What to Know about Living in Kenya

Kenya is a beautiful country in Eastern Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia. It is famed for its large game reserves (Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park) and the sun-drenched coast (Malindi). In this section, let’s quickly walk you through the things you need to know as an expat.

Cultural Etiquette

Kenyans are friendly people, but they aren’t always comfortable with physical contact. Everyone has their own space, and it is best to keep yours inviolate unless you’ve been invited into someone else’s. Shaking hands, when introduced to someone, is fine; handshakes can also be used when ending a conversation.

In the towns and cities, you’ll have no problem being seen with a local female companion. You shouldn’t be offended if she doesn’t appear to acknowledge your presence when in a group of friends. However, straying from this position will almost certainly result in an argument or aggressive behaviour.

Ethnic groups vary somewhat in their attitudes towards men and women in public places. Unexplained physical contact may be seen as an insult by Kikuyu, Luo or Luhyia people.

Food and Drinks

Kenyan cuisine is unique and delicious with a blend of African, Indian, and European influences. Delicious spicy flavours make local dishes stand out. Kenyan culinary dishes include ugali, sukuma wiki, nyama choma, chapati and pilau.

Kenya is a very modern country with standard European products available in the supermarket as well as many local brands. In general supermarkets are safe places to shop although petty crime is not uncommon. Street shopping has the advantages of providing a truly Kenyan experience, but can be risky in high-risk areas.

Kenya has many local beers, spirits, and wines available. The popular spirit is called Konyagi which means ‘little elephant’ in Swahili. For the best drinking experience avoid homemade drinks that are often spiked with unknown substances or drugs. It is also very important to drink in moderation.

Housing

There are many different accommodation options available for expats depending on their preferences and price range. Many foreign companies will arrange host family accommodation. These families often live in suburban areas of Nairobi, while others can be found closer to the city centre.

Host families typically consist of two or three children and the parents. Their main role is to provide their guests with a home away from home and to act as tour guides in their city. Hostels are another common form of accommodation for expats who either don’t have much money or wish to experience living like a local when traveling.

These tend to be situated around major areas such as university campuses or markets. They are not very common in Kenya, but the ones that do exist offer relatively inexpensive accommodation with shared bathrooms and facilities.

Other options include renting a house or apartment. Properties vary in price depending on their location, size, quality of workmanship and general upkeep. Most expats prefer to rent houses or apartments close to office locations, shops and restaurants.

Crime and Safety

Although the crime rate in Kenya is high, it’s important to remember this is a developing country with high unemployment rates. This means there are many people who have little in the way of income or prospects. In general you should not trust strangers, especially if approached by someone claiming to be a police officer or someone who needs money for an emergency. If you witness a crime in progress, do not get involved and report it to the police immediately.

Mathare informal settlement provides some of the most challenging work on the planet; few people here have access to basic amenities such as running water, sewerage and sanitation. However charities like Concern Worldwide are attempting to improve the lives of people affected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya including work in Nairobi’s slums.

Working in Kenya

Employment opportunities for foreigners are generally available through foreign embassies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), large local companies and expat specific recruitment agencies. There are many entry level jobs to be found but it is important to remember that low salaries go along with these positions, especially if they are initially offered on a voluntary basis.

There are skilled employment opportunities in Kenya ranging from technical experts to professionals such as lawyers. If you are looking to work for an international organization then your chances of finding work will be much higher if invited by them or connected through someone currently working there.

It is also important to remember that Kenyan culture makes communication difficult at times, especially in business dealings. Therefore it is important to be patient when looking for employment or starting your own company in Kenya.

Technology

There are several internet cafes in Nairobi available to expats who do not have access to a computer at home. However many of these cafes only offer dial up and some charge hourly rates (approximately 2 US dollars), which can add up to quite a lot if you are not careful. There are also cyber cafes that offer wireless internet connections, but these tend to be slightly more expensive.

The best connections in Kenya are offered by the country’s main ISP, Safaricom (www.safaricom.co.ke). Safaricom offers dial-up as well as broadband internet access, which is considerably faster than the dial up service.

Safaricom also provides excellent mobile phone services and operates one of the most reliable networks in Kenya. You can also buy a prepaid SIM card to use with your own GSM phone if you plan on staying for a long time.

Media

There are several newspapers and magazines circulated in Nairobi as well as the main national television channels on cable TV. Most media is available in English or Kiswahili, but there are some local publications that have a smaller circulation that may be printed in a wider range of languages such as Dagbani, Hehe or Meru.

Local radio is very popular in Kenya and the country has stations that broadcast all over the country as well as on the internet. The most popular station uses English, Kiswahili and Swahili but there are also many private stations with broadcasts in languages specific to certain localities.

Cable TV offers international news channels like CNN and BBC although these may not be in English. There are also a few American and Indian movies that play daily on local TV stations.

Transportation in Kenya

There are several ways to get around Nairobi including taxis, matatus (public buses) and minibuses although none of these is recommended for ease or safety. Many people prefer to use their own vehicles but this can make living in the city very expensive unless you share with colleagues, friends or family. Nairobi is not a walkable city and there are no pavements for pedestrians to use.

Even a short trip by foot can take a long time as it is necessary to be extremely aware of traffic at all times, especially around the central business district where vehicles drive very fast. It is necessary to go everywhere with someone reputable or ask them to wait for you in the car when going shopping, dining out etc.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kenya

Who are the Samburu?

The Samburu are a sub-tribe of the Maasai, which means they are herdsmen. They live around Mount Kenya in Northern Kenya, particularly near Lake Turkana and the Lorian Swamp. They number about 160,000 people. The Samburu follow traditional customs; female genital mutilation is practised by some communities. They believe in the one-ness of God and that He created everything, including man.

What language do they speak?

The Samburu speak the Samburu language, which belongs to the Niger-Congo family of languages. It is similar to Maasai (which is spoken in southern Kenya and Tanzania) and Luluyia (spoken by the Kalenjin in western Kenya), which is why speakers of these languages can usually manage to communicate with each other.

How do they dress in Kenya?

Samburu women wear beaded necklaces called ‘eunoto’. These are worn by unmarried women until they give birth to their first child. When this happens, the eunoto is replaced with by a beaded headband called an ‘olosho’. Married women wear a bundle of grass on their heads, decorated with beads and cowrie shells. They also wear a black cloak called a ‘tagati’ – the men wear red robes.

How long does it take to get there?

The answer depends on your route. From Uganda, you can fly direct to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or drive. There are at least two roads that connect the two countries – one passes through Moyale and another between Isiolo and Marsabit. Travellers can either take the latter route or the former plus a ferry.

It takes about 1 hour to fly direct from Uganda to Nairobi. Buses are frequent along this road, departing Kampala’s Bus Park every morning at 5AM and 1PM. You can then get a matatu or dala-dalas for the rest of the way to Kenya.

What currency do you use?

Kenya shilling. US dollars are widely accepted anywhere that accepts currency from other countries, but it is best to carry Kenyan currency with you as well. Do not accept old or torn bills – they may be refused. The exchange rate varies depending on the source of the currency. It’s generally better to buy at banks and hotels; the rate is lower at money changers. There are usually street vendors around currency exchange offices, offering to change money for you for a small fee (usually 1-3% of the total), but you will not get any Kenyan currency this way.

Conclusion

Living in Kenya as an expat is one of the best thing you’ll ever wish for. The food, culture, people, and more contribute to why the country remains one of the best in Africa. So, if you’d love to live in the country, understanding the cost of living before you travel is quite essential.

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.