kenya tourism facts

Kenya Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

Diana Robinson Photography/ Getty Images 

Kenya is the original safari destination and remains one of the best places in Africa to see wild animals. Its bevy of iconic game reserves include the Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park and both East and West Tsavo. Every year, millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate across the Tanzanian border into southern Kenya on the annual Great Migration – one of nature's most spectacular events. On the coast, historic Swahili settlements and white-sand beaches await.

Kenya is located in East Africa , in between Somalia (to the north) and Tanzania (to the south). It shares borders with the Indian Ocean and three other countries: South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Kenya has a total area of 224,080 square miles/580,367 square kilometers, making it five times the size of Ohio and roughly twice the size of Nevada.

Capital City

The capital of Kenya is Nairobi , one of East Africa's economic and cultural centers. It is located in the south-central region of the country.

According to July 2018 estimates by the CIA World Factbook, Kenya has a population of almost 48.4 million people. The Kikuyu are the most populous ethnic group, and the average life expectancy is 64 years.

Kenya has two official languages : English and Swahili. Of the two, Swahili is the most widely spoken although many Kenyans speak another indigenous language as their mother tongue.

Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in Kenya, accounting for 83% of the population. Protestant is the most popular denomination. 11% of Kenyans identify as Muslim.

The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling. For accurate exchange rates, use this online converter .

Kenya is located on the equator and as such, doesn't have spring, summer, fall and winter. Instead, temperatures are generally consistent all year around (although the climate and humidity vary greatly depending on elevation and proximity to the coast). As a rule, the coastal regions are hotter and wetter, while the interior is cooler and drier. Kenya has two rainy seasons : from late March to May and from late October to the end of November.

The best time to visit Kenya depends on what you want to do while you're there. For safari-goers, the long dry season (June to early October) offers the best wildlife sightings. August is generally the month to travel if you want to watch the herds of the Great Migration cross the Mara River. The dry seasons are also best for visits to the coast or hikes up Mount Kenya , while the short rains (late October to November) are great for birding as they bring exciting migrant species from Europe and Asia.

Top Attractions

Maasai Mara Game Reserve

The Maasai Mara is undoubtedly the most famous of Kenya's many game reserves. Its vast plains are home to all of the Big Five, as well as record numbers of predators – including lions, leopards and cheetahs. In fact, this is one of the best places in Africa to see lions . The Mara also hosts the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra from August to November.

Mount Kenya

Kenya takes its name from Mount Kenya , the second-tallest mountain in Africa. It is part of a UNESCO-recognized national park in the center of the country and has three peaks. Two of them can only be climbed with technical training and equipment; but the third, Point Lenana, is suitable for amateur climbers and is one of the continent's most rewarding treks.

Lamu Island

Lamu Island is located off Kenya's northern coast and is a laid-back destination for history buffs and beach-lovers alike. Lamu Old Town has been continually inhabited for over 700 years and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the quality of its colonial and Swahili architecture. Watersports include fishing, scuba diving , snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.

Although most visitors simply transit through Nairobi , there's more to Kenya's capital than its airport. You can spot lions and rhinos in Nairobi National Park , or watch orphaned elephants being bottle-fed at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage . Other top attractions include the Giraffe Centre, the Karen Blixen Museum and several authentic craft markets.

Getting There

Most overseas visitors enter Kenya through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Kenya Airways offers a direct flight to Nairobi from New York, while other major airlines that serve the airport include British Airways, Emirates, KLM, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airways, Lufthansa and Air France. In fact, Nairobi is one of the continent's biggest air travel hubs. Kenya Airways offers a full range of domestic flights as well.

Most nationalities will need a visa to enter Kenya, including visitors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and most of Europe. However, you can now apply for your visa online . The process is relatively quick and easy, and successful visas are valid for up to 90 days.

Medical Requirements

In addition to making sure that your routine vaccinatons (including measles) are up-to-date, the CDC recommends that visitors to Kenya consider immunizations for hepatitis A and typhoid. Depending on where you're going, when you're going and what you plan on doing while you're there, other vaccinations may also be required. These include cholera, hepatitis B, rabies, polio, meningitis and yellow fever. If you are traveling to Kenya from a country with yellow fever, you will need to provide proof of vaccination at immigration.

