Railroad yards and an industrial area lie to the south. Many of Nairobi's people live in large, low-cost apartment complexes called estates. Other residents occupy single-family homes. The Kenyan government is a major employer in Nairobi. Industries in Nairobi produce beverages, cement, chemicals, clothing, foods, furniture, glass, machinery, paint, shoes, soap, and textiles.
Tourism is an important part of Nairobi's economy.
Many people visit the city to see Nairobi National Park and to take trips to other Kenyan game reserves. Nairobi is a center for banking, trade, and other commercial activities. It also is an important railroad center. Nairobi was originally the site of a water hole called Enkare Nairobi, which means cold water. The city became a railroad center in the early 1900's.