Money:
The unit of currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), divided into
100 cents. It is not advisable to take Kenyan Shillings out of the
country, as they are difficult to exchange elsewhere. Travellers
cheques in Sterling or US Dollars are recommended for your trip to
Kenya. US Dollars in particular have become commonly used in many
of the country's main hotels and safari lodges. Foreign currency
can be changed at banks, bureaux de change and hotels; easiest to
exchange are US dollars, pounds sterling or Euros. Street exchange
merchants should be avoided as they are operating illegally. Banks
open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm and on the first and last
Saturday of the month. Banks and bureaux de change at the
international airport stay open 24 hours. Credit Cards (American
Express, Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in the larger hotels and
stores, and some camps and lodges. ATMs are widely available in
Nairobi and the major towns.
Time:
Electricity:
240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style square three-pin plugs are
used.
Language:
English is the official language but Swahili is the
national language, with 42 ethnic languages spoken.
Health:
Travellers should get the latest medical advice on inoculations
and malaria prevention at least three weeks prior to departure. A
malaria risk exists all year round in Kenya, but more around
Mombasa and the lower coastal areas than in Nairobi and on the high
central plateau. Immunisation against yellow fever, polio and
typhoid are usually recommended. A yellow fever certificate is
required by anyone arriving from an infected area. Other risks
include diarrhoeal diseases. Protection against bites from
sandflies, mosquitoes and tsetse flies is the best prevention
against malaria and dengue fever, as well as other insect-borne
diseases, including Rift Valley fever, sleeping sickness,
leishmaniasis and Chikungunya fever. Two cases of African
trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) were reported in early 2012 in
travelers who had visited the Masai Mara National Reserve. AIDS is
a serious problem in Kenya and the necessary precautions should be
taken. Water is of variable quality and visitors are advised to
drink bottled water. Cholera outbreaks occur frequently, and
travellers should take care not to drink contaminated water and be
cautious of food prepared by unlicensed roadside vendors. There are
good medical facilities in Nairobi and Mombasa but health insurance
is essential.
Tipping:
Tipping is not customary in Kenya, however a 10% service charge
may be added to bill in more upmarket restaurants. Otherwise small
change in local currency may be offered to taxi drivers, porters
and waiters. On safari, however, drivers, guides and cooks often
rely heavily on tips to get by, but these are discretionary.
Safety:
Nairobi is notorious for robberies and muggings and visitors
should be alert at all times, but particularly at night. There is a
high threat from Somali terrorist groups in Kenya and visitors
should be vigilant in public places and tourist sites; several
bombings took place in early 2012 by the Al Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab
group.There is a serious threat of banditry in the northern areas and
travel is only advisable with an armed escort; recent armed attacks
in resort areas of northern Kenya near the border of Somalia
(especially Lamu Island) have occurred, including the kidnapping of
foreign tourists, and several governments have advised against all
but essential travel to coastal areas within 150km of the Somalian
border, and inland areas within 60km of the border.Piracy is also a concern off the coast of Kenya. Pirate activity
in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden is increasing, and there
have been several incidents of foreign tourists being abducted;
sailing and yachting along the Kenyan coast is not advisable.Visitors should also be vigilant in Mombasa. There have been a
number of recent knife attacks on tourists in the main south coast
tourist areas of Diani and Ukunda. Visitors should take sensible
precautions when driving; in particular, landmines have been used
in attacks around Moyale, close to the main A2 road south. Vehicles
crossing the border at this point should stay on the A2.
Customs:
The taking of photographs of official buildings and embassies is
not advised and could lead to detention. It is illegal to destroy
Kenyan currency. The coastal towns are predominantly Muslim and
religious customs and sensitivities should be respected,
particularly during Ramadan; dress should be conservative away from
the beaches and resorts, particularly for women. Homosexuality is
against the law. Smoking in public places is illegal, other than in
designated smoking areas, and violators will be fined or
imprisoned.
Business:
Business in Kenya tends to be conducted formally and
conservatively, with the appropriate formal attire of a jacket and
tie. Patience, cultural sensitivity, tolerance for uncertainty, and
the ability to build personal relationships with business
associates are all central to successfully doing business in Kenya.
Ethnic division and corruption undermine the Kenyan economy, but
they are realities in the business world of Kenya. Despite red tape
and numerous pitfalls Kenya is a land of business opportunity and
the IT and telecoms sectors are rapidly expanding.The concept of
'harambee' is important in business culture in Kenya. It involves a
sense of community, responsibility and mutual assistance. Deference
to seniority is important, as is social standing. Use of official
titles is key during introductions and greetings.Terse statements should be avoided and controlling one's
emotions is vitally important. While punctuality is key and
meetings should begin on time, they often don't end on time.When
introducing a new deal, it is important to illustrate respect for
tradition and history. Deals generally only close when it is clear
that all the possible information has been considered and
deliberated upon.Interpersonal relationships add to business
success and understanding Kenyan culture and history is a great way
of building business contacts. Building a solid business
relationship is prioritised over meeting deadlines and closing
deals.English is the language of business. Business hours run from 9am
to 5pm on weekdays and dress style should be formal with suits or
smart-casual wear.Gifts are important and generally expected.
Taking time to greet everyone and enquire about the health of their
family will ensure a smooth business meeting. Respect for elders is
important and if you are invited to dinner, never begin eating
until the eldest member has started. Also, refrain from leaving
food on your plate. In introductions, clasping an elder or key
business associate's wrist with your other hand while shaking hands
conveys respect.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Kenya over 16 years do not have to pay duty on
227g tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 1 bottle of alcohol;
and 473ml perfume. Prohibited items include fruit, imitation
firearms, and children's toys pistols. No plants may be brought
into the country without a Plant Import Permit (PIP).
Communications:
The international access code for Kenya is +254. The outgoing
code is 000 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for
South Africa), unless dialling Tanzania or Uganda when the outgoing
codes are 007 or 006 respectively. City/area codes are in use, e.g.
(0)41 for Mombasa and (0)20 for Nairobi. International Direct Dial
is available throughout most of the country, but the service is
expensive and inefficient. Hotels usually add a hefty surcharge to
their telephone bills; it is less expensive to either call from one
of the international phone services, which are available in larger
towns or buy a pre-paid calling card for use in the public
telephone booths. For international operator-assisted calls call
0196. All major urban areas are covered by the mobile network; the
local mobile phone operators use GSM networks that have roaming
agreements with most international mobile phone operators. Internet
cafes are widely available in most towns and tourist areas.