Do's and Don'ts for Expats Working and Living in Kenya

If you are thinking of moving to Kenya for work, you’ll need to do some research about the locals’ culture and way of life. This is both to help you have a smoother transition towards expat life, as well as to avoid offending the locals’ beliefs and traditions. To help you out, here are a number of do’s and don’ts that you should apply when you get there.

Do’s:

●     Get a 4-wheel drive. This is our top 1 suggested type of vehicle for living and working in Kenya (and in Africa, in general). Think of driving around Kenya as a daily adventure. The rules that you are used to back in the US or Europe certainly would not apply once you are here. For instance, it’s 100% common to do a full reverse in a roundabout here. Swerving isn’t even frowned upon because it’s done so often. But this does not mean that there are no laws in the land.

●     Respect the police. In relation to our first tip, this is a must for all people: locals and expats alike. Never disobey the police. And when it comes to traffic rules, often, the person with the bigger vehicle wins the argument. That’s why a 4WD is our recommendation.

●     Get ready for a full adjustment in terms of lifestyle. If you are coming from the West, it’ll be best to manage your expectations - which can soften the culture shock (but won’t probably eliminate it entirely). Take life in Kenya with a grain of salt. Things aren’t as fast-paced, which is both a good and bad thing. Learning to go with this flow will help you adjust to living here, and adopt a more laidback lifestyle.

●     Do some research before you move. Kenya is not just a beautiful country. It also has an amazing history. With that said, take note of the historical sites that you should go to once you’re settled in. the Nairobi Museum, for instance, is a definite must. Asking the locals is also another way to do this research if you are tired of reading up on the Internet.

●     Be well-prepared in terms of clothing. Lying on the equator, Kenya experiences great weather most of the year. However, don’t make the mistake of forgetting warm clothing. This is necessary because rainfall sometimes unexpectedly comes - and it comes hard. Get your boots, pants, and sweaters ready.

●     Prepare your documents. Not to go overboard, but it’s better to be overprepared than not at all. We recommend bringing extra copies of your documents (and then having soft copies of them as well) to avoid any hassles during processing. This can save some time when you’re buying or renting a house or vehicle, as well as when getting your visa approved.

●     Learn important words and phrases. This is advice for all travelers, even tourists. By learning the language of the locals, it can make daily transactions and interactions easier. Kenyans are receptive, especially if spoken to in Swahili. The effort on your part will also be appreciated very much. Here are some basics that you should know:

○     Jambo - Hello

○     Kwaheri - Goodbye

○     Ndio - Yes

○     Hapana - No

○     Karibu - Welcome

○     Asante - Thank you

Don’ts

●     Don’t be shy about asking for, or hiring, help. Kenya has a high number of unemployed locals. This is why it’s seen as respectable for a local to find employment under the household or company of expats.

●     Don’t miss out on the Kenyan coasts. If you have weekends off, don’t miss the chance to check out the country’s world-famous and beautiful coastline. It can be reached in an hour by plane. You can marvel at its long and sandy white beaches. The sea is blue, and the coast is lined with palm trees. It’s truly a paradise and a view to behold. Besides the coast, you should also check out the Naivasha Lake, and Limuru if you are a fan of golf.

●     Don’t forget to go on a safari cruise. There’s a reason why this is the number 1 reason why tourists go to Kenya and to most of the African countries. There is no experience quite like it. The top animals to look out for include lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos. However, it is no secret that hunting and poaching still exists - to the point that it has become acceptable in these regions of the world. If we are not careful, it’s entirely possible that all of these beautiful animals become extinct in a few years. This is yet more reason to see them when you get the chance.