Malaria is a risk in all areas of Kenya under 8,200 feet/2,500 meters. Talk to your doctor about options for prophylaxis, remembering that malaria parasites in Kenya have developed a resistance to chloroquine.

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• 2 Cities and major towns
• 3 National parks
• 4.1 Climate
• 4.2 History
• 4.3.1 Swahili culture
• 4.3.2 Maasai culture
• 4.4 Economy
• 4.5 Flora and fauna
• 4.6 Holidays
• 4.7 Tourist information
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.6 By boat
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.3 By matatu
• 7.4 By train
• 7.5 By taxi
• 7.6 By rental car
• 9.1.1 Booked safaris
• 9.1.2 Safaris on your own
• 10.2 Shopping
• 16 Stay safe
• 17 Stay healthy
• 19.1.1 Mobile providers
• 19.2 Wi-Fi hotspots

Kenya in East Africa is a pearl in sub-Saharan Africa. From the scenic sandy beaches at the coast, to the Nairobi National Park (the only one in a capital city in the world), to the majestic Rift Valley , the bird life in Lake Naivasha, the hot boiling springs of Lake Baringo, Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria, Kenya is a very beautiful country with lots of wildlife and scenic features, and is one of the major economic hubs in Africa . Fondly referred to the "Jewel of Africa", Kenya is a dream destination for its Swahili heritage and the home of humankind and Safari industry.

Regions [ edit ]

Kenya is divided into several different regions, each with its own unique characteristics and differences in terms of culture, landscape, climate, and economy:

Cities and major towns [ edit ]

Kenya has 3 major cities:

• -1.286389 36.817222 1 Nairobi — the cosmopolitan capital city and economic centre of Kenya and most vibrant in the East African region.
• -4.05 39.666667 2 Mombasa — historic port on the Indian Ocean seafront and probably Africa's longest continuously settled town.
• -0.1 34.75 3 Kisumu — the major city to the west, on the shore of Lake Victoria.

Major towns based on size and popularity as tourist destination include:

• -2.268611 40.900278 4 Lamu — main town of the Lamu Archipelago, renowned internationally for its annual cultural festival.
• 3.116667 35.6 5 Lodwar — in the north on the main route to South Sudan with access to Lake Turkana
• -3.219444 40.116667 6 Malindi — the landing point of Vasco Da Gama in Kenya with a large Italian population
• 0.05 37.65 7 Meru — town near the base of Mount Kenya. It is the crossroads for travel to Nairobi
• -0.283333 36.066667 8 Nakuru — near lake Nakuru National Park and an extinct volcano (Menengai)
• -3.95 39.744444 9 Mtwapa - the small town near mombasa has become a preferred place of residence for European pensioners and is a centre of night life

National parks [ edit ]

North of Nairobi: These parks, although very interesting and worth visiting, with fewer visitors than the southern parks.

• 0.291667 34.856111 1 Kakamega Rainforest - last primeval rainforest in the country and home to various monkeys and hundreds of bird species
• -0.38 36.699167 2 Aberdare National Park — a cool and cloudy national park with lots of large game, and over 250 species of bird recorded
• 3.960556 36.3425 3 Sibiloi National Park
• 1.133333 34.583333 4 Mount Elgon National Park
• -0.366667 36.083333 5 Lake Nakuru National Park — a stunning 400 species of bird have been recorded here including the largest flocks of flamingos anywhere on earth
• -0.1 37.2 6 Mount Kenya National Park — challenging trekking on high peaks

South of Nairobi: The southern parks are the most visited, especially by those who divide their holidays between a safari and time on the beach.

