- Download our Moving to Kenya Guide (PDF)
Kenya is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich local culture. Some new arrivals find living in Kenya quite challenging to adjust to and may prefer to remain within expat compounds. While this can be comforting at first, expats who don't leave their compounds have a limited experience of Kenya and deny themselves the opportunity to mingle with locals, an enriching experience.
Other expats don't find the cultural differences intimidating and are inspired by the friendly and open nature of Kenyans, who generally have a welcoming attitude towards foreigners. Expat groups in large cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa help facilitate the assimilation process. These organisations arrange social gatherings, including cultural festivals, cooking classes, and outdoor adventures. Contact your embassy or consulate to find out more about local expat clubs.
As a new arrival, you will likely find many challenges adapting to the local culture in Kenya, and there may be lifestyle differences in Nairobi compared to Mombasa and other coastal towns, as well as elsewhere in the country.
Inequality in Kenya
As an expat in Kenya, you have access to luxurious houses, modern malls, and comfortable cars. This makes your experience relatively insulated and quite different from the average Kenyan's experience.
New arrivals might be shocked at the disparity between the haves and have-nots. Wealthy Kenyans drive luxury vehicles, own palatial homes and operate with abundant resources. A growing lower-middle class also enjoys a comfortable but modest lifestyle.
Still, many Kenyans live below the poverty line, visible in both rural areas and cities. These communities lack essential resources such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, and educational facilities. This stark inequality can be a cause of culture shock.
Language barrier in Kenya
As an English-speaking expat, you will be relieved to know that you won’t struggle with much of a language barrier in Kenya. English is one of the country's two official languages, and while Swahili is the first language of many Kenyans, there's widespread English proficiency, particularly in cities. Many also speak an additional region-specific language.
The reduced language barrier makes your adjustment to life in Kenya much smoother, especially in doing business or making friends. Learning Swahili can enhance your experience and help you integrate more deeply into the local culture.
Traffic and road conditions in Kenya
As an expat in Kenya, you'll soon get used to sitting in traffic and being surrounded by hawkers selling everything from newspapers to car accessories. You might find phone chargers, toys, bananas, sunglasses and art on offer. While the constant pressure to buy things can be annoying, you'll soon learn to tolerate these vendors and gently encourage them to move on.
Road conditions in Kenya can be challenging. Roads are often poorly maintained, bumpy, and potholed. Traffic moves on the left side, which can be disorienting. Issues include excessive speeding, poorly maintained vehicles, and heavy traffic jams. Matatus (shared minibuses) and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) pose significant dangers to other vehicles and pedestrians.
Nighttime travel between cities should be avoided due to poor road conditions and the threat of banditry. Some unpaved roads become impassable during the rainy season, even with four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Public transport options in Kenya include buses, matatus, shared taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt. Buses are generally comfortable and safe for long-haul travel. Matatus are colourful and lively but can be overcrowded and vary in safety. Shared taxis are less crowded and run on fixed routes. Ride-hailing apps are popular in urban areas, offering convenience and reliability.
Driving in Kenya isn't always easy. We recommend you hire a local driver, but if you opt to drive, always wear a seatbelt, maintain a safe following distance, and use indicator lights properly. Avoid drinking and driving, use offline navigation apps, and allow extra travel time. Take extra precautions on small highways or winding mountain roads.
Corruption and bureaucracy in Kenya
The economic disparities in Kenya are symptoms of a bigger problem. Corruption and mismanagement of public funds have long been a concern. You may come across instances of solicited bribery even in your day-to-day life.
When dealing with visas, work permits, paperwork, and driving licences, you are sure to find the inevitable delays extremely frustrating. Hiring a qualified agent to deal with these matters is often necessary. Achieving the desired results is sometimes impossible without their help.
Useful links
How do expats find adapting to living in Kenya?
"Most people hire a night watchman to guard their homes at night and many employ a full-time gardener to be home during the day. The hiring of a night watchman is uncomfortable for me and something I’ll never get used to." Read about Frances' experiences with the local culture in Nairobi in this expat interview.
"People on the coast are generally famous for being easy going and NEVER in a hurry." For more on local and business culture, read our interview with Asia.
Further reading
►Learn about workplace etiquette and culture in the Doing Business in Kenya page
Photo credits: Aerial View of Kibera, Nairobi by Evans Dims, Traffic Jam in Nairobi by Michael Njoroge, on Unsplash.
Are you an expat living in Kenya?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Kenya. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance
Moving your family abroad can be intimidating, but learning about medical options such as family health insurance early on can help you successfully settle in.
Limited-time offer: 10%* off for life!
Get covered today and enjoy 10%* off your health insurance policy!
*T&Cs apply
Moving Internationally?
International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!