd, 3767754/5/6/7, 3765291/2
• Karen Club, Karen Road, 884089, 883438, 882802
• Parklands Club, Ojijo Rd. 3745164, 3752918
• Windsor Golf and Country Club, Kigwa Rd. Garden Est, 8562300, 8562601
• Nairobi Club, Ngong Rd, Opp Kenya National Library, 2725719, 2725726
• Impala Club, Ngong Road, 3865684, 3860084

For swimming lessons in heated pools, try the Norfolk Hotel on Harry Thuku Road (250900)  or the Grand Regency Hotel on Loita St. downtown (211199, 221355).

For horseback riding lessons, try the Karen Riding School on Marula Lane off Karen Rd. (884154, 882937), Nkudzi Riding School on Ngong Road in Karen (882745)
or the Rosslyn Riding School on UN Avenue in Gigiri (7212811).

If you would like your child to take music lessons, they are usually offered through the schools or the schools often know private tutors that can be hired.  For lessons outside of schools, you can try the Wynton House of Music in the Village Market and Yaya Centre (0722-730624, 0722-731267, 7120568) or the Nairobi Conservatoire on Harry Thuku Road opposite the Norfolk (222933/250981).

For dance lessons for kids, these can also usually be arranged through the schools or private tutors located through the schools.  For lessons outside of school, try ballet at National Theatre on Harry Thuku Road opposite the Norfolk (225174, 313171) and the Nairobi Conservatoire on Harry Thuku Road opposite the Norfolk (222933/250981).

Art is generally a main theme in most pre-schools and primary schools.  For art outside of schools, try the Nairobi Art Centre (0727-415678, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Hobbycraft Creations in the Muthaiga Shopping Centre (3748223, 3748227) which host regular courses and RaMoMA which does crafts for kids on Saturdays (Upperhill Rd Rahimutulla, 2729181, 2729182, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

There are several places that host kids parties such as Kids Club Kenya in Lavington (3004702, 0721-149792, 0733-391521), the bowling alley in Village Market (27122488/9/90), Golden Spur Restaurant in the Holiday Inn on Parklands Road (374-0249) and GP Karting in Langata (608444/5, 0733-666333).

There are also many groups that organize/supply kids parties such as Total  Escapade which supply fancy dress and theatre costumes for sale and hire and masks for sale (387-2300, 0722-829261), Kenya Beats Entertainment (0722-394390, 227685, 227602), Funtastik Parties and Events (4453829, 300-1710, 0722-258649, 0733-344487), and you can even hire an acrobatic troupe for your party (0722-732836 Souljah).  For kids birthday cakes, contact Kathi Ward, 0722-342176.

If your child has special needs, there are many resources available for kids in Kenya. 

• Children’s Legal Action Network in Prestige Plaza off Ngong Rd (386-7757, 386-9610) represents kids under 18 years old in legal matters. 
• Child Welfare Society of Kenya on Madaraka off Langata Rd. (605854, 603301, 606391), is available for kids with special needs.

Special Education Professionals (SEP) is a multi disciplinary team of special education professionals working within the framework of education and healthcare.  SEP offers early intervention consultations, support for parents and support for teachers.  It also creates awareness about special needs to the general public and disseminates information to parents, educational and health professionals.  The group can be found at Gertrude’s Garden Children’s Hospital or reached at 376-3474/5/6/7, extension 322.

SEP offers monthly early intervention consultations every third Saturday of the month from 9-11:30am at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital for 100 Kenya shillings.

The Imani Counseling Centre (602672/3) has child psychologists who counsel children.

The Karen Surgery on 333 Ngong Road in Karen (883845/6) has several child psychologists and other health professionals.

For tutoring for kids 6 to 16 years old in math and English, try a Kip McGrath Learning Centre.  There are Centres in Karen (890741), Westlands (4450822), Lavington (3002677), Kilimani (3866626) and Nyali/Mombasa (041-470063)

You can also try a Kumon Centre for math and reading support for any age (there are many around Nairobi (http://www.kumonkenya.com/)

If your child has dyslexia, try a dyslexia facilitators or specialists (link to KenyaBuzz directory of services).

For Educational Psychologists, Psychotherapy, Psychomotor Therapists, Eutony Pedagogue, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Special Needs Teachers and Low Vision Rehabilitation Officers, check the BuzzDirectory for listings.

There are many good quality schools in Kenya.  Some follow the British system, others the American system and some offer international baccalaureate programs.  Check the BuzzDirectory for a listing of schools in Kenya.