Kenya
East Africa · Swahili · Kenyan Shilling
Greet properly before asking for anything, pay with M-Pesa like everyone else, and haggle in the market but never in the supermarket.
Today in Kenya
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5 phrases you need in Kenya
- HelloJamboJAHM-boh
- GoodbyeKwaherikwah-HEH-ree
- PleaseTafadhalitah-fah-DHAH-lee
- Thank youAsanteah-SAHN-teh
- Excuse meSamahanisah-mah-HAH-nee
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Kenya phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
money
M-Pesa mobile money runs the entire economy, from market stalls to matatus; pick up a Safaricom SIM with your passport and load it, because many places prefer it to cash.
safety
In Nairobi, move by Uber or Bolt after dark rather than walking, keep phones off the curbside window seat, and leave valuables in the hotel safe on coast beaches.
transport
The SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa is comfortable and cheap but sells out, so book a few days ahead on the official platform; for the Masai Mara, fly or take a 4x4 with a driver.
etiquette
Greetings carry real weight; exchange a proper jambo or habari and a handshake before any request, and never launch straight into business.
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