Kenyan Etiquette Tips

1. What to wear

1. DO dress formally for business occasions. For men, wear a suit and tie. For a woman, wear a dress or suit, but make sure the skirt is below the knee. Women will not usually wear pants in a business meeting.
2. DON'T wear tank-tops or tight, revealing clothes if you are a woman. Some areas are Muslim, so it's best for women to dress modestly.
3. DO dress less formally for casual situations. Sneakers are fine for casual attire. Shorts are acceptable for a safari, but they're not usually worn by Kenyans.

1. DO behave formally when dining with Kenyans. Kenyan dining etiquette may vary.
2. DO wash your hands before and after eating.
3. DON'T use your left hand while eating.
4. DON'T begin eating until the oldest male begins.
5. DO take only a little bit of food the first time you are served so you have room for second helpings.
6. DON'T expect beverages with your meal. Kenyans believe it's impolite to drink and eat at the same time. You'll probably be served a drink afterwards.
7. DO finish everything off your plate. It's not necessary, but it's a polite thing to do.

1. DO tip in the following fashion:
   
   
   1. Tip baggage porters kshs 50-100.
   2. Tip bar staff kshs 20-30 per drink per round.
   3. Tip waiters kshs 50-100.
   4. Tip safari guides kshs 500 per person per day.
   5. Tip hotel room staff kshs 50 per day.
      

1. DON'T give or receive gifts with the left hand. Use the right hand only, or both hands for larger gifts.
2. DO give practical gifts.
3. DO wrap a present nicely.
4. DON'T give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient drinks.

1. DO greet with a handshake. Close female friends will sometimes hug and kiss each other on each cheek.
2. DO grasp the right wrist with your left hand when shaking hands with an elder. It shows respect.
3. DO remember that Muslim men and women may not shake hands with the opposite sex.
4. DO ask questions when greeting. Appropriate questions are about the person's health, family, etc.
5. DO say "Jambo?" while greeting, immediately after a handshake. "Jambo?" means "How are you?"

1. DO bring your hosts a gift, such as dessert or flowers. Tea and sugar are common gifts in the more rural parts of Kenya.
2. DO remove your shoes before entering.

1. DO make time for small talk during a business meeting. Personal relationships are very important in Kenya. Ask about their families.
2. DO communicate diplomatically. Directness is uncommon in Kenya.
3. DON'T show anger. In Kenyan culture, displays of anger means mental instability.
4. DO present and receive business cards with both hands.
5. DO be flexible. Sometimes meetings will be very structured (especially if it's with an Indian or British owned company), sometimes they won't.

1. DO learn a few works in Kiswahili. Kenyans usually like when guests to their country try to make an effort to speak their language.
2. DO understand that women over the age of 21 will often be referred to as "Mama" and men over the age of 35 are often referred to as "Mzee." Children will often refer to all adults as "Aunt or Uncle."
3. DON'T kiss or hold hands in public.
4. DO understand that Kenyans will sometimes use analogies, metaphors, and stories when conversing. This is to avoid bluntness.
5. DON'T speak loudly, although in more rural areas Kenyans may speak louder.

1. DO ask permission before photographing someone.
   

1. DON'T imitate animal sounds, throw objects, or corner a wild animal. You never know how an animal will react, and it could be dangerous.
2. DO listen to the guide. Respect their judgment; they're the expert!
3. DON'T smoke while on a safari.
4. DON'T litter. It's disrespectful and can be dangerous to animals. If you bring something in, take it out with you.
5. DON'T take anything you find while on a safari.
6. DON'T feed animals.
7. DO take photos while on a safari in National Parks.