The name Nairobi originates from a Maasai term, Enkare Nyorobi, which translates to "cool waters" and refers to a water hole. Originally, Nairobi was a swampy area, which in 1899 was established as a railway camp for the Uganda Railway. In 1905, the place was designated as the capital of Kenya, surpassing Mombasa and Machakos, which were the previous capitals of the nation. Nonetheless, in early 1900s, the town suffered from outbreaks of diseases that led to its destruction and subsequent reconstruction. The presence of a railway played a significant role in its rapid growth, impelling Nairobi to become the second largest city in Kenya after Mombasa. Besides, the city flourished based on its role in administration and the development of tourism, predominantly when it comes to big game hunting.
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