Kenya is a beautiful country located in East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and growing economy, Kenya has become an increasingly popular destination for expats and travelers alike. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to living in Kenya, including the pros and cons, cost of living, quality of life, culture, and the best places to live.
Why Move to Kenya?
There are many compelling reasons why people decide to move to Kenya. Here are some of the top reasons to consider:
- Vibrant culture and friendly people: Kenyans are known for being very warm, welcoming, and community-oriented. Many expats find it easy to make friends and integrate into Kenyan society.
- Stunning natural landscapes: Kenya is home to incredible beaches, lakes, national parks teeming with wildlife, and scenic highlands. Nature lovers will find plenty of places to explore.
- Growing economy and job opportunities: Kenya has one of the largest and most diversified economies in Africa. Key sectors like technology, finance, tourism, agriculture and telecommunications are rapidly growing, creating jobs for skilled expats. The startup scene is also vibrant.
- Ideal climate: Much of Kenya enjoys a very comfortable, sunny climate year-round. The weather is tropical along the coast and more temperate in the central highlands around Nairobi.
- Lower cost of living: While not the cheapest place to live in Africa, the cost of living in Kenya is generally lower than in Western countries. Everyday expenses like housing, food, childcare and recreation are very reasonable.
- Gateway to Africa: Kenya’s modern infrastructure makes it a convenient base to travel around the continent for business or leisure. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves as a major regional hub.
For adventure seekers, families, entrepreneurs or anyone looking for beautiful natural surroundings, welcoming people and an affordable lifestyle, Kenya offers an appealing destination. The country continues to offer expatriates an appealing mix of amenities, culture and quality of life.
Living in Kenya: Pros and Cons
Like any country, living in Kenya comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here are some of the key pros and cons to weigh up:
Pros:
- Vibrant culture and friendly people
- Year-round sunny weather along the coast and central highlands
- Lower cost of living compared to the West
- Growing economy with job opportunities for expats
- Easy access to spectacular nature and wildlife
- Gateway to other African countries
- Improving infrastructure and technology access
- Delicious local cuisine with diverse influences
- Generally safe for foreigners; low crime rates in many areas
Cons:
- Potential language barrier as English is not universally spoken
- Less economic stability and higher corruption than some countries
- Threat of terrorism remains in certain border areas
- Occasional shortages of electricity and water in some regions
- Driving can be chaotic and road safety is a concern
- Access to high-quality healthcare may be limited outside major cities
- Bureaucratic processes for permits, visas and work permits
- Income inequality is high despite economic growth
While Kenya has its challenges like any developing country, most expats feel the pros generally outweigh the cons. With realistic expectations, the right location choice and respect for local culture, most newcomers find living in Kenya to be an unforgettable life experience.
The Cost of Living in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide
One of the major considerations when moving abroad is cost of living. Here is an overview of common expenses in Kenya:
- Housing: In Nairobi, modern expatriate-style apartments in safe neighborhoods with amenities cost $800 to $2,500 per month. Shared apartments are cheaper. Outside Nairobi, rentals become more affordable. Buying property in Kenya is also an option.
- Food & Groceries: Grocery prices are reasonable. Imported products are 2-3x higher than local brands. Eating out is very affordable with most meals under $10 per person. A nice meal at an expat restaurant may cost $15-25 per entree.
- Utilities: Expect to pay $100-150 per month for electricity, water, gas and garbage collection. Internet costs $60-$120 per month for home broadband. Smartphone data is very affordable.
- Transportation: Public buses or matatus are the cheapest option at under $1 per ride. The Uber-like Bolt is popular, along with tuktuks for short journeys. Taxis are inexpensive too but negotiate the fare upfront. Petrol is around $1 per liter. Buying a used car is also an option.
- Healthcare: Public hospitals are very affordable for many services, though quality issues persist. Good private hospitals cost around $50-100 per doctor visit. Health insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended, costing $150-300 per month for a couple.
- Education: Local schools are the cheapest at $500-2,000 per year. International schools cost $10,000-25,000 per year for higher standards.
Overall, Kenya offers very good value-for-money living, especially outside the capital. With a budget of $1,500 per month, individuals can already enjoy a good lifestyle in most areas. Conservative estimates for expat family budgets are $3,000 to $6,000 per month.
