Professional Travel in Kenya
The Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa, lying along the Indian Ocean at the equator. It is
bordered by Somalia, Sudan, and Ethiopia to the north, Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south.
Lake Victoria is situated to the southwest, and is shared with Uganda and Tanzania. The population of
Kenya is 43,013,341 (July, 2012). Nairobi is the capital and largest city in the country. The coastal city of
Mombasa is the second largest city in the country. The official languages are English and Swahili.
Kenyans are group oriented and the extended family is the basis of the social structure. “Harambee” –
meaning “to pull together” defines the people’s approach to others in life.
For basic country demographics see the US State Department World Fact Book:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ke.html
Greetings and Social Norms
• The most common greeting is the handshake.
• When being introduced to someone for the first time, the handshake is short, while
handshakes among people with a personal relationship are longer.
• Men should wait for a woman to extend her hand first.
• Close female friends may hug and kiss once on each cheek instead of shaking hands.
• When greeting an elder or someone of higher status, grasp the right wrist with the left hand
while shaking hands to demonstrate respect.
• Some Muslim men/women do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex.
• Avoid touching or patting children on the head as this is considered disrespectful (particularly
among Muslim communities)
• Titles are important. People are generally addressed by their academic, professional or
honorific title followed by their surname.
• Once a personal relationship has developed, you may be able to address a person by their title
and first name, first name alone, or nickname. Wait for the Kenyan to determine that your
friendship has reached this level of intimacy.
• Physical contact between people who know each other well is common in Kenya. It is not
unusual for very good friends (male or female) to be seen holding hands, or walking arm in
arm while talking together. However, public displays of affection (kissing, hugging) between
partners is discouraged.
• Kenyans generally speak in soft, muted tones, and Kenyan English (which derives from
British English) is often spoken more slowly compared to American English.
• Age is an important status marker in Kenya. Women over the age of 25 are often addressed as
“Mama” or “auntie,” and men over the age of 35 are often addressed as “Mzee” (elder).
Children generally refer to adults as Aunt or Uncle, even if there is not a familial relationship,
as a sign of respect.
• Do not point with your index finger or call someone over by gesturing with your palm up.
• The most common greeting is “Jambo?” which is generally said immediately prior to the
handshake. “Jambo” is a shortened, informal version of a Swahili greeting. The literal
meaning is “What are your news?” Hujambo (how are you, speaking to one person)
Hamjambo (How are you, plural form).
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After the handshake it is the norm to ask questions about the health, family, business and
anything else you know about the person. To skip or rush this is extremely poor manners.
Common greetings include:
How are you?: Habari yako/zaki?
How is your morning?: Habari ya/za asubuhi?
How is your afternoon?: Habari ya/za mchana?
How is your evening?: Habari ya/za jioni?
I am well, thank you: Sijambo, asante sana
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Swahili Language: The Kamusi Project (Living Swahili Dictionary)
http://www.kamusi.org/en
Welcomed Topics of Conversation
• Favorable impressions of Kenya.
• Where you live abroad.
• Ask people about there families and kids, but not about a person’s husband or wife directly.
• Personal interests and hobbies, many Kenyans enjoy soccer, for example.
Topics of conversation to avoid during casual exchanges
• Do not discuss sex or any kind of religious ritual.
• Probing personal questions are to be avoided, including questions about someone’s income or
occupation, particularly during initial meetings.
• Don’t criticize the government or discuss controversial political topics.
• In Kenya there is a cultural expectation that adults are married and have children, therefore,
you may be questioned if you reveal that you don’t have any children or aren’t married. A
polite response is “I’ve not been fortunate (or blessed) yet.” Indicating you prefer not to be
married or don’t want children may lead to further probing or awkward silence.
Business Card Etiquette
• Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
Time
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Swahili speaking people have a unique way of counting time. The day begins at 7:00 a.m.,
which is considered the first hour of the day. Hence saa moja (one o’clock) is 7:00 a.m. and
the first hour after sunrise. Saa mbili (two o’clock) is 8:00 a.m., and so on up to twelve hours,
and then you begin again with saa moja (one o’clock), which is 7:00 p.m., the first hour after
sunset.
Why? Because most Swahili speakers live close to the equator, and on the equator the sun
rises and sets at the same time every day of the year.
Gift Giving
• In general, Kenyans give gifts for significance events in a person’s life or days of religious
significance.
• When going to the country on business, bringing a gift for your key contact or counterpart,
and/or the highest ranking member of the group is appropriate.
• Gift-giving in a business setting depends on the situation and how well you know the person
you are doing business with. Farewell gifts are common.
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Some situation in which gifts are often given include: when a person is leaving a company,
co-workers will often contribute money towards a gift, or when a person is coming back from
vacation or a business trip, the person will bring back small souvenirs for co-workers.
