Kenya | Africa

Kenya is located in East Africa, bordering Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and South Sudan to the northwest. The nation's primary geographical feature is the Great Rift Valley, while its economy is defined by its role as a regional financial hub and a dominant exporter of tea and horticultural products. The capital city is Nairobi.

History & Culture

Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1963 and became a republic in 1964, transitioning through a single-party era until the 1992 shift to multi-party democracy. Primary religious affiliations are Christianity (85%) and Islam (11%). Jamhuri Day (December 12) is the most significant national holiday. Core social etiquette emphasizes "Harambee" (collective community effort) and formal, hierarchical greetings.

Language & Communication

The official languages are English and Kiswahili. English proficiency is high, serving as the medium for government, law, and education. Primary local languages include Kikuyu, Luo, and Luhya, while Sheng (an urban Swahili-English slang) is dominant among the youth in Nairobi.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 53.3 million, with a 28% urban and 72% rural distribution. Top three export commodities are tea, cut flowers, and coffee. GDP per capita is approximately $2,100 USD. Agriculture is the primary industry driving the labor market, employing over 70% of the rural workforce.

Visa & Entry Policy

Citizens of the EU, US, and UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to arrival, which replaced the traditional visa system in January 2024. The eTA must be applied for at least 3 days in advance via the official government portal. Strictness is high; travelers without a valid eTA are denied boarding.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Kenya is a mobile-first economy where M-Pesa (mobile money) is near-universal and often preferred over cash or cards. In Nairobi and Mombasa, credit cards are accepted at major establishments, but cash or M-Pesa is essential for rural areas and small-scale vendors.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is facilitated by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) "Madaraka Express" between Nairobi and Mombasa. Domestic flights, operated by Kenya Airways and Jambojet, connect major cities and safari hubs. Long-distance buses, such as those from Easy Coach and Modern Coast, are the standard for terrestrial routes not served by rail.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom. 4G coverage extends to 97.3% of the population, and 5G deployment reached 30% coverage by late 2025. Safaricom remains the most reliable provider in remote national parks and rural districts.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate varies from tropical and humid at the coast to temperate in the highlands and arid in the north. The "Long Rains" occur from March to May, and the "Short Rains" from October to December. The driest and coolest months are June through August.

Health & Safety

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria is a high risk in areas below 2,500m, particularly near the coast and Lake Victoria. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 999 or 112.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Central Highlands: Hub city is Nairobi.

Coast Province: Hub city is Mombasa.

Lake Basin: Hub city is Kisumu.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 65 KES ($0.50 USD)

1 Domestic Beer: 250 KES ($1.92 USD)

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): 1,000 KES ($7.70 USD)

Facts & Legends

The Maasai people maintain a traditional legend stating that Enkai (God) originally granted all the world's cattle to the Maasai; this historical belief served as a cultural justification for cattle raiding against neighboring groups to reclaim what they viewed as their rightful property.