Kenya

Introduction

Corrugated roads

© Malan

There are many fabulous attractions Kenya has to offer. Straddling the coast are cities like Mombasa and Lamu: cities with a long and sometimes tumultuous history, but whose heritage is proudly preserved by architecture which has survived centuries. Also boasting a spot along the coast (known widely as the Coral Coast) is Malindi, where visitors can enjoy some of the nation's finest beaches and diving opportunities.

But the undeniable highlight of any trip to Kenya has to be the safari. Well-organized tours provide an ideal way of getting up close to the wildlife, for a truly ethereal experience. Images of elephant herds passing before the mighty backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro (at Amboseli National Park) will undoubtedly be ingrained on your memory forever.

Brief History

Recent finds near Kenya's Lake Turkana indicate that hominids such as Homo habilis (1.8 and 2.5 million years ago) and Homo erectus (1.8 million to 350 000 years ago) are possible direct ancestors of modern Homo sapiens and lived in Kenya during the Pleistocene epoch. In 1984 one particular discovery made at Lake Turkana by famous palaeoanthropologist Richard Leakey and Kamoya Kimeu was the skeleton of a Turkana boy belonging to Homo erectus from 1.6 million years ago.

Cushitic language-speaking people from northern Africa moved into the area that is now Kenya beginning around 2000 BC. Arab traders began frequenting the Kenya coast around the 1st century AD. Kenya's proximity to the Arabian Peninsula invited colonization, and Arab and Persian settlements sprouted along the coast by the 8th century. During the first millennium AD, Nilotic and Bantu peoples moved into the region, and the latter now comprise three-quarters of Kenya's population.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore the region of current-day Kenya, Vasco da Gama having visited Mombasa in 1498. Portuguese rule in East Africa focused mainly on a coastal strip centred in Mombasa. The Portuguese presence in East Africa officially began after 1505.

The colonial history of Kenya dates from the establishment of Imperial Germany's protectorate over the Sultan of Zanzibar's coastal possessions in 1885, followed by the arrival of Sir William Mackinnon's British East Africa Company (BEAC) in 1888, after the company had received a royal charter and concessionary rights to the Kenya coast from the Sultan of Zanzibar for a 50-year period. Key to the conquest of Kenya's interior was the construction, started in 1895, of a railroad from Mombasa to Kisumu, on Lake Victoria, completed in 1901. This was to be the first piece of the Uganda Railway

It was the Kenya African National Union (KANU) of Jomo Kenyatta, a member of the large Kikuyu tribe and former prisoner under the emergency, which formed a government shortly before Kenya became independent on December 12, 1963. A year later, Kenyatta became Kenya's first president on the establishment of a republic.
A small but significant leftist opposition party, the Kenya People's Union (KPU), was formed in 1966, led by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a former Vice President and Luo elder. The KPU was banned shortly after and its leader detained.
In June 1982, the National Assembly amended the constitution, making Kenya officially a one-party state, and parliamentary elections were held in September 1983. The 1988 elections reinforced the one-party system. However, in December 1991, Parliament repealed the one-party section of the constitution. By early 1992, several new parties had formed, and multiparty elections were held in December 1992.

In October 2002, the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) was formed, emerging from a unification of opposition parties together with a faction, which broke away from KANU. Mwai Kibaki, the NARC candidate, was elected as the country’s third President in December 2002. Kibaki's reelection in December 2007 brought charges of vote rigging from ODM candidate Raila ODINGA and unleashed two months of violence in which as many as 1,500 people died.

Geography

Kenya is located in East Africa and border Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania and the Indian Ocean.
At 580,367 km2, Kenya is the world's forty-seventh largest country is lying between latitudes 5°N and 5°S, and longitudes 34° and 42°E.
From the coastline on the Indian Ocean, which contains swamps of East African mangroves, moving inland there are broad plains and numerous hills. Central and Western Kenya are characterized by the Great Rift Valley home to three of Africa's highest mountains: Mount Kenya (5,199 metres), Mount Elgon and Kilimanjaro (5,895 metres, highest in Africa). The Kakamega Forest in western Kenya is relic of an East African rainforest. Much larger is Mau Forest, the largest forest complex in East Africa.

Regions

Kenya consists of eight provinces (mkoa) which are subdivided into 71 districts (wilaya'at).

