Kenya: Doing business and staying in touch
Doing Business in Kenya
Business culture in Kenya places strong emphasis on personal relationships, respect, and clear hierarchy. Meetings often begin with polite conversation and enquiries about well-being before moving on to business matters, and taking time to build rapport is seen as important rather than inefficient. Rushing discussions or appearing overly direct can be viewed as impolite, particularly in initial meetings.
Dress codes are generally formal in business settings, especially in Nairobi and when dealing with government offices or established companies. Handshakes are the standard form of greeting, and it is customary to greet the most senior person first. Business cards are commonly exchanged, and titles and surnames are often used until a more informal relationship is established.
Decision-making may take time, as approvals often rest with senior management. Punctuality is expected, though meetings do not always start exactly on time. Hospitality plays a role in business culture, and accepting tea or coffee is a polite and customary part of meetings.
Office Hours
Mon to Fri, 08:00 to 17:00.
Economy
Kenya has one of the largest and most diversified economies in East Africa and acts as a regional hub for trade, finance, transport, and logistics. The economy is driven by a mix of agriculture, services, manufacturing, and tourism. Agriculture remains a major employer and export sector, with products such as tea, coffee, and horticultural goods playing an important role.
Services account for a significant share of economic activity, particularly finance, telecommunications, transport, and tourism. Nairobi has developed into a major business and technology centre, often referred to as a regional innovation hub, hosting international organisations, start-ups, and multinational companies.
Tourism is a key source of foreign income, supported by wildlife safaris, coastal resorts, and cultural attractions. Kenya also continues to invest in infrastructure, including roads, ports, energy, and rail, to support long-term growth. While challenges such as income inequality, unemployment, and cost-of-living pressures remain, Kenya's economy is dynamic and outward-looking, offering a strong service environment for visitors and businesses alike.
GDP
USD$136 billion (2025).
Main exports
Tea, coffee, cut flowers, horticultural products, and petroleum products.
Main imports
Petroleum and fuel, machinery and equipment, vehicles, iron and steel, and electrical goods.
Main trading partners
China, United States of America, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and India.
Keeping in Touch in Kenya
Mobile Phone
Mobile phone coverage in Kenya is generally good, particularly in cities, towns, and along major highways. Nairobi, Mombasa, the coast, and most safari destinations have reliable 4G coverage, though signal strength can drop in remote rural areas and some national parks. Kenya has several major mobile network operators, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom Kenya, all of which offer prepaid SIM cards suitable for visitors. SIM cards are easy to purchase at airports, shopping centres, and authorised outlets, and registration requires a passport. Mobile data packages are affordable and widely used, making it easy to navigate, book transport, and stay connected while travelling.
Internet
Wi-Fi is widely available in Kenya, especially in hotels, lodges, cafés, restaurants, and shopping centres in urban and tourist areas. Most mid-range and high-end accommodation offers free Wi-Fi, though speeds and reliability can vary, particularly during busy periods or in more remote locations. In safari lodges and camps, Wi-Fi may be limited to communal areas and can be slower or restricted to certain hours. Visitors planning to travel extensively outside cities are advised to rely on mobile data as a more consistent option and to download maps and essential information for offline use.
Media
Kenya's media landscape is well developed, with a mix of state-affiliated, private, and international outlets. Television and radio are the most widely used media, with numerous stations broadcasting in English, Swahili, and local languages. International news channels are commonly available in hotels and via satellite television, making it easy for visitors to follow global news. Newspapers are published mainly in English and Swahili, while online news platforms and social media are widely used and often serve as the primary source of information. While the media is relatively open compared with some neighbouring countries, journalists and outlets operate within regulatory limits, and visitors are advised to be mindful when discussing sensitive political topics in public or online.