Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and it forms part of the Nairobi Province which encompasses the city and its surrounding structures. Despite being known as 'The Green City', the name 'Nairobi' actually originates from a Maasai phrase that translates 'the place of still waters'. Originally founded as a rail depot on the railway linking Mombasa to Uganda in 1899, the city quickly grew into one of the strongest and most influential city in the region. It eventually became the capital of British East Africa and later on the capital of Kenya when it became a free republic.

With a population of around 3 million, Nairobi is the most populous city in all of East Africa. It is currently the 13th largest city in all of Africa. The city plays host to many important companies and organizations including the United Nations Environment Programme and African office of the UN. With one of the largest stock exchange markets in Africa, the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE), the city is also known as a financial and business center.

The city has been the setting for many works of literature and film throughout the years. Karen Blixen's Out of Africa, is perhaps the most popular work of literature to feature the city. The 1985 movie of the same name directed by Sydney Pollack also features the city. Other films that were partly filmed in Nairobi include the 2005 Movie 'The Constant Gardener'. Sports is also important to Nairobi and the Moi International Sports Center located in the city is said to have the capacity to seat over 60,000 people.