Staying in Karen and Attending Big 5 at Sarit: How to Plan Your Daily Journey

If you are staying in Karen for Big 5 Construct Kenya, the daily drive to Sarit Expo Centre in Westlands is the part of your trip that needs the most planning. Here is what to expect and how to make it predictable.

The distance and the honest timing

Karen Plains Hotel, on Karen Road, is roughly 15 km by road from Sarit Expo Centre. With little traffic the drive takes around 20 minutes. Nairobi's weekday traffic is the variable: between about 7:00 and 9:30, and again from late afternoon into the evening, the same trip can take well over an hour.

The show opens at 10:00 and closes at 17:00, which helps. If you do not need to be on the stand before opening, leaving after the main morning rush can make the drive noticeably shorter. Always check a live traffic app, such as Google Maps, before you leave.

A practical rule of thumb

• Visitors arriving for opening at 10:00: leave Karen by about 8:45, or earlier if the app shows heavy traffic.
• Exhibitors who need to be on the stand before opening: leave by around 7:15–7:30 and aim to beat the peak.
• Returning after 17:00: expect the evening rush. An early dinner near the venue or a meeting in Westlands can let traffic ease before you head back.

These are planning estimates, not guarantees. Build in a buffer on the first day until you know the route.

Your transport options

Ride-hailing

Uber and Bolt both operate in Karen and Westlands. Fares are shown in the app before you book and rise with demand at peak times. Ride-hailing is the most flexible option for individuals and pairs.

Hired car with driver

For a team, a car or van with a driver for the day is often simpler: one pickup, no app coordination, and a vehicle to take you to meetings after the show. Karen Plains Hotel can arrange a dedicated driver-guide or vehicle hire on request. Book in advance for show week.

Driving yourself

Sarit Expo Centre advertises more than 1,500 parking spaces at the Sarit Centre, and Karen Plains Hotel has free on-site parking. Self-driving works if you are comfortable with Nairobi traffic, but parking fees and time finding a space are part of the trade-off.

Matatus and buses

Public minibuses (matatus) are inexpensive but usually need a change of route between Karen and Westlands. They are not practical for business travellers carrying samples or equipment.

For a broader overview, read our guide to getting around Nairobi from Karen.

A sample show day from Karen

• 7:00: breakfast opens at Karen Plains Hotel (packed breakfast available on request for earlier starts)
• 8:30–8:45: depart for Westlands
• 9:45: arrive at Sarit Expo Centre and collect your badge
• 10:00–17:00: show hours, Big 5 Talks and meetings
• 17:00–18:30: networking or dinner in Westlands while traffic eases
• 18:30–19:30: return to Karen and settle in for a quiet evening

Tips that make the journey easier

• Save the hotel's WhatsApp number (+254 796 989 928) so the front desk can help if plans change.
• Carry your registration confirmation and badge in your day bag, not in the car.
• Keep a power bank with you. Long show days drain phones fast.
• If your team has several people, agree a fixed meeting time and place each morning.
• Consider staying close to the venue for your busiest day and in Karen for the rest. Our Karen or Westlands comparison helps you decide.

Planning your Big 5 stay? Check live availability and book direct, or send your dates and team size to info@karenplainshotel.com or WhatsApp +254 796 989 928. Our front desk is open 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Karen from Sarit Expo Centre?

Roughly 15 km by road.

How long does the drive take?

Around 20 minutes with light traffic, and often more than an hour at weekday peak times. Check a live traffic app before leaving.

Is there parking at Sarit Expo Centre?

The venue advertises more than 1,500 parking spaces at the Sarit Centre.

Can Karen Plains Hotel arrange transport to the venue?

We can arrange a driver or vehicle hire on request. Please book ahead for show week.