Country Profile - KENYA

General Information

Area: 580,367 sq km (224,081 sq miles).

Population: 30,493,792 (official estimate 2001).

Population Density: 52.5 per sq km.

Capital: Nairobi. Population: 2,143,254 (1999).

GEOGRAPHY: Kenya shares borders with Ethiopia in the north, Sudan in the northwest, Uganda in the west, Tanzania in the south and Somalia in the northeast. To the east lies the Indian Ocean. The country is divided into four regions: the arid deserts of the north; the savannah lands of the south; the fertile lowlands along the coast and around the shores of Lake Victoria; and highlands in the west, where the capital Nairobi is situated. Northwest of Nairobi runs the Rift Valley, containing the town of Nakuru and Aberdare National Park, overlooked by Mount Kenya (5200m/17,000ft), which also has a national park. In the far northwest is Lake Turkana (formerly Lake Rudolph). Kenya is a multicultural society; in the north live Somalis and the nomadic Hamitic peoples (Rendille, Samburu and Turkana), in the south and eastern lowlands are Kamba and Masai and the Luo live around Lake Victoria. The largest group is the Kikuyu who live in the central highlands and have traditionally been dominant in commerce and politics, although this is now changing. There are many other smaller groups and although Kenya emphasises nationalism, tribal and cultural identity is a factor. A small European settler population remains in the highlands, involved in farming and commerce.

Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1963. Head of State and
Government: President Emilio Mwai Kibaki since December 2002.

Language: Swahili is the national language and English is the official language. There are over 42 ethnic languages spoken, including Kikuyu and Luo.

Religion: Mostly traditional but there is a sizeable Christian population (both Catholic and Protestant) and a small Muslim community.

Time: GMT + 3 (Winter), GMT + 2 (Summer).

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are UK-type round two-pin or flat three-pin. Bayonet-type light sockets exist in Kenya.

Communications:

Telephone: IDD service is available to the main cities. Country code: 254 (followed by 2 for Nairobi, 11 for Mombasa and 37 for Nakuru). Outgoing international code: 000. International calls can sometimes be made direct or operator-assisted by dialling 0196. Public telephones work with coins or with phone cards (which may be purchased from post offices or from international call services in major towns); coin-operated phone booths are painted red, card-operated booths are painted blue. Major hotels also offer a phone service, but they usually charge up to 100 per cent more. For local calls, it is useful to have plenty of small change available.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900. The main network providers are KenCell (website: www.kencell.co.ke) and Safaricom (website: www.safaricom.co.ke).

Fax: This service is available to the public at the Main Post Office, the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, and at major hotels.

Telegram: Overseas telegrams can be sent from all post and telegraphic offices and private telephones. Nairobi GPO is open 24 hours.

Internet: There are over 30 ISPs in Kenya: JamboNet and 19 of the other ISPs belong to The East African Internet Association. There are Internet cafes in major cities and hotels.

Post: Post Offices are identified by Telkom Kenya (Kenya Posts & Telecommunications Corporation). Post boxes are red. Stamps can usually be bought at post offices, stationers, souvenir shops and hotels. Airmail to Western Europe takes up to 4 days, and the service is generally reliable. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0900-1200 (main post offices).

Press: The main dailies (all published in English) include Daily Nation, Kenya Times, The East African Standard and The People. Nairobi is the main publishing centre.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Passport/Visa

Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required?
British Yes Yes Yes
Australian Yes Yes Yes
Canadian Yes Yes Yes
USA Yes Yes Yes
OtherEU Yes Yes Yes
Japanese Yes Yes Yes

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for 3 months from date of entry required by all.

VISAS: Required by all except nationals of the following:

(a) nationals of Commonwealth countries for stays of up to 3 months except those nationals listed in the chart above, and nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Belize, Cameroon, Guyana, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, St Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago who do require a visa;

(b) nationals of Ethiopia, San Marino, Turkey and Uruguay;

(c) nationals of Malaysia and South Africa if staying less than 30 days;

(d) all holders of a re-entry pass to Kenya;

(e) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Types of visa and cost: Entry (single-entry): £35; (multiple-entry): £70 (for up to 1 year); £120 (for up to 2 years). Transit: £15.