• Central - Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Maragua, Muranga, Thika, Kiambu
• Coast - Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa, Taita-Taveta, Tana River
• Eastern - Embu, Isiolo, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Marsabit, Mbeere, Central Meru, Northern Meru, Southern Meru, Moyale, Mwingi, Tharaka
• Nairobi - It's both a province and a district and forms the total urban area of the capital Nairobi.
• Northeastern - Garissa, Ijara, Wajir, Mandera
• Nyanza - Bondo, Gucha, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, Kuria, Migori, Nyamira, Nyando, Rachuonyo, Siaya, Suba
• Rift Valley - Baringo, Bomet, Buret, Kajiado, Keiyo, Kericho, Koibatek, Laikipia, Marakwet, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Samburu, Trans Mara, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot
• Western - Bungoma, Busia, Butere, Kakamega, Lugari, Mount Elgon, Teso, Vihiga

Cities

• Nairobi - the capital city and economic centre of Kenya
• Mombasa - historic port on the Indian Ocean seafront and probably Africa's longest continuously settled town
• Nakuru - gateway to Lake Nakuru National Park and an extinct volcano (Menengai)
• Meru - city near the base of Mount Kenya. It is the cross roads for travel to Nairobi
• Kisumu - the major town of the west, on the shore of Lake Victoria
• Lamu - main town of the Lamu Archipelago
• Eldoret
• Garissa - a predominantly Muslim town in the east close to Somalia
• Lodwar - in the north on the main route to South Sudan with access to Lake Turkana
• Malindi - the landing point of Vasco Da Gama in Kenya
• Narok - is the gateway to the home of Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara

Sights and Activities

Kenya, along with Tanzania, is East Africa's prime country to enjoy a real African safari. There are many national parks to enjoy, all with their own characteristics and some parks have animals you won't see anywhere else, like certain types of zebra or giraffe.

Amboseli National Park

Shower Time

© Good2Go

If you have seen photos of elephants or giraffes in front of a snowcapped cone of the Kilimanjaro, chances are almost 100% they were taken in the Amboseli National Park, on the southern border of Kenya with Tanzania. You will see elephants for sure and very close as well, just roaming freely along the roads in this park, which mainly protects swampy areas and savanna grasslands. The park is relatively small though and a few days here is probably enough before moving on to other impressive safari places in Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the central southern parts of Kenya, close to the city of Nakuru. The park is famous for its tens of thousands of flamingos nesting along the shores and the lake sometimes looks like one big pink mass. The park has been enlarged mainly to protect other animals as well, like the Rothschild giraffes and black rhinos who roam here since several years. Other animals include predators like lion and leopard as well as several of antelope species and numerous birds.

Lake Turkana National Parks

Lake Turkana National Parks is a group of three national parks located in Kenya. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and expanded in 2001. Reasons for the park's importance include its use as a stopping point for migratory birds, as a breeding ground for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus, and snakes. It also contains fossils in the Koobi Fora deposits which are unique in the world. Lake Turkana National Parks consist of Sibiloi National Park and two islands on Lake Turkana (Central Island and South Island).

Masai Mara Game Reserve

Although it does not enjoy the privilege to be called a national park, that doesn't change anything to the experience of this most famous park in Kenya, the Masai Mara. The park is actually a continuation of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the yearly migration of hundreds of thousands of animals, manly gazelles, zebras and wildebeests, is something you can enjoy in this game reserve as well. The Masai Mara is also known for its relative easy to see large quantities of predators, like lion, cheetah, leopard and several smaller ones like the caracal, serval and jackal. Other animals include the giraffe and all other large animals of the big five, like elephant, buffalo and rhino. Hippos and crocs are mostly seen in or near the Mara river and prey of the latter one include many sorts of antelopes. Birds are equally impressive though, albeit way smaller, but more colourful.

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park, established in 1949, protects the region surrounding Mount Kenya. Initially it was a forest reserve before being announced as a national park. Currently the national park is within the forest reserve which encircles it. In April 1978 the area was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The national park and the forest reserve, combined, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The Government of Kenya had four reasons for creating a national park on and around Mount Kenya. These were the importance of tourism for the local and national economies, to preserve an area of great scenic beauty, to conserve the biodiversity within the park, and to preserve the water catchment for the surrounding area.

Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park is the largest of all national parks in Kenya, and actually consists of two national parks, aptly named Tsavo West and Tsavo East with the main Mombasa-Nairobi road dividing the two. While Tsavo East is the biggest, Tsavo West is the one which enjoys the most scenic landscapes, higher animal densities and a beautiful black rhino sanctuary. As a consequence Tsavo West is more visited, but Tsavo East is equally good and you won't see many travellers here, which only adds to the experience. The park is also known for its lions which killed many people working on the railway across the park in the early twentieth century.

