Family Edition – Kenya 2022

KENYA QUICK FACTS

OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Kenya
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S): Swahili, English
CAPITAL: Nairobi
LOCATION: East Africa- borders Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Tanzania
CURRENCY: Kenyan Shillings ($1USD= KSh109)
TIPPING: Tipping varies on the service you receive. Tip around 10% in restaurants and 200-500 shillings for hotel staff.

TOURISM: Kenya has many national parks and wildlife reserves, with safaris featuring large animals; lions, buffalo, leopards, elephants and rhinoceros

LOCAL LAWS & SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Criminal Penalties: Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Kenya are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Currency: You may depart the country with up to 100,000 Kenyan shillings.
LGBTI Travelers: Kenyan law criminalizes same-sex sexual activity.

Culture Facts

FOR BETTER CULTURAL AWARENESS

• Kenyan Time is flexible ( Kenyan time is flexible and it is 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time ) . Culturally, the pace of life is slower. Don’t expect people to be in a rush the way Americans often are.
• Tea is commonly served with every meal and during social gatherings.
• Must go through metal detectors before entering any building/complex.
• Kenyans value politeness and aren’t rude or aggressive people. Always greet people enthusiastically, smile, and be mindful to not be curt.
• Don’t say “Jambo”. It is an immediate marker for a tourist. Most Kenyans greet with “Habari” which means “How are you?”
• Kenyans dress more conservatively and emphasize being well dressed. Sloppy, damaged or revealing clothing warrants a lower degree of respect.
• Don’t point at people with your finger. It’s a confrontational gesture.
• Don’t be unsettled by shifting in eye contact (especially when talking to someone younger than you). It is normal for people to not maintain direct gaze

KENYA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• A Passport : With at least two blank pages, six month’s validity, and a visa re required to enter Kenya
• Single – Entry  Visas : are available online and upon arrival at Kenyan airports; however, Kenyan immigration plans to end visas upon arrival in the future.

Multiple-entry visas must be applied for prior to traveling to Kenya

• Obtain the latest information on Visas: as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements, from the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R Street, NW, Washington, D.c 20008, telephone (202) 387-6101
• Proof of Yellow fever Immunization: You may be denied entry without it. Passport health has nationwide locations that provide the vaccine.
• COVID PCR test: Taken no more than 72 hours before clearing customs in Kenya

TRANSPORTATION IN KENYA

• PLANE– Flights are frequent and reliable between Nairobi and Mombasa.
• TRAIN – Kenya Railways is an easy and reliable alternative to flying from Nairobi to Mombasa.
• TAXI – Taxis can be found on every corner in Nairobi and journeys. Agree on the fair prior to taking the ride.
• SHARED TAXI (PEUGEOT) – good alternative to matatu’s that carry 7-9 passengers. Slightly more expensive than matatu’s.
• BUS – Nairobi is the only city with an effective municipal bus service.
• MATATU (MINI BUS) – Local people’s main form of transport. Fares range from KSh40 and may reach KSh100 for longer routes in Nairobi.
• TUK-TUK (MOTORIZED MINI TAXI) – Malindi, Mombasa and Nairobi and Diani Beach have many for short journeys that and Nairobi and Diani Beach have many for short journeys that start at KSh100.
• BODA BODA (BICYCLE OR MOTORCYCLE TAXI)– common in small towns where taxis are harder to find. Short ride should cost around KSh100-200