Validity: Single-entry: up to 3 months from date of issue; Multiple-entry: up to 12 months from date of issue or up to 2 years from date of issue. Renewals or extensions can be made at Immigration in Nyayo House, Uhuru Highway, Nairobi or at Kisumu and Mombasa.

Note: Multiple-entry visas may only be issued to nationals of the United Kingdom.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Completed application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Fee (cheques not accepted: payment by postal order, bank draft, building society cheque, or cash if applying in person). (e) Holiday itinerary or business letter. (f) For postal applications include a self-addressed stamped and registered envelope for return of passport.

Working days required: 3 if applying in person or approximately 5 for postal applications. The length of time for visa processing depends on whether or not the application has to be referred to Nairobi. Consult Embassy or High Commission.

Note: The following nationals will automatically be referred to the Prinicipal Immigration Officer in Nairobi before a visa can be granted: nationals of Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Korea (Dem Rep), Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan and the Syrian Arab Republic.

Temporary residence: Apply to Principal Immigration Officer, PO Box 30191, Nairobi.

Money

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KSh) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KSh1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10, 5 and 1.

Currency exchange: Currency can be exchanged at the major banks. There are over 140 ATMs. Barclays has the largest network, with more than 65 ATMs located in Nairobi and Mombasa and all other major towns. Standard Chartered Bank’s computerised network allows access to 62 ATMs countrywide. International visitors with Visa cards can access their own bank or credit card account through any Standard Chartered dispenser, 24 hours a day.

Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Major hotels now also accept payment by credit card. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: These can be changed at banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Kenyan Shilling against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date Aug ’03 Nov ’03 Feb ’04 May '04
£1.00= 121.81 132.31 139.34 140.57
$1.00= 76.36 77.97 76.50 78.70

Currency restrictions: There is no restriction on the import and export of local or foreign currency. However, documentation stating the source and purpose of the currency is required for amounts equivalent to US$5000 and above.

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1500; 0900-1100 on the first and last Saturday of each month. National and international banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho, Nyeri and in most other major towns. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Many of the banks and bureaux de change at the international airports open 24 hours every day.

Duty Free

Duty Free: The following goods may be imported into Kenya by passengers over 16 years of age without incurring customs duty:

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco; 1 bottle of alcoholic bevarages; 568 ml of perfume.

Note: Firearms and ammunition require a police permit. Pets require a good health certificate, a rabies certificate and an import permit.

Prohibited items: The import of fruit, plants, seeds and imitation firearms. The export of gold, diamonds and wildlife skins or game trophies not obtained from the authorised Kenyan government department is also prohibited.

Public Holidays

Public Holidays: Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. Jun 1 Madaraka Day. Oct 10 Moi Day. Oct 20 Kenyatta Day. Nov 14-16 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 12 Independence Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Mar 25 Good Friday. Mar 28 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. Jun 1 Madaraka Day. Oct 10 Moi Day. Oct 20 Kenyatta Day. Nov 3-5 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 12 Independence Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas.

Note: (a) Holidays falling on a Sunday are observed the following Monday. (b) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr may last anything from 2 to 10 days, depending on the region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix.

Health

Special Precautions Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever Yes 1
Cholera Yes 2
Typhoid and Polio 3 N/A
Malaria 4 N/A
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from infected areas; those countries formerly classified as endemic zones are considered to be still infected by the Kenyan authorities. Travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Kenya. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix for further information.

3: Immunisation against typhoid and poliomyelitis is recommended.

4: Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country. There is usually less risk in Nairobi and in the highlands (above 2500m/8200ft) of the Central, Rift Valley, Eastern Nyanza and Western Provinces. The predominant falciparum strain has been reported as highly resistant to chloroquine and resistant to sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine. Mefloquine is the recommended prophylaxis.

Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated and relatively safe. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks: Dysenteries and diarrhoeal diseases are common. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic; hepatitis A and E are widespread. Meningococcal meningitis is a risk, particularly in the savannah in the dry season; long-staying visitors and backpackers should consider vaccination. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Dengue fever is present, as are leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and filariasis. Avoid sandfly, mosquito and tsetse fly bites, and wear shoes to protect against hookworm. Relapsing fever and typhus are present.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. See the Health appendix for further information.

Note: There is a risk of contracting AIDS if the necessary precautions are not taken. It is advisable to take a kit of sterilised syringe needles for any possible injections needed, as well as drip needles for emergencies

Health care: Health insurance is essential. East African Flying Doctor Services have introduced a special Tourist Membership which guarantees that any member injured or ill while on safari can call on a flying doctor for free air transport. There are good medical facilities in Mombasa and Nairobi. The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) safety communication centre (24 hour) help tourists in difficulty (tel: (2) 604 730 or 505 614; e-mail: safetour@wananchi.com).

Travel – International

Note: Kenya shares with neighbouring countries a high threat from terrorism. Previous attacks have been against civilian or visibly Western targets where foreigners have been present, as demonstrated by the bomb attacks on a hotel and an unsuccessful attempt to bring down a civilian airliner in Mombasa in November 2002. All political rallies planned in Uhuru Park, Nairobi on 7 August 2004 should be avoided: please note that timings may be subject to change. Muggings and armed attacks are prevalent, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa.

AIR: Kenya’s national airline is Kenya Airways (KQ). Kenya is served by a large number of airlines from all over the world, particularly from Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa. These include British Airways, KLM, Sabena and SWISS.

Approximate flight times: From Nairobi to London is 9 hour 30 minutes; to New York is 18 hours; to Los Angeles is 20 hours; to Singapore is 21 hours and to Sydney is 25 hours.

International airports: Nairobi (NBO) (Jomo Kenyatta International) is 16km (10 miles) southeast of the city. A Kenyan Bus Services bus and a Kenyan Airways bus leave every 20 minutes (travel time – 40 minutes). Taxis are readily available, but the fare should be established before getting into the vehicle. The state-controlled Kenacto taxis work on a fixed rate as do the British-style black cabs, and Dial a Cab, which are legally required to charge per kilometre. Airport facilities include an outgoing duty-free shop, hotel reservation, bank/bureau de change, post office, restaurant/bar and car hire.

Mombasa (MBA) (Moi International) is 13km (8 miles) west of the city. There is a regular bus service by Kenya Airways to their city centre office in Mombasa (travel time – 20 minutes). Taxis are also available. Fares should be negotiated in advance. State-controlled Kenacto taxis and British-style black cabs work on a fixed rate. Airport facilities include an outgoing duty-free shop, bank, restaurant/bar, tourist information and car hire (Across Africa Safaris, Avis, Europcar and Hertz).

Note: Immigration procedures in Kenyan airports are likely to be extremely slow, so it is advisable to arrive early.

Departure tax: None.

SEA/LAKE: Short-distance ships sail between Mombasa, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Zanzibar. Passenger and cruise lines that run to Kenya are Barwil Shipping Company, Inchcape Shipping Company and Seaforth Shipping Company. The ports in the Lake Victoria passenger service include Homa Bay, Mfangano and Port Victoria/Kisumu. The ferries in Lake Victoria connect Kisumu in Kenya to Mwanza, Musoma and Bukoba in Tanzania. Fares are paid for in the currency of the port of embarkation. It is also possible to get ferries from Mombasa to Pemba and Zanzibar in Tanzania, and also to Chiamboni in Somalia. Enquire locally for details.

