I stayed longer than intended due to sickness, but found the Y to be adequate for this because of its location. It's 5 minutes walk from the centre of Nairobi, in a very safe area where you can also walk to the Arboretum to see beautiful trees and plants and do some altitude training. Food at the Y is delicious, good value and very popular during the week. If you stay on Sunday, be mindful of the fact that there are four churches that meet within the compound, four, seriously! Staff are professional, kind and friendly. I will stay there again.

this hostel is have a perfect location.

The room is OK - be prepared for low african standard (this is a hostel, and I rated it as a hostel).
old furnitures, baathrooms are small (some rooms have problems with hot water)

The best part is the garden restaurant. Where you can take good meal for 4 USD, or just a cup of tea and meet other travelers.

Smiling staff !
Safe place !
Fair taxi-service !
Walking distance to city center - (even at nights...... if you are a small group)

Good environment and nice crew. Rooms need new furniture, beds are comfortable and bathrooms are OK. Good breakfast is included in the fare.

YMCA offers a reliable hostel to a budget traveler even in Nairobi. You can feel at home at a restaurant, an internet cafe, a kiosk, a swimming room, a barber and a conference room. Protected by a guard, it locates next to the University of Nairobi and in a walking distance (10-15 minutes) from the city center. However, you may need a mosquito repellent both in a room and at a shared shower room.