Other Sights and Activities

• Aberdare National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park
• Nairobi National Park

Events and Festivals

East African Arts Festival

In March each year, Nairobi hosts the East African Art Festival, the biggest of its kind in the region, which attracts competitors and spectators from around the world. The three-day event showcases art, music, theater, music, fashion, literature, architecture, sculpture and traditional crafts. It is hosted by the Kenyan National Museum.

Easter

In Kenya, Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays, marking the long weekend commemorating Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Good Friday often sees processions through the streets with dramatic recreations of the Stations of the Cross, culminating in church services. Saturday often involves a bonfire outside the church and the lighting of candles and prayers inside, with Sunday being a feast marked by singing, bell-ringing, church services, and family togetherness.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid Al Fitr is an Islamic celebration that usually takes place in September, when the sighting of the moon marks the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting during Ramadan. Eid celebrations usually involve personal cleansing, communal prayers, charity donations, and three full days of feasting and spending time with friends and family. The celebrations are biggest along the coastal areas where most of the Muslim population of Kenya lives.

International Camel Derby and Festival

The annual International Camel Derby and Festival has been held on the outskirts of Maralal town in northern Kenya since 1990. The main feature is the camel racing which takes place over several days through semi-desert regions and is open to amateurs and novices. Visitors come from all over the world to take part or watch, and there are also cycle races, donkey rides, children’s entertainment, and the opportunity to rent a camel for the day. The derby usually takes place in August.

Mombasa Carnival

November is when the city of Mombasa celebrates Kenyan culture with a carnival by the Indian Ocean. Artists, dancers, musicians and tribal people flock to take part in the concerts that make up one of Kenya’s largest annual events. One of the major features is the main street parade with floats that showcase the different tribal identities across the nation. There are street stalls and opportunities for eating, drinking and dancing.

Jamhuri Day

Jamhuri means “republic” in Swahili and December 12 is set aside as a public holiday to celebrate Kenya’s becoming a republic in 1964. The date is doubly important as the country also gained independence from Britain on December 12, 1963. The occasion is marked by dancing, parades and a speech from each of the eight Provincial Presidents. Many towns also host cultural performances, while families will often get together for meals. Fireworks are often a highlight and air shows have become popular in modern times.

Christmas

Kenya’s many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25, which is a public holiday. The events are largely religious in nature, featuring church services, carolling and nativity performances. Houses and churches are decorated with balloons, flowers and green leaves and storefronts in the larger towns are bathed in fake snow. If parents can afford gifts for the children, it will often be books, practical items or a new outfit for attending church. Families get together to attend services then enjoy a feast, usually of roasted goat.

New Year

New Year celebrations begin the evening of December 31 with parties, music and church services, leading up to the midnight countdown which sees fireworks, music and cheering to welcome in the New Year. Church services and non-religious parties take place all across the nation, many of which continue after dawn. Nairobi has the biggest event, with musical performances and fireworks displays. Mombasa is known for its New Year beach parties, often hosted by local radio stations with live music and DJs.

Weather

While most of Kenya lies in the hot and humid tropical zone, there are huge differences regarding temperatures and rainfall that mainly coincide with either altitude or latitude. The coastal zone is hot and humid year round with temperatures above or around 30 °C during the day and still above 20 °C at night. Like the rest of the country, the hottest months are from December to March while June to September is the coolest time of the year. Also like most of Kenya, the area has two rainy seasons, a longer and heavier one from March to early June and a shorter one from late October to early December, with some downpours at the end of the day instead of days of rain on end in April and May. This climate applies to the southwest of the country as well, albeit with cooler nights.

South central parts of Kenya are mainly somewhat cooler and less humid because of its elevation. Nairobi rarely sees temperatures of more than 28 °C during the day while nights can drop below 10 °C in July and August.

The centre and the north of the country are much hotter and drier with temperatures even in the cooler months of June to September rarely below 32 °C during the day and even hitting 40 °C (or more!) up north in January and February. Rain is becoming less reliable here and even the wetter months of April or November can see days without a single drop.

Getting There

By Plane

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA: NBO, ICAO: HKJK) is the main gateway to the country. Located 15 kilometres from the city centre of Nairobi, it is the base of Kenya Airways, the national airline of the country and also one of the biggest airports in Africa. Taxis and car hire facilities are conveniently situated at the arrival areas. A scheduled bus service to and from the town center is available as well.

