Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Expatriate people move to Kenya for many reasons, including work opportunities, so it is important to have some basics done before your arrival. One of the first things an expat needs to know is the cost of living in Kenya. Some may think that it is cheap, but there are many hidden costs of living in Kenya.

These expenses can’t be neglected because they are important for the well-being of any expat. However, some expatriates feel that this is an inexpensive place to live, especially compare to other countries around the world.

Well, the cost of living in Kenya is lower than the cost of living in other African countries, especially when it comes to buying food. And as a matter of fact, many expatriates are able to buy foods that are not available back home for cheap prices in Kenya.

Meanwhile, there are also costs other than food which are big issues for foreigners who move here. One of the priciest costs for expats is living space. Renting a place to live in Kenya’s cities is almost impossible without having many friends and family here who can refer you to people who will lease their places to you. That’s why it is more affordable if an expat leases a place with someone, than if he or she leases it on his or her own.

In this article, we will walk you through the tips to know before living in Kenya. Aside from this fact, you’ll understand the cost of living, and the best places to live as an expat. Have you been surfing the internet to get the right information about living in Kenya as an expat? Read further for more information.

Tips To Know Before Living in Kenya as an Expat

Kenya is a beautiful country with a rich culture and welcoming people. However, it’s important to do some research before moving here as an expat. The following are some things you don’t want to learn the hard way after arriving in Kenya:

You Need a Car That Can Handle Dirt Roads

Many areas of Nairobi have paved roads. However, if you’re trying to get out of the city, you may find yourself on dirt roads that seem like they haven’t been maintained in decades. If you’re not prepared for bumpy and dusty conditions, having a car with good shocks and large wheels is helpful.

The Sun Can Be Your Worst Enemy

Kenya is a beautiful place with plenty of natural beauty. However, that landscape comes at a price: the sun can be your worst enemy. The heat and UV rays are extreme here, so being fully prepared for this weather is important if you want to stay healthy while living in Kenya.

You Have To Learn Swahili or Risk Being Isolated

There are plenty of expats that don’t learn the native language. However, knowing how to greet people in Swahili can really help you out here. It’s also important to know some other basics like “thank you”, “hello” and “goodbye.” This will allow you to build connections with locals so it may be helpful to learn some Swahili before moving to Kenya.

The Power Can Go Out At Any Time of Day or Night

There are some developed areas in Kenya with reliable electrical service. However, you never know when the power is going to go out. You might find yourself sitting in the dark for hours, or your power could go out for half a minute and then come back on.You just can’t predict when this might happen in Nairobi so it may be helpful to always have some extra batteries and candles available in case this happens.

Not All Bills Are Paid At the Post Office

When you move to Kenya, you may think that all you have to do is going down to the post office and pay your bills. However, this isn’t how things always work here. Not only may not be able to pay your bill at the post office, but you might also need to hand-deliver it or hand-deliver payment to another location in order to make sure it gets paid on time.

You Have To Be Careful When It Comes To Bribes

The bribery culture in Kenya is well-known throughout the world. However, you may not realize what this means for your day-to-day life until you’re dealing with daily hassles from police officers and other officials just trying to get a bribe. It’s not uncommon for people to deal with these situations and try to bribe their way out of them, but this can be a risky move.

Things Happen On “Kenyan Time”

There is an attitude in Kenya called “Jamaica time,” which means that nothing happens when it should or according to plan (it takes about an hour for people to show up for a meeting, regardless of the time you said it would start).

However, this attitude is also related to how things are done. For example, bank hours are not observed. Instead, it’s common for banks in Kenya to close early without warning even though they were supposed to be open later that day orjuntil the next day. Furthermore, things like getting your phone fixed might take much longer than you expected due to delays in receiving parts or slow service at the shop.

Cost of Living in Kenya Today

There are many costs associated with living in Kenya, including cost of food, clothing, housing, healthcare and transportation. When it comes to the difference in cost of living between now and 2021, there are some variations that can be expected.

For example, due to inflation rates ranging from an average of 7% to 9%, by 2021, now prices might be as much as twice as high. On the other hand, considering that there will potentially be a better standard of living by 2022, certain types of expenses might also become slightly less expensive.

In order to give an idea about how things might change in the next few years, this article will take a look at cost of food, clothing, housing, healthcare and transportation.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Kenya in 2021

According to the CIA Factbook, currently (2016) a pair of jeans costs about 900 shillings ($9), while a kilo of rice ranges from 500–1200 shillings ($5.25–12). Suppose that by 2021, the amount of money needed to buy a pair of jeans is around 1 500 shillings ($15), and a kilogram of rice costs between 800–1 500 shillings ($8.50–15).