RAIL: Train services operate between Voi and Moshi (Tanzania) and between Nairobi and Kampala (Uganda). Travellers should check beforehand as these rail services may be subject to disruption. For more information contact Kenya Railways, PO Box 30121, Nairobi (tel: (2) 221 211; fax: (2) 340 049).

ROAD: The main crossing points from Tanzania are at Lunga Lunga and Namanga, with smaller posts at Isebania and Taveta. Some direct coach services operate. From Uganda there are crossing points at Buisa and Malaba. Note that at Malaba, the Kenyan and Ugandan customs posts are about 1km (0.6 miles) apart and no transport between them is available. For all road frontier crossings, it is advisable to contact the Kenya AA, PO Box 40087, Embakasi, Nairobi (tel: (2) 825 060-6; fax: (2) 825 068/119; e-mail: aakenya@net2000ke.com) prior to departure from country of origin for up-to-date information concerning insurance requirements and conditions.

Travel – Internal

AIR: Kenya Airways operates an extensive network of flights, which includes scheduled services to Eldoret, Kisumu (on the shore of Lake Victoria), Lamu Island, Lockichogio, Malindi and Mombasa. Air Kenya offers scheduled flights from Nairobi to Amboseli, Kiwayu, Lamu, Malindi, Masai Mara, Mombasa, Nanyuki and Samburu. Air Kenya also operates into all of Kenya’s game parks. Regional Air also operates from Nairobi. There are also private airlines operating light aircraft to small airstrips. Planes can be chartered and are useful for transport into game parks.

Departure tax: None.

SEA: Local ferries run between Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu. For details, contact local authorities and tour operators. It is also possible to hire a traditional Kenyan sailing boat (dhow) in Lamu, Malindi and Mombasa. This is a very basic form of sea travel which requires travellers to take their own food and drinking water.

RAIL: Kenya Railways Corporation runs passenger trains between Mombasa and Nairobi; trains generally leave in the evening and arrive the following morning after a journey of around 13 to 14 hours. There are also branches connecting Taveta and Kisumu to the passenger network. There is a daily train in each direction on the Nairobi–Kisumu route, and also an overnight service (travel time – approximately 14 hours). Trains are sometimes delayed, but most of the rolling stock is modern and comfortable, and most trains have restaurant cars. There are three classes: first class is excellent, with two-berth compartments, wardrobe, etc; second class is more basic but comfortable; third is basic. The dining-car service on the Nairobi–Mombasa route is very highly regarded. Sleeping compartments should be booked in advance. Sexes are separated in first and second class. Children under 3 years of age travel free. Children between 3 and 15 years of age pay half fare. For further information contact Kenya Railways (see address in Travel – International section).

ROAD: Note: The FCO is currently advising travellers to avoid travelling overland through the northeastern province of Kenya; travellers are advised to seek official advice for up-to-date information. 4-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for travel in this region.
Traffic drives on the left. All major roads are paved and many of the others have been improved, particularly in the southwest, although vast areas of the north still suffer from very poor communications. Care should be taken when leaving trunk roads as the surfaces of the lesser roads vary greatly in quality, particularly during the rainy season. There are petrol stations on most highways. The Kilifi Bridge linking Mombasa to Malindi has opened, serving as an alternative to the Kilifi ferry, and easing traffic flows to the northern circuit. Bus: City buses operate in Nairobi and Mombasa at reasonable prices. Peak hours should be avoided as buses get very crowded. Fares are paid to the conductor. There is a network of regular buses and shared minibuses (Matatu); the fares do not vary greatly, but buses tend to be the safer method of transport. All bus companies are privately run. In some towns the different bus services and the matatu share the same terminus. Taxi: Kenya is very well served by long-distance taxis, carrying up to seven passengers. The best services are between the capital and Mombasa and Nakuru. Taxis and minibuses are a convenient method of travel on the coast. Car hire: Self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars may be hired from a number of travel agents in Malindi, Mombasa and Nairobi. This can be expensive, and rates – particularly the mileage charges – can vary a good deal. Most companies insist that only 4-wheel-drive vehicles should be rented. Tours and safaris: Many tour companies in Nairobi offer package arrangements for visits to the game parks and other attractions. Before booking it is very important to know exactly what the all-in price provides. For further information contact Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), PO Box 48461, 00100 Nairobi (tel: (2) 713 348 or 713 386; e-mail: info@katokenya.org; website: www.katokenya.org). Documentation: Visitors bringing in vehicles with registration other than Ugandan or Tanzanian must obtain an ‘International Circulation Permit’ from the Licesing Officer in Nairobi. This will be issued free of charge on production of a permit of customs duty receipt and a certificate of insurance. A full British driving licence is valid, otherwise an International Driving Permit is required. For further details, apply to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles in Nairobi.