• -1.49 35.143889 7 Maasai Mara National Reserve — probably the most popular reserve in Kenya due to the high concentration of big cats
• -1.373333 36.858889 8 Nairobi National Park — virtually in Nairobi and a great option to see large game for those on a tight schedule
• -2.778611 38.771667 9 Tsavo East National Park — major game park for short safari trips from the coast
• -3.316667 38.133333 10 Tsavo West National Park — no. 2 game park for short safari trips from the coast
• -2.65 37.25 11 Amboseli National Park — a swampy lowland Maasai park that is one of the best places anywhere in Africa to view large mammals, especially elephants

See also African national parks .

Understand [ edit ]

Kenya is one of Africa's most visited countries by tourists, and rightfully so - it boasts a diversity of attractions and a well-developed hospitality and tourism sector that most of its neighbors envy. The relative ease of travel, the abundance of tour operators, pleasant year-round climate, natural sights and friendly people all contribute to its relative popularity by African standards.

Although made up of many diverse ethnic groups and tribes, Kenyans have a strong sense of national pride. This may be due in part to their unity in the struggle for Uhuru (Kiswahili: "freedom") – independence from British colonial rule, achieved in 1963. While Kenyans can spot ethnic differences among themselves quite easily, to most foreigners these will not be distinguishable. Outsiders on the whole tend to find Kenyans to be relaxed, hospitable, and joyous. Hostility towards foreigners is uncommon; if anything, some visitors may be uncomfortable with the timidity that comes with a perceived dependence on tourist dollars.

Lake Turkana and the area around is also known as the cradle of mankind as many prehistoric fossils have been discovered. Hominid fossils of significant scientific interest have been found in Rift Valley areas such as Olorgesaille, and it is often believed that this area of Africa is where the human species originated from (although recent discoveries in Ethiopia contest that theory).

Economically, the Kenyan story is one of two steps forward, one step back, and so on. The country is one of the more developed in East Africa, and the tourism sector has made it easy for visitors to ignore the prevalence of poverty with all-in luxury safari packages – or commoditize it into a quick and questionable slum tour. The success story of the local startup scene contrasts with the persistent struggles of the underclass and pervasive corruption. In urban Nairobi and Mombasa, chic hotels, golf courses and shopping malls coexist alongside anarchic shantytowns. Rural economies in Kenya are still predominantly agricultural, but with real progress in the 21st century. All this offers an opportunity for travellers of all budgets to mix and match experiences. For a general overview read the Wikivoyage article on travel in developing countries .

Climate [ edit ]

Kenya experiences a wide range of tropical climates. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland, and very dry in the north and northeast. It receives a great deal of sunshine all year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. Nairobi is at high altitude and can be quite cold, even during the day, between June and August.

The long rain season is from April to June, and the short rain season October to December. Rain is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is February to March, and the coldest July to August.

Game viewing is best in the dry seasons, which are from mid-June to October, and from late-December to mid-March. The annual animal migration – especially migration of the wildebeest – occurs between June and September, with millions of animals taking part. It has been a popular event for film-makers to capture.

History [ edit ]

Kenya has been inhabited by people since the beginnings of humanity's existence as a species.

Arab traders began frequenting the coast of Kenya around the 1st century. Kenya's proximity to the Arabian peninsula invited colonisation, and Arab and Persian settlements spread along the coast in the 8th century. Throughout the centuries, Kenya has played host to many different merchants and explorers (Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, et al.) Coastal Kenya formed part of the Swahili Coast , which comprised of numerous wealthy city-states that engaged in trade across the Indian Ocean and Sahara Desert, one of the most prominent being the city of Mombasa .

Kenya became part of the British Empire in the late 19th century. In the 1950s, a brutal war took place between independence fighters called the Mau Mau and the British, with horrendous abuses of human rights on both sides. Kenyan nationalist Jomo Kenyatta was arrested in 1952 and with little evidence, tried and imprisoned for supposed management of the Mau Mau Society, eventually being detained for almost 9 years. Considered a national hero, he led the country after it declared independence on 12 December 1963. Through popularity, moderation and shrewd power politics, the Founding Father turned the country into a de facto dictatorship (whether benevolent or malevolent depends on who you talk to).