Major carriers that fly to Kenya include:

• British Airways from London Heathrow;
• South African Airways from Johannesburg;
• Lufthansa from Frankfurt;
• Oman Air from Muscat;

International destinations include Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, Bamako, Bangkok, Bujumbura, Cairo, Moroni (Comoros), Dar Es Salaam, Dakar, Djibouti, Douala, Dubai, Entebbe, Freetown, Guangzhou, Harare, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Kigali, Kinshasa, Lagos, Lilongwe, London-Heathrow, Lubumbashi, Maputo, Mayotte, Monrovia, Mumbai, Port Louis (Mauritius), Seychelles, Yaoundé and Zanzibar. Several dozens of other airlines serve Nairobi, mainly from other African and European cities. For International flights coming from all over Europe you can fly KLM

Moi International Airport (IATA: MBA, ICAO: HKMO) near Mombasa receives international flights as well, mainly catering to package holidays from Europe. There are direct flights from Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Milan, Manchester, Paris and Zürich.

By Car

With your own car (4wd preferably) you can cross borders with Ethiopia and Tanzania along the routes mentioned below (by bus) and there are quite a few more with your own transport, among which those between the Masai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) national parks. Be sure to have documentation and insurance in order.

By Bus

Bus services to international destinations include those from Nairobi to Kampala in Uganda (crossing at Malaba), and Arusha and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The main land borders between Kenya and Tanzania are at Namanga, Taveta, Isebania and Lunga Lunga, and crossing by public transport is quite easy. Numerous buses also run along the coast road from Mombasa to Tanga and Dar es Salaam, and they cross the border at Lunga Lunga/Horohoro.
Buses also go from Mombasa to Moshi and Arusha in central northern Tanzania, gateways for Kilimanjaro and several national parks. It's also possible to get here directly from Nairobi.
From Nairobi you can also go via Kisumu to Mwanza in Tanzania, offering a convenient route to the Tanzanian shore of Lake Victoria. Roads are generally good except the last part to Mwanza.
To Ethiopia, the main border crossing is near Moyale and you can do the trip in stages. The safety conditions have been improving over the last couple of years, but check before you make it here. For now and probably the near future as well due to ongoing problems in Sudan and Somalia, those borders are closed.

By Boat

Although it has a long coastline, there are no other ways to get to and from the country other than cargo ships or a yacht.

Getting Around

By Plane

Domestic flights in the country are served by Kenya Airways, Air Kenya, Safari Link, Mombasa Air Safaris. Apart from those, there are many smaller private airlines serving no less than 150 airstrips throughout the country.

By Train

There are trains that connect the coastal city of Mombasa with the capital Nairobi. They are usually overnight trains and the journey takes between 12 and 15 hours. There are three classes ranging from comfortable double cabins to basic seats. The train from Nairobi to Mombasa is very busy during the tourism seasons and advance booking is usually advised
Unfortunately, trains don't travel further to Kampala in Uganda anymore.

By Car

Roads in Kenya are not very good except some major roads linking the bigger cities like Nairobi with Mombasa. Gravel roads are of course worse although there are good stretches. It is best to rent 4-wheel drive vehicles only as road conditions can be bad and you are most likely to visit some national parks where these kind of vehicles really are recommended. Also, use the main international companies like Hertz and Avis, which offer good deals, although they certainly are not cheap. You may use your national driving licence but it has to be in English, so an additional international driving permit is recommended. Most car rental companies are located in Nairobi, Malindi and Mombasa and although possible, most people choose for a car with driver or a package deal including car and lodging/camping and most meals.

By Bus

Buses link most major cities and towns while smaller minibuses (matatus) often travel along the same routes but stop in every town and village, so they are much slower but a great way to travel with the locals. Long distance bus services are comfortable and reliable.

By Boat

The only notable ferries you are likely to take are ferries going to Lamu and the ferry link from Mombasa south which offers access to the beaches and resorts south of Mombasa, like Diani Beach. Dhow trips are generally of the tourist type and passenger dhows don't carry foreigners most of the times.

Red Tape

Visas are not required for the following nationalities: the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Burundi, Cyprus, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, the Gambia, Grenada, Grenadines, Ghana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia*, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa*, Solomon Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(Countries marked with a '*' are limited to 30-day visa-free stays; longer visits will require a visa.)

For citizens of other countries/territories, visas may be obtained on arrival or through a Kenyan embassy/consulate or the Kenya Government eVisa portal prior to departure. Visas on arrival cost:

• 72-hour Transit visa: US$20 €20, or UK₤10
• 90-day Tourist visa single entry: US$50, €40, or UK₤30
• 90-day East African multiple entry visa good for Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) US$100, €90, or UK£65.