URBAN: Bus: Nairobi and Mombasa have efficient bus systems. Single tickets are sold (by conductors), but monthly bus passes are also available from the Kenya Bus Offices in the city centre. There are also unregulated Matatu, 12- to 25-seat light pick-ups and minibuses. These are often severely overloaded and badly driven and therefore should be used with caution. Taxi: Dial a Cab, Jatco and Kenatco run fleets of taxis and these are usually very reliable. The older yellow-band taxis do not have meters, so fares should be agreed in advance. A 10 per cent tip is expected. Taxis cannot be hailed in the street.

Travel times: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Nairobi to other major cities/towns in Kenya.

Air Road Rail
Kisumu 1.05 7.00 14.00
Malindi 0.45 8.00 -
Mombasa 1.00 6.00 14.00
Lamu 1.30 13.00* -
Diani 1.30 7.00 -
Nakuru 0.30 3.00 5.00
Eldoret 1.15 7.00 9.00
Masai Mara 0.30 5.00 -
Amboseli 0.30 3.00 -

Note: *Travel to Lamu by road is not recommended.

Accommodation

HOTELS: Many of Nairobi’s hotels are of top international standards, and some of them are still in the colonial style. Cheaper hotels are also available. Hotel bills must be paid in foreign currency or Kenyan Shillings. Grading: Accommodation in Kenya is divided into groups: town hotels, vacation hotels, lodges and country hotels. Within each group, grading is according to amenities and variety of facilities. The rating is subject to the fulfilment of strict requirements concerning technical equipment, comfort, services, sanitation and security. For further information, contact the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers & Caterers, PO Box 46406, Nairobi (tel: (2) 726 640/2; fax: (2) 714 401).

CAMPING/CARAVANNING: There are no restrictions on camping in Kenya. However, visitors should be aware that camping in remote regions can be dangerous, owing to wild animals and to shifta (armed bandits); the latter are a hazard particularly in the far north. Visitors intending to camp in remote areas should contact the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (see Travel – Internal section) or Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) (see Contact Addresses section).

GAME LODGES/SAFARI TENTS: The type of accommodation available on a safari depends on the type of safari booked. Upmarket safaris offer overnight stays in luxurious game lodges and luxury tented camps. These are often situated in beautiful or dramatic surroundings, with animals sometimes roaming around the grounds freely. Camping safaris are also available – but only travellers willing to live without luxuries such as running water or flushing toilets should consider this. For further information, contact the Kenya National Tourist Office, the Kenya Wildlife Service (see Contact Addresses section), or KATO (see Travel – Internal section).

YOUTH HOSTELS: There are youth hostels in all major towns. For further information, contact the Kenya Youth Hostels Association, Ralph Bunche Road, PO Box 48661, Nairobi (tel: (2) 721 765; fax: (2) 724 862; e-mail: kyha@africaonline.co.ke).

COUNTRY BUSH HOMES: The KWS recently completed the rehabilitation of selected self-catering bandas (cabins) in various national parks. These are privately owned country bush homes usually in spectacular locations, major cities or on main tour circuits. Most travel agents in Nairobi can arrange stays. Contact the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for more information (see Contact Addresses section).

