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

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.