When President Kenyatta died in 1978, Daniel arap Moi became president and, for better or worse, ruled as a dictator for over two decades. Moi did not hesitate to rough up his political opponents, and a key administrative building in Nairobi, Nyayo House, became infamous for the rumoured torture that occurred in its basement. However, some Kenyans do look back at this time more fondly as a period of stability. Following a wave of popular protests, stepped down more or less voluntarily in 2002 to make way for freely contested elections.

Those elections were won by Mwai Kibaki, who stayed in office until 2013. Despite genuine economic progress, Kibaki's turn in office was marred by a sense that Kibaki's Gikuyu ethnic group, the country's largest, was consolidating power. This ultimately led to a widespread outbreak of violence in 2007, when his opponent Raila Odinga alleged Kibaki stuffed the ballot boxes to win election. Over 1000 died in the ensuing clashes. Kibaki retained power amidst evidence of tampering on both sides, and with the pre-election polls indicating a razor-thin election, it's impossible to know who the real victor should have been.

Relations with Kenya's neighbours are generally stable and friendly – except for Somalia , whose disintegration has prompted security concerns in Kenya. Kenya participates in international military missions attempting to defeat fundamentalist group al-Shabab; as a result, al-Shabab has launched several high-profile terrorist attacks in various locations around the country. Kenyans are therefore sometimes mistrustful or hostile towards Somalis, although there are many Kenyans of Somali heritage throughout the country and many others are refugees who fled the country's civil war. Kenya's relations with other neighbors are generally much smoother, and Kenya is a member of the East African Community (along with Burundi , Rwanda , South Sudan , Tanzania , and Uganda ) which aims to foster cooperation within the region.

People and culture [ edit ]

Kenya has a diverse population that comprises 47 ethnic communities with a combination of 67% Bantus (Kikuyu, Swahili, Kamba, Luhya, Meru, Abagusii) and 30% Nilotes (Maasai, Luo, Samburu, Turkana and Kalenjin). An important non-indigenous ethnic group are the Indians , who were largely brought over by the British as indentured servants during the colonial period and settled around major cities, and are predominantly business people. There is also a small but prominent white community that dates back to the colonial era, mostly of British descent.

Notable peoples include the Swahili on the coast, pastoralist communities in the north, farmers in central and western and fishermen around the Lake Victoria basin. The Maasai culture is well known to tourists, despite their being a minor percentage of the Kenyan population. They are renowned for their elaborate upper body adornment and jewellery.

Swahili culture [ edit ]

Swahili culture is a blend of various influences from the East African coast, including African, Arab, and Indian cultures. It is predominantly found in Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of Uganda, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here are some of the key aspects of Swahili culture:

• Language – Swahili is the most widely spoken language in East Africa, and is a key marker of Swahili culture. It is a Bantu language with significant Arabic, Persian, and Indian loanwords.
• Religion – Swahili culture has a strong Islamic influence, with many Swahili people being Muslims. However, there is also a significant Christian population.
• Food – Swahili cuisine is a fusion of African, Arab, and Indian influences, with dishes such as pilau (spiced rice), biryani, samosas, and chapati being popular. Coconut milk and spices such as cardamom, cumin, and cinnamon are often used to flavour dishes.
• Music and dance – Swahili music is diverse and includes taarab, a form of music that originated in Zanzibar and blends African, Arab, and Indian styles. Traditional Swahili dances include the chakacha, a sensual dance performed by women, and the ngoma, a high-energy dance performed by both men and women.
• Art and architecture – Swahili art includes intricately carved wooden doors and furniture, colourful textiles, and woven baskets. Swahili architecture is known for its ornate designs and the use of coral stone and lime mortar in building structures.
• Traditional dress – Swahili traditional dress includes the kanga, a colorful piece of cloth worn by women, and the kanzu, a long tunic worn by men.
• Hospitality and community – Swahili culture places a strong emphasis on hospitality and community, with extended families and neighbors often playing a key role in daily life. Social gatherings such as weddings, funerals, and religious celebrations are important events that bring people together.