SELF CATERING: Apartments ranging from luxury villas to basic beach cottages can be rented. Assistance with domestic chores can also be arranged.

Sport & Activities

Wildlife safaris: The most common way to see Kenya’s rich wildlife is by organised tours in small vans (which typically carry six to eight people). Private drives and walking safaris are also possible, although both require armed guides. Aeroplane or hot-air balloon trips are available at the Masai Mara National Reserve. Camel safaris can be organised in the Samburu and Turkana areas between Isiolo and Lake Turkana. Each park or game reserve offers different types of animals and vegetation. For further details, see the Resorts & Excursions section or contact the Kenya Wildlife Service (see Contact Addresses section). A list of safari tour operators can be obtained from the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, KATO (see Travel - Internal section).

Watersports: The coastal resorts on Kenya’s Coral Coast, north and south of Mombasa, have fine sandy beaches and there are several coral reefs. The most popular resorts include Bamburi, Kikambala, Kilifi, Malindi, Nyali, Shanzu, and Wasini Island. A wide range of watersports is available, including scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, water-skiing, swimming and surfing. The coast around Malindi is renowned for game fishing. Trout fishing in the lakes (notably at Lake Naivasha and Lake Victoria) is particularly good between November and March. Deep-sea fishing is good along the coast between July and April. Sailfish, marlin, wahoo, swordfish, kingfish, barracuda and tuna are all available. Whitewater rafting is popular on the Athi/Galana River.

Other: Kenya has a total of 39 golf courses ranging from minigolf to 18-hole courses. The most popular destination for trekking is Mount Kenya, although the trails tend to get fairly busy. Other trekking destinations include Mount Elgon (on the border with Uganda) and the Ngong Hills (near Nairobi). Tennis, squash, bowls, horseriding and polo are all popular. Kenya also has good athletics facilities and the Kenyans have a fine record in world competitions. Sports clubs accept visitors.

Social Profile

Food & Drink: Kenya’s national dishes appear on most hotel menus. The country’s beef, chicken, lamb and pork are outstandingly good, as is the wide variety of tropical fruits. Local trout, Nile perch and lobster, shrimps and Mombasa oysters are included on menus in season. Indian and Middle Eastern food is available in most areas. Some game-park lodges serve game, including buffalo steaks marinated in local liqueurs and berries, often garnished with wild honey and cream. Most Kenyans eat maize, beans and maize meal. At the small ‘hotelis’, chai (tea boiled with milk and sugar) and mandazi (doughnuts) are popular. There is a wide range of restaurants in Nairobi and Mombasa, otherwise hotels in smaller towns offer restaurant service.
Locally brewed beer (Tusker and White Cap) and bottled sodas may be found throughout the country. Kenya Cane (spirit distilled from sugar cane) and Kenya Gold (a coffee liqueur) are produced in Kenya. Traditional beer made with honey (uki) and locally made spirit distilled from maize (changaa) may sometimes be found.

Nightlife: Most of the major hotels in Nairobi and the tourist resorts have dancing with live bands or discos each evening. There are also a few nightclubs. There is a large selection of cinemas in Nairobi which show mainly British, European and US films.

Shopping: Khanga, kitenge and kikoi cloths may be bought in markets and the Bishara Streets of Nairobi, Mombasa and the Masai market held in Nairobi city centre on Tuesdays. There is a particularly good cooperative shop in Machakos which sells kiondos, bags stained with natural dyes and with strong leather straps. Makonde woodcarvings are sold throughout the country, and young Kamba and Masai men sell carvings and necklaces on the beaches of the south coast. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0830-1230 and 1400-1730.
Note: The sale of souvenirs made of wildlife skins (this includes reptiles) and shells is forbidden.

