Moving to Kenya

The thought of moving to Kenya may conjure images of magical landscapes and rare wildlife, but it's also a place of cosmopolitan cities that are drawing more and more expats.

Living in Kenya as an expat

Kenya may not be considered a popular expat destination, but this is slowly changing as the country is starting to be viewed as a viable destination for working expats looking to raise a family in an interesting and culturally-diverse environment.

Nairobi is widely considered as the hub for business and development in eastern Africa and offers an exciting lifestyle. Many expats working in Kenya find themselves employed as well-paid managers in multinational companies, embassy staff or as development and NGO employees and volunteers.

Kenya is generally a politically stable country with developed healthcare facilities, an improving public transport network and a strong education system that serves a diverse population.

That said, expat life can be insulated from Kenyan society as the fear of crime, particularly in large cities, sometimes cloisters foreigners behind the gates of housing compounds. Those who emerge from behind this curtain of fear can really enjoy the different cultures of Kenya, all of which are famously welcoming and cheerful.

Cost of living in Kenya

Kenya has a fairly gentle cost of living, but new arrivals need to remember that amenities such as private healthcare, international schools and comfortable homes can inflate the cost of living in Kenya tremendously. Mercer's Cost of Living City Ranking for 2024 ranked Nairobi 201st out of 226 cities evaluated, making it more affordable than Maputo, Mozambique (164th) and about as costly as Kigali, Rwanda (199th).

You will also likely incur additional living expenses you wouldn’t back home, such as the cost of clean drinking water and a security guard or driver. Fortunately, many expats find that their employment contracts cover some of the heftiest expenses.

Expat families and children

You may find yourself longing for everyday conveniences and the familiar efficiency of home. But you may also find that the luxuries Kenya has to offer, such as large houses and high expat salaries, make for a higher quality of life. Add to that Kenya's fantastic natural landscapes with its savanna grasslands, lakelands and mountains, as well as its wealth of national parks and sanctuaries, and it's no wonder you may fall in love with the country. You don't need to venture out far to experience this, as the capital city of Nairobi is home to the popular Nairobi National Park, while Mombasa affords refreshing coastal views.

As a parent relocating to Kenya, you can rest assured that your children will have an excellent selection of schools to choose from. While there are some good government schools in Kenya, especially in major cities, you may rather opt to enrol your children in private or international schools as these generally have higher standards and students can continue in their home curriculum.

Climate in Kenya

Kenya's heat may take some getting used to, especially if you are from a colder climate. The coast hosts a humid, tropical climate, while the inland areas are more temperate. The north and northeast parts of the country are hot with dry conditions and little rain.

Overall, whether your life in Kenya turns out to be an unwelcome posting or a grand opportunity, you will certainly have a truly unique and memorable experience.

Fast facts

Official name: Republic of Kenya

Population: 58 million

Capital city: Nairobi

Neighbouring countries: Kenya is bordered by Somalia to the northeast, Ethiopia to the north, South Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south and southwest.

Geography: Situated on the east coast of Central Africa, Kenya has a varied geography. This ranges from low-lying plains in the east of the country to the fertile highlands of central Kenya, home to Africa's second-highest peak, Mount Kenya.

Political system: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Major religions: Christianity and Islam

Main languages: English and Swahili

Money: The Kenyan Shilling (KES), divided into 100 cents. Expats can open a bank account in Kenya, but many prefer to continue using their overseas accounts, especially if they're only in the country for a short period. ATMs are widely available in major cities.

Tipping: Tips are common for most small services, in addition to the standard 10 percent expected in restaurants.

Time: GMT+3

Electricity: 240V 50Hz. UK-style plugs with three flat blades are used.

Internet domain: .ke

International dialling code: +254

Emergency contacts: 999

Transport and driving: While public transport is available in all of Kenya's big cities, it's not always efficient or safe. The best option is for expats to use a private vehicle and hire a driver who is familiar with the local driving conditions. Driving is on the left-hand side.