Gigiri: Nairobi's Diplomatic and Green Oasis

• HelloSawubona
  [sah-woo-BOH-nah]
• GoodbyeHamba kahle
  [HAHM-bah kah-HLEH]
• YesYebo
  [YEH-boh]
• NoCha
  [chah]
• Please/You're welcomeNgiyacela
  [in-gi-YAH-sheh-lah]
• Thank youNgiyabonga
  [in-gi-yah-BOHN-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryUxolo
  [oo-SOH-loh]
• How are you?Unjani?
  [oon-JAH-nee]
• Fine. And you?Njalo. Wena?
  [njah-loh. WEH-nah]
• Do you speak English?Ukhuluma isiNgisi?
  [oo-khoo-LOO-mah ee-see-NGEE-see]
• I don't understandAngazi
  [ahn-GAH-zee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgingathanda ukubona imenyu, ngiyacela
  [in-ging-ah-THAHN-dah oo-koo-BOH-nah ee-MEH-nyoo, in-gi-YAH-sheh-lah]
• I don't eat meatAngikwazi ukudla inyama
  [ahn-gee-KWAH-zee oo-KOO-dlah ee-NYAH-mah]
• Cheers!Oogyg
  [OO-gyug]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNgithanda ukulipha, ngiyacela
  [in-gee-THAHN-dah oo-koo-LEE-pah, in-gi-YAH-sheh-lah]

• Help!Usizo!
  [oo-SEE-zoh!]
• Go away!Hamba!
  [HAHM-bah!]
• Call the Police!Biza amaphoyisa!
  [BEE-zah ah-mah-PHOY-sah!]
• Call a doctor!Biza umlisa!
  [BEE-zah oom-LEE-sah!]
• I'm lostNgikwatile
  [in-gee-kwah-TEE-leh]
• I'm illNgisemhlabeni
  [in-gee-semm-LAH-beh-nee]

• I'd like to buy...Ngingathanda ukuthenga...
  [in-ging-ah-THAHN-dah oo-koo-THEH-ngah...]
• I'm just lookingNgiyabuka kuphela
  [in-gi-YAH-boo-kah koo-PHEH-lah]
• How much is it?Kuyacelani?
  [koo-yah-seh-LAH-nee]
• That's too expensiveLokhu kudinga isilinganiso esiningi
  [LOH-koo koo-DING-gah ee-see-lee-NGAH-nee-soh eh-see-NEEN-gee]
• Can you lower the price?Ungangeni amaphepha?
  [oon-gahng-GAY-nee ah-mah-PHEH-pah?]

• What time is it?Kuyaphi manje?
  [koo-YAH-pee MAHN-jeh?]
• It's one o'clockKuyashintsha ekuseni
  [koo-yah-SHEENT-shah eh-koo-SEH-nee]
• Half past (10)Ngo-nye nesithupha
  [n-GOH-nyeh nes-ee-THOO-pah]
• MorningEkuseni
  [eh-koo-SEH-nee]
• AfternoonNtambama
  [n-TAHM-bah-mah]
• EveningEbusuku
  [eh-boo-SOO-koo]
• YesterdayIzolo
  [ee-ZOH-loh]
• TodayNamhlanje
  [nahm-LAHN-jeh]
• TomorrowKusasa
  [koo-SAH-sah]
• 1Kunye
  [koo-NYEH]
• 2Kubili
  [koo-BEE-lee]
• 3Kuthathu
  [koo-TAH-too]
• 4Kune
  [koo-NEH]
• 5Kuhlanu
  [koo-HLAH-noo]
• 6Isithupha
  [ee-see-THOO-pah]
• 7Isikhombisa
  [ee-see-khohm-BEE-sah]
• 8Isishiyagalombili
  [ee-see-shee-yah-gah-LOHM-bee-lee]
• 9Isishiyagalolunye
  [ee-see-shee-yah-gah-LOH-loo-nyeh]
• 10Isishiyagalombili
  [ee-see-shee-yah-gah-LOHM-bee-lee]

• Where's a/the...?Lapho kuyaphi...?
  [lah-POH koo-YAH-pee...?]
• What's the address?Iyiphi indawo?
  [ee-YEE-pee een-DAH-woh?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ungangibonisa (emaphaketheni)?
  [oon-gahng-ee-boh-NEE-sah (eh-mah-pah-keh-TEH-nee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kuyaphi okwesokunxele?
  [koo-YAH-pee oh-kweh-soh-koon-keh-leh?]
• A ticket (to ....)Itikithi (ku ....)
  [ee-tee-KEE-tee (koo ....)]

Gigiri's history is deeply intertwined with the colonial expansion of Nairobi in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally a forested area, Gigiri began to develop in the 1950s as the British colonial government established residential zones for expatriates. The proximity to the city center and the Nairobi National Park made it an attractive area for affluent settlers.

The establishment of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in 1996 significantly transformed Gigiri into a diplomatic hub. This development not only brought international attention to the area but also spurred the construction of embassies, NGOs, and international organizations, solidifying its status as a global center for diplomacy and development.

Gigiri is known for its diverse cultural landscape, reflecting Nairobi's cosmopolitanism. The presence of expatriates and diplomats has fostered a multicultural environment, with various cultural festivals, cuisines, and social events that celebrate the rich tapestry of communities that call Gigiri home.

The proximity to Nairobi National Park has influenced Gigiri's development, leading to a strong emphasis on environmental conservation. Local initiatives and community groups have emerged to address issues related to sustainability and wildlife protection, showcasing the area’s commitment to maintaining its natural heritage amidst urbanization.

In recent years, Gigiri has experienced a real estate boom, with luxury apartments, gated communities, and commercial developments springing up to accommodate the growing population. This development reflects the area's increasing importance as a desirable location for both local and international residents, driven by its status as a diplomatic and cultural hub.

Gigiri is conveniently located in Nairobi and can be accessed from various neighborhoods. From the city center, you can take a taxi or an Uber, which typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Public buses are also available, with several routes passing through the area. If you're coming from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a taxi or shuttle service will take approximately 30-40 minutes.

Gigiri is best explored by taxi or rideshare services like Uber and Bolt, which are widely used and safe. While public buses operate in the area, they may not be the most convenient option for tourists. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and walking is also a pleasant way to navigate the neighborhood, especially around key attractions such as the United Nations headquarters and local parks.

Gigiri is generally a safe neighborhood, but like any urban area, it is advisable to remain vigilant. Avoiding walking alone at night is recommended, particularly in less populated areas. Areas to be cautious around include parts of Eastleigh and some outskirts of downtown Nairobi, which have reported higher crime rates targeting tourists. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid flashing valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police assistance or 112 for general emergencies. There are several hospitals and clinics in Nairobi, with the nearest being the Nairobi Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in places of worship. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, including greetings and ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake, and a slight bow of the head is respectful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food, and don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gigiri like a local, visit the nearby Karura Forest for walking and cycling trails. Engage with locals at the Village Market, a popular shopping and socializing spot. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the local art galleries and cultural centers. If you're looking for a unique culinary experience, try local eateries serving traditional Kenyan dishes, and be sure to sample Nyama Choma (grilled meat) at a local barbecue spot.