Gifts do not need to be expensive. Practical gifts are preferred.
If invited to dinner at a Kenyan’s home, bring pastries, flowers, sweets, tea, or nuts for the
hostess.
If your host has children it may be nice to bring a small toy, picture books, or school supplies.
Gifts should be nicely wrapped.
Do not bring alcohol unless you know that your host drinks.
When giving or receiving gifts both hands should be used. Never use the left hand only. Gifts
can be opened upon receipt. Humility is the key when giving or receiving gifts.
Business Etiquette and Protocol
• Direct and aggressive communication is not the norm in Kenya. Kenyans try very hard to
protect other people’s face, often using metaphors, analogies, and stories in order to avoid a
problem. Being able to read “between the lines” is important in deciphering the true meaning
of a conversation.
• For newly established and more formal relationships, diplomacy is very important and should
be followed strictly.
• In Kenyan organizations, hierarchy is strictly observed.
• It is expected that you turn up on time, but if you are running late a simple call to the
receptionist is seen as polite.
• Kenya is a polychromic society which means they focus on accomplishing things by order of
priority. Meetings seldom have scheduled ending times and are considered over when all
concerns have been addressed.
• Meetings will always start with small talk. It is expected to start conversation with inquiring
about family before beginning a business discussion.
• Politeness and a humble approach is the key in doing business.
• Criticism should be delivered in private and given in a circumspect manner.
• Kenya is very diverse. There are over 42 different ethnic groups in Kenya, many of whom
have their own indigenous language. Similarly, there are numerous socio-historical influences
that have helped to shape Kenyan culture, including Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Indian and
British (mainly during the colonial period), therefore protocol may vary depending on where
you are and who you are working with.
• There are significant cultural differences between the main Christian inland regions and the
coastal areas which are predominantly Muslim.
Dining Etiquette
• Dining patterns vary tremendously according to ethnicity, location, and socio-economic
position of the host.
• However, Kenyans table manners are relatively formal. The best course of action is to behave
formally and watch what others do.
• Except for formal functions, there is generally not a seating plan. However, there may be a
special place for the most honored guest.
• Guests are expected to wash their hands before and after the meal. In some homes, a washing
basin will be brought to the table. If so, hold your hands over the basin while water is poured
over them.
• Some meals may be eaten without utensils, use only your right hand when handling or eating
food. The left hand is considered unclean, particularly in Muslim areas.
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Servants/house help often bring the courses to individual guests who are expected to take
what they want.
Do not begin eating until the eldest male has been served and started eating.
It is a good idea to take a small amount the first time the platters are brought so that you may
take second helpings when urged.
It is not uncommon to have beverages served prior or at the completion of the meal.
It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate, although it is not mandatory.
Dress Etiquette
• Kenyans tend to dress in a conservative manner with an emphasis on appearing smart and
well dressed as a matter of pride. Looking sloppy, wearing revealing or damaged clothes may
lead to a loss of respect.
• Men should wear dark suit, collared shirt, tie, black shoes.
• Women should wear suits pants/skirts, shirt, low heels, knee length skirt or smart trousers.
• Business casual attire is appropriate for most urban settings. Kenyan adults rarely wear shorts
in public unless they are on holiday at the beach.
• Jackets and ties for men and dresses are required in hotel grill rooms, and in elegant
restaurants in cities.
• On the coast and in Muslim areas women should cover their upper arms, and shoulders.
Women should wear dresses/skirts that go past the knees.
• Beachwear is acceptable on the beach but not while strolling around town. Women should
wear traditional one piece bathing suits, as beaches are located in Muslim communities along
the coast.
Transport
• There are many different forms of transport in Kenya, particularly in major cities such as Nairobi
and Mombasa. While buses will have specific fares depending on the length of the route, most
taxis do not have meters. As such, fares should be negotiated prior to entering the taxi.
NOTE: These tips are based on cultural norms. When visiting a foreign country the most important thing
to remember is to remain mindful that you are a guest, and to take social cues from your surroundings.
For more in depth information about Kenya visit:
Center for African Studies:
http://www.afrst.illinois.edu/
Internet Resources
Customs and Etiquette:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/kenya.html
http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student.php?id=107
Doing Business in Kenya:
http://www.communicaid.com/access/pdf/library/culture/doingbusinessin/Doing%20Business%20in%20
Kenya.pdf
WikiTravel:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Kenya
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For health and safety tips
McKinley Immunization and Travel Clinic:
http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/clinics/itc/itc.htm
Policy International Travel (OBFS)
http://www.cam.illinois.edu/ix/ix-a/ix-a-26.htm
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