FULL NAME: Republic of Kenya (formerly British East Africa)
CAPITAL: Nairobi
INDEPENDENCE: 12 December 1963
TIME: GMT +3 hours
POPULATION: 30 million
AREA: 582,650 km2
PRESIDENT: Mwai Kibaki

LANGUAGE

The national language is Swahili (Kiswahili) although English is spoken throughout. Kenyans involved in the tourist trade speak English, however it can be fun to learn a few key phrases in Swahili. In total there are 42 ethnic languages in Kenya.

Useful Kiswahili phrases:
Welcome Karibu
Goodbye Kwaheri
Thank you Asante
You’re welcome Karibu
Yes Ndiyo
No Hapana
How are you? Habari?
I’m fine, thanks? Nzuri

CURRENCY

As of June 2007, the approximate exchange rate was 68 Kenyan Shilling (KSh) = $1 USD. The exchange rate is in your favour. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. The price of a beer starts at KSh60. A traditional meal will cost about KSh100, while you can expect to pay about KSh500-1000 for a classy meal.

TIPPING

This is not required but, unlike in some other African countries, is not forbidden either. A small tip is usual, although the amount is entirely at the visitor’s discretion. Bear in mind that salaries in East Africa tend to be very low, and that people working in service industries rely on tips to supplement their wages.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day 1 January
Good Friday (varies)
Easter Monday (varies)
Labour Day 1 May
Madaraka Day 1 June
Moi Day 10 October
Kenyatta Day 20 October
Independence Day 12 December
Christmas Day 25 December
Boxing Day 26 December

SOUVENIRS

As in most African countries, there is a huge range of cheap souvenirs to be purchased. These are handmade, but often mass produced so check the quality before buying. Materials include ebony, soapstone and ivory. Bright sarongs (kangas or kikois) make good wearable souvenirs. Tribal souvenirs are available, including Maasai beaded jewellery, kiondas (woven sisal baskets) and natural or decorated calabashes (dried gourds). If you are after quality artwork, it is probably wisest to look in galleries and shops that deal in it, rather than buying on the black market.

CLIMATE

Kenya is divided by the equator and enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and north-eastern parts of the country. The hottest time is in February and March and the coldest in July and August.

The average annual temperatures in the main areas are:
Mombasa (coastal): Max 30ºC, Min 22ºC
Nairobi: Max 25ºC, Min 13ºC
North Plainlands: Max 34ºC, Min 23ºC

WHAT TO PACK
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. In addition to clothes and camera equipment, the most practical items to pack include:
» Swimwear and beach apparel
» Comfortable walking shoes
» Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturiser and lip salve.