Special Events: For a complete list of special events, contact the Kenya National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Kenya in 2004:

Mar Commonweath Day, nationwide. Jun Rhino Charge (charity 4x4 rally race). Jul FIA World Rally Championship Safari Rally, Nairobi. Aug Kenyan Music Festival, Nairobi. Oct 10 Kenyatta Day, nationwide. Nov Mombasa Carnival (parades, floats, music, dancing, arts and crafts). Nov 14-16 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), nationwide. Dec 12 Independence Day, nationwide.

Social Conventions: Western European habits prevail throughout Kenya as a result of British influences in the country. Kenyans are generally very friendly. Dress is informal, and casual lightweight clothes are accepted for all but the smartest social occasions. Tipping: This is not required. Most hotels include a 10 per cent service charge to the bill. If the service charge has not been included, a KSh20 tip is usual, although the amount is entirely at the visitor’s discretion.

Business Profile

Economy: The Kenyan economy is largely agricultural – 75 per cent of the population work on the land, contributing around 30 per cent of national output. The main cash crops are tea and coffee, although pyrethrum, sisal, sugar and cotton are also important. Kenya is one of the few African countries with a significant dairy industry. Hydroelectric plants meet 80 per cent of the country’s energy requirements. The remainder comes from imported oil, which is also used for one of the country’s principal industries, the manufacture of petroleum-based products such as plastic and chemicals. Kenya, which has one of Africa’s largest manufacturing sectors, also produces cement, paper, drinks, tobacco, textiles, rubber and metal products, ceramics, and electrical and transport equipment. The mining industry, however, is very small. In the service sector, tourism is the largest industry and the country’s principal source of foreign exchange.

Like many African countries, Kenya signed up to an IMF-imposed Structural Adjustment Programme in the mid-1990s but it lapsed following policy disagreements between the Fund and the Kenyan government. Further concerns, mainly concerning political reform and widespread corruption, disrupted Kenyan relations with its other major Western aid donors. The IMF and World Bank withdrew support entirely in January 2000. However, following introduction of anti-corruption measures and the privatisation of several major state-owned enterprises, the IMF is now expected to resume its support by the end of 2003. In addition, for the first time, foreign investors have been allowed to take controlling stakes in Kenyan companies.

Recent economic performance has been moderate. An estimated 2 million Kenyans are unemployed and the new government elected in 2003 plans to create 500,000 new jobs. The UK is Kenya’s major trading partner, followed by Germany, Japan and the United Arab Emirates. In Africa, Uganda is Kenya’s most important export market and source of imports. Along with Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda have explored plans to establish a customs union as the first step towards an east African regional trading bloc (a previous effort collapsed in 1977).

Business: Lightweight suits are recommended for all occasions. Prior appointments are necessary. Although Swahili is the national language, English is the official language and is widely spoken. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1700. In Mombasa, offices usually open and close 30 minutes earlier.

Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PO Box 47024, Ufanisi House, Hailé Sélassie Avenue, Nairobi (tel: (2) 334 413; fax: (2) 340 664); or Investment Promotion Centre, PO Box 55704, 8th Floor, National Bank Building, Harambee Avenue, Kenya City Square 00200, Nairobi (tel: (2) 221 401-4; fax: (2) 336 663; e-mail: info@ipckenya.org; website: www.ipckenya.org).

Conferences/Conventions: Main urban centres, such as Mombassa and Nairobi, and most international hotels have conference facilities available. The Kenyatta International Conference Centre, PO Box 30510, Nairobi (tel: (2) 332 383; fax: (2) 252 779) offers facilities, as does the Kenya College of Communication and Technology. For further information contact Kenya Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section).

Climate

Climate: The coastal areas are tropical, but tempered by monsoon winds. The lowlands are hot but mainly dry, while the highlands are more temperate with four seasons. Nairobi has a very pleasant climate throughout the year due to its altitude. Near Lake Victoria the temperatures are much higher and rainfall can be heavy.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens with rainwear are advised for the coast and lakeside. Warmer clothing is needed in June and July and for the cooler mornings on the coast. Lightweights are needed for much of the year in the highlands. Rainwear is advisable between March and June and October and December.