A large bottle of water that currently costs about 300 shillings ($3) might be up for sale at 350–500 shillings ($3.50–5) in 2022. Coffee, tea and other hot drinks are expected to be more expensive as well, with the average price being around 500–600 shillings ($5.50–6).

Similarly, a jacket or a jumper that is listed for about 3 000 shillings ($30) today might cost around 5 000–6 500 shillings ($55–65) in 2021.It is expected that clothing prices will go up, but not significantly — only by approximately 20%.

Two dozen eggs that are currently available for less than 1 000 shillings ($10.50) may become slightly more expensive and cost about 1 000–1 400 shillings ($10.50–13). However, milk is expected to become cheaper in 2021, costing approximately 500–1000 shillings ($5.5–10) for a litre.

Today, things have changed so much in Kenya. Earning a salary can no longer provide you with all the money needed to live, especially if you have a family to support. Cost of living prices in Kenya today are a bit high and for this reason, many employers give their employees more pay while keeping their original salary the same. Many employers even give their employees a pay rise for this reason.

In fact, people who need to study more cannot do so because they cannot afford the fees at universities and colleges, which are another sign, that cost of living prices in Kenya today are extremely high.

Cost of Living in Kenya as an Expat

You can see part 2 here.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

The process of moving to Kenya can be a daunting one for those who have never been there before. As discussed in our previous post about living in Kenya as an expat, many things need to be arranged. From finding accommodations and schools to learning how to use the currency and transportation system, the benefits of moving to Kenya as an expat cannot be overemphasized today.

Fortunately, it’s not as tough as it sounds. Kenya is a beautiful country located in East Africa with several distinct regions. Aside from this fact, the country is a tourist destination known for its wildlife, safari experiences, and white beaches. However, it also offers comfortable homes in beautiful landscapes appealing to expatriates from all backgrounds.

In this article, we will cover some of the most important aspects of moving to Kenya so that you can prepare yourself accordingly before taking the big step. Not only is that, but we will walk you through the tips or guides to know before moving to Kenya as an expat. Would you love to check? Read further!

Flight Arrangements

The first thing expats will need to do is make flight arrangements to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city and largest metropolitan area. Most flights from the United States will connect through Europe or the Middle East as there are no direct commercial flights from America to Kenya.

A passport will be required for all flights. More so, expatriates who are joining family members already living in Kenya should not have any issues with arrangements. This is because; their loved ones might have filed the appropriate paperwork to sponsor them.

If you are moving to Kenya alone, there are several ways to go about making flight plans. You can book a round-trip ticket or purchase a one-way ticket to obtain a visa at the airport. The second option is not recommended for those who are new to international travel.

And this is because; it will be more difficult to persuade immigration officials that you intend on returning home after your trip. The most popular way to book flights is by utilizing Expedia, Orbitz, or Kayak, which allow you to quickly and easily compare prices and locations.

Accommodations   

When moving to Kenya, it’s important not to get discouraged after looking at rental listings in Nairobi. The cities of Mombasa and Nakuru are much more affordable for expatriates on a budget, although there will be fewer job opportunities in those areas.

Regardless of location, you will find that there are plenty of rental options on the market. Accommodations range from luxurious apartments to tiny bungalow houses situated in rural regions. That being said, there might even be a few opportunities for furnished rentals advertised by vacationers looking to earn some extra money while they travel.

Currency Exchange

Although Kenya was part of the East African Community until recently, it is still considered a member of the Common Monetary Area (CMA). This means that all six countries share the same currency and exchange rates. For simplicity’s sake, we will use Kenya Shillings (KES) in this article though Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda also comprise the CMA.

Kenya’s currency is relatively stable and enjoys a floating exchange rate with the U.S. dollar, which remains relatively steady throughout the year. This makes it an attractive market for those looking to invest in real estate as well as those planning to send money back home to families and friends abroad.

Transportation   

When moving to Kenya, one of the first things you’ll need to do is obtain a Kenyan driver’s license. And this is solely because; international licenses are not honored in the country, and expatriates will need to take a written test as well as a driving test at their local transport authority.

Getting around Nairobi is fairly easy as there are extensive networks of taxis offering affordable rates for expatriates on a budget. However, those with more expendable income might enjoy the convenience of owning an automobile. Besides, this can be purchased in Kenya without too many headaches.

