Kenya- Business Travel Kenya- Business Travel
Business Customs
Within the context of Kenya’s political and business culture, which differs in many respects from those of the U.S., the U.S and Kenya have enjoyed a stable relationship for many decades. The principles of customary business courtesy, especially replying promptly to requests for price quotations and orders, are a prerequisite for exporting success. In general, Kenyan business executives are sophisticated, informal, and open. The use of first names at an early stage of a business relationship is acceptable. Friendship and mutual trust are highly valued, and once an American has earned this trust, a productive working relationship can usually be obtained.
Kenyan firms have significant expertise in international business due to the competitive market, an increasing international experience and a growing prevalence of expatriated Kenyans doing business in U.S. who then return to home (Kenya) to live and work. Kenyan buyers appreciate quality and service, and, if justified, are willing to pay a premium if they are convinced of a product's overall superiority. The market, however, remains very price sensitive. It is not common to receive an inquiry to compare prices among suppliers. Care must be taken to ensure that delivery dates are closely adhered to and that after-sales service is promptly honored. While it is natural to assume the client understands the product well, it is important to communicate any known limitations or variations from similar products in the market to reduce the chances of misunderstandings, or failed business relationship.
As there are numerous factors that may interfere with prompt shipment, U.S. exporters should allow for additional shipping time to Kenya and ensure the Kenyan buyer is continuously updated on changes in shipping schedules and routing. Since Kenyan wholesalers and retailers generally do a lower volume of business than their American counterparts, U.S. firms should be prepared to sell smaller quantities than is normal in the U.S. It is recommended to have on your contact list, consolidators who could potentially fulfill shipment of smaller orders by consolidating them with other shipments destined for Kenya. Experience in shipping to Kenya would be necessary when selecting such firms.
U.S. firms should maintain close contact with distributors and customers to exchange information and ideas. Local distributors/representatives can serve as an excellent source of local market information and as appraisers of product market acceptance. In most instances, mail, fax, or telephone communications are sufficient, but the understanding developed through periodic personal visits is the best way to keep distributors apprised of new developments and to resolve problems quickly. Prompt acknowledgment of correspondence by fax or e-mail is mandatory.
If the market size and demand warrants, U.S. marketers should consider warehousing in Kenya for speedy supply and service of customers. Local assembly of complete knock down kits, especially for electrical and electronic goods has an import duty advantage. As would be the case in most markets, vigorous and sustained promotion is often needed to launch products. Products must be adapted to both technical requirements and to consumer preferences, as well as to meet Government of Kenya (GOK) regulations.
The GOK wants to ensure that all imports conform to the stipulated technical specifications; any flaws detected could result in the withdrawal of the product from the market, prosecution of the manufacturer and the retailer/importer, or both. It is not sufficient to merely label a product in conformity with national requirements to achieve successful market penetration. Consumers must be attracted to the product by the label and packaging as well as ease of use. Where possible, a website detailing product value, features, dimensions and shipping weight would be an added advantage. It is more common now for Kenyan buyers to undertake a due diligence or search online for more information on products.
Travel Advisory
The U.S. maintains a Travel Warning on Kenya due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime. For information on the travel advisory, which keeps most recent advice concerning a country, please visit US Passports & International Travel.
Travel Warning on Kenya due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime. For information on the travel advisory, which keeps most recent advice concerning a country, please visit US Passports & International Travel.
Visa Requirements
As of 2011, the fee is $50 for single-entry visas, and $100 for multiple-entry visas, $20 for transit visas and an administrative fee for referred visa of $10. This applies to each applicant regardless of age, and whether obtained in advance or at the airport. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested, and some travelers have been turned around at immigration for not having sufficient proof of immunization. Travelers to Kenya and neighboring African countries should ensure that the validity of their passports is at least six months beyond the end of their intended stay. Kenyan immigration authorities require a minimum of two blank (unstamped) visa pages in the passport to enter the country; some travelers have experienced difficulties when they arrive without the requisite blank pages. Travelers should make sure there are sufficient pages for visas and immigration stamps to enter into Kenya and other countries to be visited en route to Kenya or elsewhere in the region.
Travelers may obtain the latest information on visas as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements from the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 387-6101, or the Kenyan Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York City. Persons outside the United States should contact the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.
If you are going to live in or travel to Kenya, please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Currency
The Kenyan Shilling is the currency of Kenya. Our currency rankings show that the most popular Kenya Shilling exchange rate is the USD to KES rate. The currency code for Shillings is KES, and the currency symbol is KSh.
Telecommunications
Kenya has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure that is reliable and affordable. The three primary mobile networks in Kenya are Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom Kenya.
Roaming and international calling charges in East Africa are generally higher than those in Asia and Europe.
Wi-Fi service in the country is readily available with Wi-Fi hotspots available in major shopping malls, restaurants, salons, and even in some public transport vehicles.
Transportation
Taxis and rental automobiles are available in large towns and cities. Traffic moves on the left-hand side of the road. For safety reasons, visiting American business executives should not use the informal “matatu” bus system or trains. If possible, taxis should be hired via concierge services at hotels or through reputable travel agents.
Kenya has two major international airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and Moi in Mombasa. Taxis are available at the airport, and we would recommend getting a taxi from the various Taxi companies with an office outside the arrivals.
Language
The official languages of Kenya are English and Kiswahili. However, many different languages and dialects are spoken throughout the country. The commercial language is English. Language barriers pose few problems, but in legal documents it is important to have lawyers who can interpret distinctions between American English and Kenyan English.
Health
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at telephone: 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or by visiting the CDC home page.
The U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section can provide visitors with a list of qualified local physicians and pharmacies.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs in particular do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Physicians and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. You must pay for your hospital or clinic bill before you leave the facility. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face serious financial difficulties.
Visitors should check with insurance companies to confirm whether their policies apply overseas, and include medical evacuation for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization or medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost thousands of dollars. Visitors should ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor, or whether they will be reimbursed later for expenses they incur.
Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Most of the year, Kenya is UTC/GMT +3, or three hours ahead of London and eight
hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
A 40-hour workweek is the norm for offices and factories. Typical office working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Banking hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Most retail stores are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are several supermarkets that are open 24hrs, and most shopping malls will have some shops open till 8pm.
The following are the official statutory holidays when most commercial offices are closed:
New Year’s Day January 1
Good Friday March 30
Easter Monday April 2
Labor Day May 1
Madaraka Day June 1
Id-Ul-Fitr June 15
Mashujaa Day October 20
Jamhuri Day December 12
Christmas Day December 25
Boxing Day December 26
Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings
Kenyan law limits the period of temporary importation to be consistent with the purposes for which goods have been imported. For instance, the temporary importation period for goods imported for exhibition purposes shall be limited to the period of the exhibition. However, the Minister for Finance may extend the period of temporary importation beyond twelve months upon application depending on the merit of each case. Such extensions are best requested before the expiry date to avoid inconvenience.
Travel Related Web Resources
American Citizens Registration Form
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Consular Information Sheet for Kenya
Centers for Disease Control
State Department Visa Website
Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office