Only single-entry visas are available through the eVisa portal. Unlike some countries' visas, the application for a Kenyan visa is short (1 page) and not very detailed.

A 3-month visa extension costs US$22.

Visas can now be obtained online beforehand through the Kenya Government eVisa portal. Two years after Kenya introduced the e-Visa, some scammers try to reap unsuspecting visa applicants by creating fake websites. E-visas for Kenya can only be applied for on the official government website.

Make sure you're in the correct line at the airport to avoid an additional wait. No photos are required, just cash for payment.

Nationalities from the following countries are not eligible for visa on entry, and must apply beforehand: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cameroon, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mali, North Korea, Senegal, Somalia, Syria, Palestine, Tajikistan.

If you require a visa to enter Kenya, you may be able to apply for one at a British embassy, High Commission or consulate in the country where you legally reside if there is no Kenyan foreign mission. For example, the British embassies in Almaty, Belgrade, Budapest, Guatemala City, Jakarta, Prague, Pristina, Rabat, Riga, Sofia, Tallinn, Vienna, Warsaw and Zagreb accept Kenyan visa applications (this list is not exhaustive). British diplomatic posts charge UK£50 to process a Kenyan visa application and an extra UK£70 if the authorities in Kenya require the visa application to be referred to them. The authorities in Kenya can also decide to charge an additional fee if they correspond with you directly.

Holders of single-entry visas can re-enter Kenya if they have only gone to the Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda and declare it upon re-entry to Kenya with proof of passport stamps.

Plastic bags are forbidden in Kenya. The ban on the import of plastic bags also applies to tourists. There are strict penalties. Plastic bags in your baggage are to be handed in upon arrival in Kenya.

Money

See also Money Matters

The currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), which can be divided into 100 cents.

Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10 , 20 and 40 shillings (frequently used) and 50 cents (rarely used).
Banknotes come in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings (frequently used) and 10 and 20 shillings (rarely used).

Work

A high unemployment rate means work permits are required. These can be difficult to obtain unless you have specialized skills that are lacking in the workforce. You are best off being appointed abroad, as local employment opportunities are low-paying and few.

There are many international expatriates who work for non-profit agencies such as the UN and other affiliated agencies. Their pay is very high in relation to local living standards.

There are numerous opportunities for volunteering in Kenya, whatever skills you have. If you have specialised skills, there are a number of more focused volunteering programs available. These range from opportunities for medical and engineering placements, to short sabbaticals for people with generic business experience, spent mentoring local businesses.

Study

There are a large number of colleges offering secretarial and computer courses in the CBD's of Nairobi and Mombasa. There are also a large number of universities, both public and private, and some do participate in student exchange programs with international universities.

Language

There are 42 tribes in Kenya and each tribe has their own dialect. Kenyans speak Kiswahili, the national language, and majority of them understand English as well. All tribes understand each other in Swahili and they have no difficulties in communication even in Tanzania. The other foreign languages are not known at all.

Eat

Many hotels and restaurants in Kenya offer great food and it is suggested you try out the local food as well. If you don't want to get a parasite it is suggested you don't eat any salads in restaurants. They are often not so well cleaned and they can give you a nasty stomach ache. Another food to avoid is everything which has mayonnaise in it. The restaurants may not have great cooling systems and foods with mayonnaise get easily spoiled. If you avoid those few foods you will generally be ok.

Sleep

Accommodation options range from backpacker hostels in the bigger cities, to luxurious hotels and lodges along the coast and in national parks. Walk-in rates of the latter ones are high, and you are better off booking a package when staying along the coast or visiting multiple national parks like the Serengeti.

Drink

Kenyan beer is excellent, having won various awards internationally, the local favourite being Tusker, a brand from the East African Breweries Company. Imported beers are available but aren't that much popular due to the high retail prices brought on by import duty and local loyalty to their own manufactured products.

Health

See also Travel Health

There are no vaccinations legally required to travel to Kenya. There is one exception though. You need a yellow fever vaccination if you have travelled to a country (7 days or less before entering Kenya) where that disease is widely prevalent. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended anyway!

Still, it's a good thing to get your vaccinations in order before travelling to Kenya. The general vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) is recommended. Also both hepatitis A as well as typhoid would be recommended.