For most expatriates living in Kenya’s major cities, public transportation will not be their main source of getting around. The most popular way to get around Nairobi and Mombasa is by matatu, a type of van that has significantly evolved since its early days.

Changing over your currency into Kenyan shillings can be done at virtually any bank or retail location. ATMs are located throughout the country and offer an easy way for expatriates to withdraw Kenyan shillings at their convenience.

Food & Groceries 

One challenge expatriates face when moving to Kenya is finding the right grocery stores. Most large chain retailers will not be available, and independent shops might not extensively select goods. This can be problematic for those living in rural areas or smaller towns as it’s often necessary to travel a significant distance just to purchase necessities like toothpaste and toilet paper.

Fortunately, several international supermarkets offer an enticing array of imported food items such as Oreos, Red Bull, and Pringles. These shops will be located in larger cities but can also be found along the highways that connect major towns.

Language & Education  

When moving to Kenya, one of the first things that should be done is learning a few key phrases in Swahili and acquire a rudimentary understanding of the English language. This will be necessary to complete routine tasks such as shopping for groceries and speaking with government workers.

Although the Kenyan education system was once considered among the best in Africa, but it has become increasingly underfunded due to political and economic issues. Many schools still offer a decent quality of education, but the ratio of students to teachers is not always favorable, and resources are limited.

On the flip side, it should also be noted that Kenya does not have a formalized accreditation system for colleges or universities that issue degrees outside their borders. This means that while some Kenyan institutions might award degrees that are considered legitimate in their home nations, others might be seen as more suspect.

Cost of Living

Considering the rampant poverty that is still prevalent throughout many parts of Kenya, it’s relatively inexpensive to live here. The biggest expenses for expatriates will probably be rent and utilities along with groceries and transportation costs. These items can vary widely based on location and lifestyle but should fall well below the threshold of many Western countries.

Rent for a small apartment in a city center can be anywhere from $600-$1000 per month, while a larger villa or home can cost between $1200 to 1500+. Groceries will depend heavily on one’s personal tastes and dietary restrictions. Many stores, especially in larger towns and cities, will offer international brands like pasta and bread that are not typically found in rural shops.

Additionally, daily food staples can be purchased for under $30 per person, while eating out is relatively affordable. Most restaurants will offer set meals with an entree, side dish, and soft drink for roughly $5-$10. Nonetheless, alcohol is available at most retail locations but might not be served in traditional restaurants because of religious prohibitions.

In spite of that, Kenya’s public transportation network is quite extensive and generally affordable. For the equivalent of $1-$2, there are matatus which can take passengers virtually anywhere around Nairobi or Mombasa. These buses are the primary mode of transportation for many Kenyan citizens and can be crowded during peak hours.

7 Tips to Move to Kenya as a Foreigner

As a foreigner, living in Kenya may seem like an intimidating task. However, it is entirely possible with the proper research. Here are some tips that can help to make your move easier.

1.    Do Not Fly Into Nairobi If You Don’t Have To

Nairobi is much more expensive than other cities in Kenya. There are much better places to live in Kenya with cheaper costs of living. If you are flying in, make sure you research the city where you will be moving to and fly into that city instead.

2.    Get a Cell phone Plan Early

Cell phone plans are required by law, but it is also a practical requirement for calling cabs and other forms of local transportation. You do not want to arrive and find no taxi service on the island you live on.

3.    Stay Somewhere Before Considering a Move

Moves take time and making moves after only a month or two will make it difficult to settle. Therefore, make sure to give yourself at least a few months before making any significant life changes.

4.    Carefully Choose the Island You Live On

There are numerous islands that you can move to, and not all of them offer the same benefits. Make sure that you do your research on the city and island where you want to live. Also, make sure that there is a clear path to a town on the mainland if you decide to move.

5.    Do Not Delve Into Deep Relationships Immediately

Taking time to get settled can make it difficult for new relationships, so make sure that you don’t dive right in. Make friends, but take your time before diving fully into any new relationships.

6.    Get a Job As Soon As Possible

Getting a job and making money should be your top priority after arrival. It can be difficult to find work in Kenya if you do not have the skills necessary. So make sure that you start looking for jobs as soon as possible.

7.    Stay If Something Goes Wrong

It is essential to understand that things may go wrong, but that is just part of life. When something goes awry, it is crucial to stay calm and determine the best course of action before making rash decisions.