Key facts
Kenya is a country located in Eastern Africa. There are 5 countries (Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) that Kenya shares its borders with. As for languages, the country’s residents speak English and Swahili. Although English is not the official language, a large number of people in Kenya are fluent English speakers.
In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Kenya was ranked 21st out of 100 countries in 2021.
The national currency in Kenya is Kenyan shilling (KES). The shilling (KSh) is subdivided into 100 cent (c).
Kenyan
Banknotes
KSh50KSh100KSh200KSh500KSh1000KSh10KSh20
Kenyan
Coins
KSh1KSh5KSh10KSh20c50c40
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Kenya is 22.92 Mbps and mobile is 52.57 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density It may be difficult to locate an ATM in Kenya.6.94 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Kenya, a passport or ID is required as identification.
Socket types
There is one common socket type used in Kenya. Type G is not very common around the world, so it might be a good idea to check if your electronics need an adapter.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in Kenya?
There are no Mariott hotels in Kenya.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in Kenya.
The IHG hotel chain operates in Kenya.
The Best Western hotel chain operates in Kenya.
There are Radisson hotels in Nairobi.
The Accor hotel chain operates in Kenya.
What fast food chains are present in Kenya?
The McDonald’s chain does not operate in Kenya.
The KFC chain operates in Kenya.
The Burger King chain does not operate in Kenya.
The Subway chain operates in Kenya.
The Domino’s Pizza chain operates in Kenya.
The Starbucks chain does not operate in Kenya.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Nairobi?
Weather data for Nairobi (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are passenger trains operating between some cities.
Subway Systems There is no subway system in any city.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Kenya
Sources
- Kenya Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Kenya (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban Smoking is prohibited in all public areas excluding entertainment and restaurants.
Cananbis legality Both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is prohibited.
The import duty free allowance shall be granted only to passengers who have attained the age of 18.
Alcohol allowance
- 1L of spirits or 2L of wine
Tobacco allowance
- Cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, tobacco and snuff not exceeding in all
250 grammes in weight
Sources
- Kenya Revenue Authority
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)