If you are staying longer than 3 months or have a particular risk (travelling by bike, handling of animals, visits to caves) you might consider a rabies vaccination. Vaccination against Tuberculosis as well as hepatitis B are also sometimes recommended for stays longer than 3 months. When staying longer than 6 months, vaccination against meningitis might be recommended, depending on your contact with other people. For the northwest of the country, this applies already when staying longer than 6 weeks!

Like most African countries south of the Sahara, Malaria is prevalent in the country. Don't underestimate this tropical disease and take precautions. Buy repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net.

Finally, other possible health issues include diarrhea and other general travellers' diseases like motion sickness. Watch what you eat and drink and in case you get it, drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration) and bring ORS. Also note that Southern Africa and thus Kenya as well has a high percentage of people with AIDS.

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Due to risks of kidnapping, cross-border violence, and banditry, travelling within 110 kilometres (68 mi) of the borders between Kenya and Ethiopia, Somalia, or South Sudan is not safe.

Although Kenya is generally safe, it has had bouts of jihadist activities and occasional post-election violence.

Homosexuality is against the law but is practised secretly. Overt displays of homosexuality (especially male to male relationships) may, at times, result in open hostility. Although violent reactions are quite uncommon, it is best to be discreet if engaging in any such activities with travel mates or locals. However, it is common to see people of the same gender hold hands while engaged in conversation. A new law, with penalties of 10 years of jail for many acts of homosexuality or discussing homosexuality is proposed in the spring of 2023, similar to ones in Ghana and Uganda.

Stay alert when walking or driving through Nairobi. You should always be careful to be aware of your surroundings and, if possible, ensure that you have a guide with you. Even daylight muggings on crowded streets are not uncommon. Infrequently, violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings and home invasions/burglaries can occur at any time and in any location, particularly in Nairobi. Particularly avoid walking after dark. Take a taxi if you can afford it, or a bus if you cannot, but care should be taken as most buses, even modern ones, tend to be overcrowded and can pose dangers from pickpocketing.

Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth and property, particularly tempting objects such as cameras, mobile phones, laptops, and MP3 players. The bus from the airport to downtown Nairobi is a notorious target for pickpockets.

Do not ask for prices in English when buying anything, especially from hawkers and bodabodas. Chances are you will pay at least twice normal prices, no matter how good you are at haggling. Use the little Swahili you know so as not to overpay.

If you are unlucky and get mugged, a good tactic is to wave your arms and start screaming at the would-be mugger. Confrontations with armed robbers, however, should be avoided – in this instance, remember that your possessions are far less important than your life. Most criminals in Nairobi are more interested in a quick grab and dash than they are in a prolonged encounter. Since robbery is frequently punished by lengthy prison terms or even death, most muggers can be dissuaded by a good show of force. Like in any other city, it is perfectly possible to see, and enjoy, much of Nairobi without incident if you take sensible precautions.

The north of the country has a reputation for lawlessness, becoming more dangerous the closer you get to the South Sudanese, Ethiopian and Somali borders. Armed robberies and abductions by shiftas (bandits) on the roads in these areas are frequent. Avoid travelling to this part of the country if possible, and take special precautions if travelling by road. Armed convoys are normal for this part of the country. Visitors to Lake Turkana (indicated on the map as Lake Rudolf) in the northwest and Lamu in the northern end of the coast should travel there by air. Lodwar, Lokichokio ('Loki') and Moyale are towns best avoided by the casual traveller, unless you have business with the humanitarian organizations based there.

Keep Connected

Internet

As far as communication technology is concerned, Kenya has gone through a tremendous modernization. Nowadays visitors to Kenya can carry their portable digital devices, ease of use is guaranteed with the advent of wireless (hot spots) environments within upmarket tourisms resorts. In some restaurants, a cup of coffee can allow you the use of the free hot spot for your laptop. However in most places the bandwidth is severely limited. Internet cafés are common throughout Kenya and usually offer decent link quality. Expect prices around 1KSh per minute. Most cyber cafes now charge 0.5KES per minute.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Kenya boosts a number of good mobile phone operators like Zain, Safaricom, Orange, Yu and Telekom. Roaming is easy with most European contract mobile phone tariff plans. Prices can be high though, so try and get a local SIM card or avoid data roaming.

Post

The National Postal Company offers services throughout the country and abroad. Prices are reasonably but services, although better than in the past, are still not very good. It is pretty slow and not always reliable. If you want to send a package, you'd better use international companies like DHL, TNT, UPS or FedEx, as they are not much more expensive yet reliable and fast.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website
• Official Travel and Tourism Website