Capital
Nairobi (about 4 million people), the second largest city – Mombasa (about 1.5 million people).
Population
About 49.3 million people
Visa
From 01/01/2021, an entry visa to Kenya is issued exclusively in advance online.
We can help with obtaining a visa for 60 USD per person.
As a rule, the visa is ready within 3 working days from the date of application, but we recommend that you allow more time.
A visa is issued in most cases for up to 90 days.
Customs regulations
According to a2zgovcom, duty-free import is allowed: cigarettes – 200 pieces; alcoholic beverages – 1 bottle; perfumes and toilet water – 600 g. The import of fruits, seedlings and seeds is prohibited; drugs; explosives, firearms and toys imitating them, pornographic literature. The export of gold and diamonds is prohibited; ivory products; rare plants and sea shells. At customs, they will be confiscated, and you will have to pay an impressive fine. For the export of some souvenirs, it is necessary to indicate in the declaration that they are not exported for commercial purposes. The import of foreign currency is not limited, but a declaration is required; national is prohibited. Export of imported foreign currency is allowed, national currency is prohibited.
In 2017, Kenya introduced a law restricting the use of plastic bags. We recommend that you pack your things in paper bags or avoid using paper bags when filling your suitcase.
Language
The official languages are English and Swahili. Local languages are widespread (according to Ethnologue, 68 languages are spoken in Kenya).
Banks and currency
The monetary unit of Kenya is the Kenyan shilling (KES; indicated on the price tags as KSh), 1 shilling is equal to 100 cents. Banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 KSh. Coins in denominations of 20, 10 and 5 KSh. Foreign currency can be exchanged at major banks, exchange offices or authorized hotels. Banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Daniel Moi International Airport offer 24-hour currency exchange services. The easiest currencies to exchange are US dollars, pounds sterling and euros. Attention: US dollars are accepted only after 2006 issue!
Banking hours: Monday-Friday from 09:00 to 16:00, Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00. Banks in Mombasa and coastal areas usually open and close half an hour earlier. Credit cards are accepted in all major hotels and other prestigious establishments, the most recognizable being Master Card and Visa. Sometimes American Express and Diners Club cards are accepted. However, you will need cash because small shops only accept cash.
Almost every bank now has ATMs, and they are increasingly installed at gas stations in cities. Traveler’s checks are no longer accepted in Kenya.
Time
The same as in Moscow.
Electricity
The normal mains voltage in Kenya is 240 V AC, frequency 50 Hz. Plugs come with two or three flat prongs, but almost every hotel has adapters. However, we still recommend taking at least one adapter with you.
Connection
Most lodges and hotels have Wi-Fi. If you need guaranteed internet while traveling in Kenya, then I advise you to buy a SIM card from a local operator (for example, Orange or Safaricom).
Tips
Tipping is customary in Kenya. Usually this is 5-10% of the bill, it is customary for maids and porters at the hotel to leave 20-30 shillings. Tips for a safari driver are usually $5-10 per person per day.
Useful addresses and numbers
112 – Emergency operational service (additional number 999).
Russian Embassy in Kenya (Nairobi): Lenana Road, PO Box 30049-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, +254 (20) 272-8700; Consular section of the Embassy: +254 (20) 272-2462
Security
In general, Kenya is a fairly safe country for a tourist, but there are a few rules that tourists must follow. For example, while staying in national parks, it is forbidden to go outside the places of residence without being accompanied by guards. And during the safari it is forbidden to get out of the car without the permission of the guide.
In Kenya, unlike some other African countries, the hunting of wild animals is strictly prohibited. Violators will face serious punishment: a large fine or even imprisonment.
It is not recommended to walk alone in Nairobi after 18:30. It gets dark very quickly in Kenya, at 19:00 it is already completely dark. Watch your pockets and bags, there are as many pickpockets in Nairobi as in any other major tourist center.
Food and drink
It is recommended to drink only bottled water. Avoid eating ice and washed fruits and vegetables, except in expensive hotels and restaurants. Milk is pasteurized, dairy products are safe to eat.
Nairobi has some of the best restaurants in Africa with a variety of food and places ranging from fast food to haute cuisine. Many five-star hotels have wonderful restaurants. You should definitely try the local cuisine, in particular, the local pilau (pilau) – a dish of chicken and rice, or cabbage and rice – and the staple food in Kenya – ugali (ugali), made from cornmeal.
There are many restaurants in central Nairobi and the Westlands and Hurlingham areas, but they are filled with tourists, but in places like Ayani, Olympic, Kibera and similar, the food is more authentic. Among the many cuisines represented in Kenya, Indian, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, German and French are popular. Fast food restaurants are mostly South African chains (Steers, Nandos) and are common in major urban areas.
We can note the local beer Pombe, brewed from millet or bananas, local rum and coffee liqueur (Kenya Cane and Kenya Gold).
