Kenya Business Travel Guide

Kenya Flag

The Kenya Business Travel Guide contains 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.


Kenya Guide

Quick Facts on Kenya
Kenya Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Kenya Map
Kenya Weather & Climate



Quick Facts on Kenya

Country: Kenya

Capital: Nairobi

Currency: Shilling (1 Kenyan Shilling = 100 cents)

Population: 42.7 Million (UN, 2012)

Area total: 582,650 sq km

Languages: Swahili, English

Time Zone: GMT +3

Electricity: 240V 50Hz

Dialling Code: 254

GDP: USD 40.7bn (UN, 2012)

Religion: Predominately Christian (Catholic and Protestant) with Muslim, Animist and Hindu minorities.

Political System: Republic

Internet Domain: .ke


Kenya Travel Advice

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. For more information please see: Kenya Travel Advice


Visa Requirements

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 for further information please see: Kenya High Commission UK


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.


Travel Advice and Tips

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 Checklist: See our Travellers Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.

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. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.


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

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


Kenya Map

Map of Nairobi, Kenya

View Larger Map



Related Resources

Kenya Weather & Climate

Kenya's climate varies from tropical on the coast to arid in the north and temperate inland. There is plenty of sunshine throughout the year and summer clothing can be worn for most of the year. The hottest months are from December to March; the 'long rains' are from March/April to May/June and the 'short rains' are from October to November/December. The average temperate in Nairobi is 25.2°C.

Suitable clothing includes cottons and linens with rain coats need in the rainy seasons. Warmer clothing and layers are need in the cooler morning and evening especially on June to August. For safari trips ensure long sleeve tops and trousers are worn helping to protect against mosquitoes, bushes and thorns.










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Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
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