Quality of Life in Kenya
Kenya scores relatively well in quality of life compared to other sub-Saharan African nations. However, there are stark differences depending on where in the country you live. Here are some factors that impact quality of life:
- Safety and Crime: Crime rates have dropped significantly over the past decade, although petty theft still occurs. Violent crime is real but occurs mostly in isolated areas. Tourist sites and residential areas with gates guards and security are very safe.
- Healthcare: Public healthcare is very lacking, but the numerous private hospitals and clinics in major cities provide good low-cost service. Nairobi has specialized international hospitals too. Outside the cities, access to quality care declines.
- Infrastructure: Kenya has made massive investment in infrastructure like roads, telecoms, airports and port facilities. But power and water outages still happen, roads are hazardous, and internet unreliable in rural areas.
- Environment: Kenya faces impacts of climate change including droughts and water scarcity. Air quality is poor in cities and plastic pollution is a huge issue nationwide. However, great efforts are being made on conservation and renewables.
- Education: Literacy rates are relatively high. Public schools often suffer from lack of resources, but private school options are very accessible in cities. There are also excellent international schools.
- Recreation: Big cities like Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu have a wide variety of malls, restaurants, nightlife and cultural activities on offer. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven with Kenya’s beautiful parks and reserves.
Overall, expats are often surprised by the great quality of life possible in Kenya’s best locations. Prioritizing security, healthcare access, and recreational opportunities can really maximize your family’s happiness and wellbeing.
A Beginner’s Guide to Kenya Culture
Kenyan culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous and colonial influences. Here is a quick primer on Kenyan customs, social etiquette, values and traditions:
- Greetings: Kenyans are very gracious, always greeting each other. Learn phrases like “Jambo” (hello) and “Habari” (how are you?). Handshakes, often prolonged, are common between both genders.
- Conversation: Discussion about family, work, sports and culture are appropriate small talk topics. Kenyans avoid controversy and you should too. They take religious devotion very seriously as well.
- Attire: Modest, conservative dress is valued, especially at rural functions. Avoid revealing outfits. Men should wear long trousers. Women don’t need headscarves like other African nations.
- Gestures: Unlike Western culture, beckoning someone with the palm up and finger motions is considered rude. Always use the palm down with gentle wrist motions instead.
- Eating customs: Eat with the right hand, as the left is considered unclean. Leaving a bit of food behind shows you are satisfied. Burping indicates the food was delicious!
- Socializing: Spending time with friends and family is central to life. Visiting unannounced is fine. Bringing a gift for the host is appreciated.
- Values: Family and community are core to Kenyan identity. Elders are respected. Hospitality, courtesy and mutual responsibility define social relations.
Tip: Be patient, embrace spontaneity and show interest in the local customs. With an open mind, expats can really connect with and understand Kenyans.
Best Places to Live in Kenya
Kenya is a large country with very diverse landscapes, climates and lifestyles. The best place for you to settle depends on your priorities. Here are some top cities and areas to consider for living in Kenya:
- Nairobi: As the capital city, Nairobi offers the most opportunities in terms of education, jobs, and entertainment. It has the country’s best schools and universities plus many corporate offices. However, Nairobi is also very congested and suffers from traffic jams and pollution. Security can also be an issue. But if you want access to everything Kenya has to offer, Nairobi is hard to beat.
- Mombasa: The coastal city of Mombasa is known for its beaches, islands, and mild climate year-round. It has a rich history and cultural attractions. Many opt to live in Mombasa for its laidback lifestyle and proximity to tourist attractions. While housing costs are lower, employment opportunities and amenities are more limited compared to Nairobi. Traffic and security can also be concerns.
- Kisumu: Kisumu, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is one of the more affordable places to live in Kenya. It has a lower cost of living and plenty of open spaces and nature. Kisumu has good educational and medical facilities. However, there are fewer employment options and Kisumu tends to be hotter and more humid compared to other parts of Kenya.
- Nakuru: The city of Nakuru boasts an excellent climate, green spaces, and natural attractions like Lake Nakuru National Park. Housing is relatively affordable and traffic isn’t too congested. There are good schools and some economic opportunities. But amenities are more limited compared to larger cities and pollution from industry can be an issue in parts of Nakuru.
Those are some of the top places to consider based on factors like safety, cost of living, infrastructure, and livability. Ultimately, your preferences in terms lifestyle, job opportunities, amenities, and climate will determine which place is best for you in Kenya.
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