Maasai culture [ edit ]

Maasai culture is a distinctive and traditional culture of semi-nomadic people who live in parts of Kenya and Tanzania. Here are some of the key aspects of Maasai culture:

• Language – The Maasai people speak Maa, a Nilotic language.
• Dress – The traditional dress of the Maasai people includes brightly coloured shukas (cloths) and beaded jewellery. Men typically wear a red shuka while women wear more colourful shukas. The Maasai are known for their distinctive style of beadwork, which is used to make intricate jewelry, belts, and other items.
• Livelihood – The Maasai people are primarily pastoralists, who rely on their cattle for food, milk, and income. They are known for their ability to live harmoniously with wildlife and have a deep respect for nature.
• Social organization – The Maasai are organized into age-sets, which are groups of people who are born within a specific time period. These age-sets play an important role in Maasai social and political life, and each age-set has its own duties and responsibilities.
• Religion and beliefs – The Maasai have a monotheistic religion that revolves around a single god named Enkai or Engai. They also have a strong belief in spirits and the power of diviners and medicine men.
• Initiation – Initiation is an important rite of passage for Maasai boys and girls. Boys undergo a circumcision ceremony and then spend several years in warrior training, while girls undergo female genital mutilation and are then considered ready for marriage.
• Music and dance – Maasai music and dance is an important part of their culture, and is often performed at social gatherings and ceremonies. Maasai music is characterized by high-pitched chanting and vocal harmonies, accompanied by percussion instruments such as drums and rattles.

Despite the challenges faced by Maasai people in adapting to modernization and globalization, they have managed to maintain their distinctive cultural identity and way of life.

Economy [ edit ]

Kenya is a developing country, with an emerging market economy mostly from its sources of transport infrastructure. Its major agricultural exports are coffee, tea, roses and vegetables. In recent times, Kenya has generated its electricity on renewable resources, mainly geothermal energy.

Flora and fauna [ edit ]

Kenya is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, thanks to its varied geography and climate. Here are some of the notable examples of flora and fauna found in Kenya:

• Acacia trees : These trees are a common sight in Kenya's savannahs and are an important food source for giraffes, elephants, and other herbivores.
• Baobab trees : These iconic trees can be found throughout Kenya and are known for their distinctive shape and large size.
• Mount Kenya Afro-alpine zone : This high-altitude region is home to a variety of unique plant species, including giant lobelias and groundsel trees.
• Mangrove forests : These coastal forests provide important habitat for a variety of marine life, including crabs, fish, and birds.
• The Big Five : Kenya is known for its large mammals, which include elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo. These animals are considered the "Big Five" and are a major draw for tourists.
• Wildebeest migration : Each year, millions of wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti plains, crossing into Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve.
• Endangered species : Kenya is home to a number of endangered species, including the Grevy's zebra, the black rhino, and the African wild dog.
• Birdlife : Kenya is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 1,000 bird species found in the country. Notable species include flamingos, ostriches, and the African fish eagle.

Holidays [ edit ]

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Easter (Good Friday and Easter Monday)
• Labour Day (May 1)
• Madaraka Day (June 1)
• Eid al-Fitr (variable) Islamic religious observances
• Mashujaa Day (October 20)
• Jamhuri Day (December 12)
• Christmas (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Magical Kenya website

Talk [ edit ]

English and Swahili are the two official languages. As a diverse country with over 40 ethnic groups and 60 languages between them, most Kenyans are multilingual, speaking their native ethnic language along with Swahili, which is the preferred language for interethnic communication. Most people, particularly in urban areas, also have a working knowledge of English, though this will vary depending on their level of education. Efforts to communicate in Swahili are generally greatly appreciated by Kenyans and can become increasingly useful in more rural areas where English speakers are less prevalent.

Get in [ edit ]

Visa [ edit ].

̈From 2024, Kenya is moving from the E-Visa to single entry Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). All countries apart from the countries of the East African Community will need to apply for a ETA to enter Kenya. The ̊ETA costs US$ 34.09.

