Kenya
Subregion: Eastern Africa
Kenya is a country located in Eastern Africa. The government is a Unitary presidential republic. The official language of the country is Swahili. The Capital City is Nairobi. The predominant religion is Christianity. Healthcare in Kenya is public and private. There are many different public and private providers and facilities. Public clinics are understaffed and lack supplies. Private clinics are located in the urban areas of Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi. Below is a list of healthcare specialists from the US Embassy in Kenya. Kenya Doctors
Safety:
Kenya, like any other country, has its own set of safety concerns that residents should be aware of. Nairobi, the capital city, has high rates of crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, and mugging. Travelers should be cautious when walking alone or in unpopulated areas, especially after dark. There is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Kenya, particularly from the Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabaab. Attacks targeting civilians, including bombings and shootings, have occurred in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other locations in the past. Avoid travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh, Kibera and Pangani. Be sure to avoid these areas due to high crime. Avoid borders to Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia and Tana River & Kilifi counties due to kidnapping and armed robberies. Kenya has experienced periods of political unrest in the past, and tensions can sometimes be high during elections. Travelers should be aware of the current political climate and any potential risks before traveling to Kenya. Kenya is located in a region where there is a risk of several infectious diseases, including malaria, cholera, and yellow fever. Travelers should take appropriate precautions, including vaccinations and anti-malaria medication. While Kenya has made efforts to improve its road infrastructure, many roads remain in poor condition, particularly in rural areas. Some roads may be unpaved, narrow, and poorly maintained, which can lead to accidents. Drivers frequently ignore traffic laws and signals. Travelers should exercise caution when driving or using public transportation. Nairobi, the capital city, is notorious for its traffic congestion. During rush hour, it can take hours to travel just a few miles. Other major cities and towns can also experience heavy traffic, especially during peak travel times. Reckless driving is a common problem in Kenya, with many drivers exceeding speed limits, ignoring traffic signals, and overtaking dangerously. Drivers are also known to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs, which increases the risk of accidents. Carjacking and theft are also concerns in Kenya, particularly in urban areas. Travelers should keep their car doors locked and windows up at all times, especially when driving through high-risk areas. In rural areas, wildlife crossings can be a hazard. It's not uncommon for animals to cross the road, and hitting one can cause serious damage to both the vehicle and passengers. Driving is on the left in Kenya. During the rainy season, unpaved roads can become impassable.
Cultural Customs:
Kenya is a country located in East Africa with a rich cultural heritage. In Kenya, greetings are an important part of the culture. It is customary to greet people with a handshake, and in some communities, a hug or a kiss on the cheek. When greeting someone older or of a higher status, it is respectful to use their title or honorific. The traditional dress in Kenya varies from one community to another. The Maasai, for instance, are known for their colorful shukas (wraps) while the Kikuyu wear kanga (a long piece of cloth) and a headscarf. In urban areas, Western-style clothing is more common, but people still wear traditional dress for special occasions. In Mombasa, more arabic clothing is worn due to the population being largely Muslim. Kenyan cuisine is diverse and influenced by various ethnic groups. Ugali, a dish made from maize flour, is a staple in many Kenyan households. Other popular dishes include chapati (flatbread), nyama choma (roasted meat), and pilau (spiced rice). Fish dishes are common along the coast and Mombasa is known for its indian foods. Beer and Palm wine are the most readily available alcoholic beverages. Music and dance are an important part of Kenyan culture. Each community has its own unique style of music and dance, often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the nyatiti (a stringed instrument), the kudu horn, and the isikuti drum. Family is highly valued in Kenya, and it is common for extended family members to live together. Community is also important, and people often come together to celebrate special occasions, such as weddings and funerals. The majority of Kenyans are Christians, but there are also significant Muslim and traditional African religious communities. Religious practices and beliefs are an important part of Kenyan culture. Kenyan art and craft are diverse and range from wood carvings and beadwork to paintings and sculptures. These art forms are often used to tell stories and express cultural beliefs.
Geography & Weather:
Kenya’s climate varies based on the region you are in. It has a subtropical climate in the west, a tropical climate on the coast and desert climate in the north east.
In the city of Malindi, which is on the coast of the country, the average temperature ranges from 77 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is August with a median temperature of 77 degrees F and March being the hottest month with a median temperature of 83 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is from April to October. The rainiest month is May. The sun shines on average about 9 hours a day all year. The sea temperature is 81 degrees year round.
In Nairobi, which is in the south of the country, it is cooler because of the higher elevation. The average temperature ranges from 63 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 63 degrees F and March is the hottest month with a median temperature of 71 degrees F. There are two rainy seasons in this area, March - May then from October - December. It’s often cloudy in this area. The sunniest period is from December - March.
In Lodwar, in the north of the country, the average temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. This area lacks a true rainy season, but it can rain sporadically. The sun shines on average about 10 hours a day all year round.
Economy:
The Kenyan economy is classified as a lower-middle-income economy by the World Bank, with agriculture being the largest sector of the economy, followed by services and industry. Unemployment remains a major challenge in Kenya, with the youth being the most affected. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the overall unemployment rate was 7.2% in 2019, with youth unemployment (ages 15-34) at 19.2%. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on employment, with many businesses closing down or reducing their workforce. Kenya's government has implemented various policies and initiatives to address unemployment, including the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, which provides financial support to young entrepreneurs, and the National Employment Authority, which aims to match job seekers with available opportunities. However, these efforts have been hindered by factors such as corruption and a lack of adequate infrastructure. In addition to unemployment, Kenya faces other economic challenges such as poverty, income inequality, and a large informal sector. However, the country has also made progress in areas such as education, health, and infrastructure, and has attracted significant foreign investment in recent years. Tourism is the second largest source of revenue.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
KES 1.00 = USD .0086
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
53,771,296
Median Age:
20.1 yrs
Life Expectancy:
67.47 yrs
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Single Entry eVisa, 90 days (available on arrival at airport) $51
Multiple Entry eVisa, 3-12 months $101
Multiple Entry Visa, 5 Yrs $161
East African Tourist eVisa, 90 days $101 (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda)
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization (registration) - Kenyan citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Kenya for at least seven consecutive years, is of good character and conduct, have no criminal convictions over 3 years, no bankruptcy, must be able to contribute to the economy, and is at least 21 years of age. The person must also prove competency in Swahili.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency visa is available for people looking to relocate into Kenya as expats. You must have your Entry visa for 7 years and cannot have been outside of Kenya for longer than 1 year during that period. Apply at Immigration Services website.
Resources:
U.S. Embassy Nairobi
United Nations Avenue
Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +(254) (20) 363-6451
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(254) (20) 363-6170
Email: kenya_acs@state.gov