Read on to find useful travel information to assist business travellers. The travel guide contains visa information, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other resources. An understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and protocols can be of great importance to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Kenya is located in East Africa and home to approx 40 ethnic groups including the famous Maasai. Kenya is famous for its national parks and reserves including the world renowned Masai Mara, Tsavo, Samburu and Amboseli that are home to a range of wildlife. The capital Nairobi is a cosmopolitan city with a range of commercial activity and is a business hub in East Africa. For visitors Kenya offers expanding business opportunities and a wonderful coastline, national parks and mountains including the iconic Mount Kenya.
Country: Kenya
Capital: Nairobi
Currency: Shilling (1 Kenyan Shilling = 100 cents)
Population: 42.7 Million (UN, 2012)
Area total: 582,650 sq km
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Kenya. You can find further details on entry requirements for Kenya, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Kenya. The information is regularly updated making it a valuable resource to get the latest travel advice and information on Kenya for both business and leisure travellers.
There is a visa requirement for nationals of EU member states and for US and Canadian nationals. Please note, visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules .
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is usually conservative, can be less formal depending on business area. The usual greeting is with a handshake between men, whilst men should shake hands with a women if she extends her hand first. There is a lot of bureaucracy and business deals can seem to take a long time to complete, patience may be needed here particularly when dealing with state agencies and organisations. People are usually addressed with their surname and title.
Many business people speak English and it is customary to exchange business cards, advance appointments are required for meetings. In negotiating prices there is some haggling that is expected and small talk in meetings is normal.
Most trips to Kenya for both business visitors and tourists are likely to go without incident provided sensible and appropriate precautions are taken. There are incidents of robbery and car-jackings, it is important not to show any valuables in public and bring attention to yourself. The areas close to the border with Somalia and the north of Kenya are prone to banditry, when travelling outside established places seek advice first to avoid trouble. Travelling at night is not advised, it is important to always remain alert and vigilant to your surroundings and environment to ensure you avoid any incidents.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for up to date advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. F
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
08.30 to 12.30 then 14.00 to 16.30 Monday to Friday
08.30 to 12.00/12.30 Saturdays (Private Businesses)
For Banks:
09.00 to 15.00 Monday to Friday
09.00 to 11.00 Saturdays
NOTE: In Mombasa businesses open half and hour later and close half and hour earlier than is shown above.
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year’s Day
April 3: Good Friday
April 6: Easter Monday
May 1: Labour Day
June 1: Madaraka Day (National Day)
July 18: Eid al Fitr
September 23: Eid al-Adha
October 20: Kenyatta Day
December 12: Jamhuri (National Day)
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day