Before the new ETA, visas were not required for the following nationalities: the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Burundi, Cyprus, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, the Gambia, Grenada, Grenadines, Ghana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia*, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa*, Solomon Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

From January 2024, citizens of all countries apart from the east Africa community need to get an ETA.

(Countries marked with a '*' are limited to 30-day ETA stays; longer visits will require a visa.)

E-Visas cost: *One year multiple entry: US$101 + $4.20 card fee,

90 day East Africa visa and one year multiple entry visa are still available through the eVisa portal . Unlike some countries' visas, the application for a Kenyan visa is extremely tedious (8 pages).

If you only get a 30-day ETA stay on arrival, you can get a visa extension. The first 60-day visa extension is free, then a 90-day visa extension is available for a fee. The maximum stay on a tourist visa is 180 days, but most people now get a 90-day stay on arrival.

East African and one year multiple entry Visas now have to be obtained online beforehand through eVisa portal. Two years after Kenya introduced the e-Visa, some scammers tried to reap unsuspecting visa applicants by creating fake websites . E-visas for Kenya can only be applied for on the official government website.

Nationalities from the following countries are not eligible for visa on entry, and must apply beforehand: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cameroon, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mali, North Korea, Senegal, Somalia, Syria, Palestine, Tajikistan.

If you require a visa to enter Kenya, you may be able to apply for one at a British embassy, High Commission or consulate in the country where you legally reside if there is no Kenyan foreign mission. For example, the British embassies in Almaty , Belgrade , Budapest , Guatemala City [dead link] , Jakarta , Prague , Pristina , Rabat , Riga , Sofia , Tallinn , Vienna , Warsaw and Zagreb accept Kenyan visa applications (this list is not exhaustive). British diplomatic posts charge £50 to process a Kenyan visa application and an extra £70 if the authorities in Kenya require the visa application to be referred to them. The authorities in Kenya can also decide to charge an additional fee if they correspond with you directly.

Holders of single-entry visas can re-enter Kenya if they have only gone to the Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda and declare it upon re-entry to Kenya with proof of passport stamps.

Plastic bags are forbidden in Kenya . The ban on the import of plastic bags also applies to tourists. There are strict penalties. Plastic bags in your baggage are to be handed in upon arrival in Kenya.

By plane [ edit ]

Kenya Airways (KQ) is the national airline, and one of the largest airlines in Africa. KQ has extensive regional (e.g. to Capetown, Johannesburg, Harare, Cairo, Entebbe, Accra) and international connections (e.g. to Bangkok, Dubai, London, Amsterdam, New York City, Mumbai). It is also a SkyTeam associate member.

Kenya has three international airports:

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ( NBO  IATA ) in Nairobi . Approximately twenty minutes from the main business district.
• Moi International Airport in Mombasa .
• Eldoret International Airport (local flights and cargo only).

Jomo Kenyatta is the primary arrival point for visitors flying into Kenya. There are excellent flight connections provided by KQ to major tourist destinations such as Mombasa, Kisumu and Malindi.

Airlines that serve NBO are: Air Arabia, African Express Airways, Air Mauritius, Lufthansa, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, China southern airlines, Condor Airlines, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fly Sax, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch, LAM Mozambique airlines, Jubba airways, Precision Air Tanzania, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, South African Airways, RwandAir, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Jambo Jet.

More airlines are flying to Kenya, and Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has become a hub for East and Central Africa. Kenya Airways (among others) also provides direct flights from Nairobi to several West African countries, e.g., Lagos in Nigeria, Bamako in Mali, as well as direct flights to Bangkok and connections to Hong Kong and China.

By train [ edit ]

It is not possible to enter or leave Kenya by train as of 2024. Kenya Railways have however stated their intent to revive the existing colonial network to the border of Uganda and Tanzania , opening the possibilities of international travel in the near future.

By car [ edit ]

Major roads are typically paved with various states of maintenance though secondary roads outside of urban areas are typically unpaved. All neighbouring countries can be accessed by road, including Ethiopia via the border town of Moyale , Uganda via Busia or Malaba, and Tanzania via Namanga or Lungalunga. Turkana, Marsabit, Moyale, Mandera, Garissa, Isiolo, and some parts of Ijara are considered insecure and prone to banditry and terrorist attacks from Somalia. Before driving to the northern region, ensure you check whether there are any security advisories or whether you need to prearrange security escort.

By bus [ edit ]

Regular bus services operate between:

Nairobi (Kenya) & Arusha (Tanzania); Nairobi (Kenya) & Kampala (Uganda); Mombasa (Kenya) & Dar es Salaam (Tanzania); Kisumu (Kenya) & Kampala (Uganda);

• Modern coast express has buses from
• Nairobi to Dar es Salaam .
• Nairobi to Kampala .
• Nairobi to Jinja .
• Nairobi to Kigali .
• Nairobi to Arusha .
• Nairobi to Moshi .
• Nairobi to Mwanza .
• Mombasa to Dar es Salaam .
• Mombasa to Tanga .
• Kisumu to Kampala .

By boat [ edit ]

This is limited to the coastal area, e.g. cruises from Zanzibar to Mombasa.

Get around [ edit ]

Most international visitors will arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi (NBO). If you are already in Nairobi and need to get to the airport, plan at least two hours to get there as the main road to the airport is subject to heavy traffic jams, and security checks are tedious.

Kenya Airways (KQ) offers the most scheduled connections from JKIA and regular daily flights to the following destinations: Mombasa , Malindi , Lamu and Kisumu . Check in is 45 minutes before departure for local flights and two hours for international. Pay attention to the announcements while in Unit 3 of JKIA as passengers on different flights are put in the same waiting area. If you are flying from another destination to Nairobi and using Kenya Airways in the tourist high season (July–September, December–February), KQ flights are frequently delayed and preference is given to international connecting passengers, platinum frequent-flyer card holders, and first-class passengers. Domestic flights operated on Embraer E190 Aircrafts.

Jambojet is a low-cost, no-frills airline also flies from JKIA and offers scheduled connections to Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Kisumu, Eldoret, Ukunda (Diani). Plans to extend the service to the East African region are underway. Jambojet now fly from Uganda. A one-way flight to Mombasa from Nairobi can cost as little as Ksh 3500 depending on the timing (checked luggage requires an additional fee). Tickets can be booked online and paid for with Visa and Mastercard. The airline's Domestic flights operated on Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 Turboprop Aircrafts.

Airkenya, Safarilink, Skyward Express have fights from Wilson Airport Nairobi to Ukunda/Diani, Malindi, Lamu, Amboseli National Park , Maasai Mara, Meru , Nanyuki and Samburu. The lounge features a Dormans cafe. Check in can be done up to 15 minutes before departure. Wilson Airport was once the busiest airport in Africa outside South Africa and still remains a major hub for local flights to the nature reserves in Kenya and to cities in neighbouring countries. Anyone using Airkenya is advised to lock their checked-in bags. Things have been known to go missing from luggage while in the care of Airkenya.

Most charter tourists fly directly to either of the coastal airports of Mombasa or Malindi.

Kenya has a network of long-distance bus lines. Speed is limited to 80 km/h, and the highways can be very bumpy and dusty, so be sure to pick a comfortable and reputable coach company such as Modern Coast for the long journeys.

Local buses in town are run by private companies, such as the green and yellow Citi Hoppa, which provide transportation along various routes for Ksh 50–100. They have regular services in and out of the Nairobi city suburbs. They usually seat 20–35 passengers (no standing passengers are allowed by law) and are a cleaner and less hectic mode of transport than matatus, while still plying many of the same routes.

• Guardian Coach
• Modern Coast

By matatu [ edit ]

Matatus are privately operated minibuses, typically for 14 or 25 passengers and operating over short and medium distances. They provide a very cheap and quick method of transport in all the major towns and many rural areas. The name matatu comes from the Kiswahili word for the number three – tatu – because some time ago the standard fare was three ten-cent coins. Matatus operate along set routes, picking and dropping off passengers at any point along the way. Most rides within cities cost Ksh 40–100.

Many matatus are poorly maintained and many are to be found with a fascinating and colourful décor — usually global icons in sports and music, designer brands, et al. — which is a major feature of Kenyan urban culture. Travel by matatu can be risky as the vehicles are often extremely badly driven, with matatu drivers swerving in and out of traffic and stopping at a moment's notice by the side of the road for passengers. Matatus used to be usually packed to well over capacity – up to 25 people in a 14-seater vehicle. It is strongly advised not to take matatus at night, as they are known targets for robberies, in addition to the increased risks of reckless night driving.

Passenger trains are making a comeback in Kenya with the new railway line, often referred to SGR (short for standard-gauge railway), linking the capital Nairobi with the port city of Mombasa . The line is fully operational with three trains in each direction every day, journey time is about five hours. There is also an SGR line from Nairobi to Naivasha which opened in late 2019.

Trains are branded as Madaraka Express and are operated by Kenya Railways . There is one Express train and two Inter-Country , with the latter making more stops along the route. As of 2024, tickets for the full journey are Ksh 4,500 for first class and Ksh 1,500 for second. Tickets can be bought at their dedicated website . While the trains operate at semi-high speed, stations are often far from the city centre. In Nairobi and Mombasa, travel time from the city centre to the station is up to one hour.

The old colonial metre-gauge railway network (often referred to as MGR ) is being rehabilitated too. While this network is considerable slower compared to SGR (and even intercity buses!), fares are very cheap and the routes are scenic. There's an 2 x weekly train between Nairobi and Nanyuki via Nyeri , departing from Nairobi on Tuesday and Fridays and from Nanyuki on Wednesday and Sundays. Journey time of about six hours. the 3rd class ticket is now 400. Also, there are 1x weekly trains between Nairobi and Kisumu , departs Nairobi Friday. departs Kisumu Sunday on the shores of Lake Victoria. a 3rd class ticket is now 900.

Kenya Railways have stated their intent to revive the network to the border of Uganda and Tanzania too, opening the possibilities of international travel in the near future.

By taxi [ edit ]

• Regular taxis are safer than matatus and some think they should always be used, especially at night. Always negotiate the price before the trip. You can calculate about €1/km.
• Bolt . Includes many towns. ( updated Jan 2024 )
• Uber . Works in Nairobi. ( updated Jan 2024 )
• Little [dead link]
• Tuktuk : They run everywhere in the city centres (except Nairobi) or hotel areas on the coast. These are motorized tricycles or rickshaws like in India, cheap, comfortable and airy, fun and the best way to get around the city centre. Just stretch out your arm and one of what feels like a million tuktuks will stop. Also the best way to get to know a city, every driver will like to "take a lap". Negotiate price! Price approx. €0.5/km
• Motorbike taxi : There are also Boda-Boda , that is, young men with their small motorbikes, mostly by the dozen waiting for customers on the coast or at intersections, hotel driveways, shopping streets, in front of bars and restaurants. An alternative to taxi for short trips and during the day, not recommended at night or over longer distances. You should be aware that this is by far the most dangerous type of transport. Avarice can easily end here in the hospital. If you are staying in Kenya for a longer period of time, it is worthwhile to have one or two permanent Boda drivers you can trust and whom you can always fall back on. Price approx. €0.25/km

By rental car [ edit ]

Most worldwide rental agencies have offices in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, and these offer reliable cars with a full back-up network. One can also rent cheaper cars from local distributors who are mostly reliable. However it is always good to do a background check before sending in a deposit. When you hire a car, no matter the brand name, always take note of the various dents, or states of the car as it may prove contentious especially when a "refundable" deposit was involved.

When it comes to renting a car for a safari, consider booking a customized vehicle driven by a local tour driver-guide, provided by a Kenya-based tour operator. The reason is that the road conditions in Kenya will pose a major challenge to anyone used to the high standards of quality roads and standards of driving in the West or parts of Asia as well. Roads, even national highways in some cases are in a state of disrepair, may have potholes, unmarked speed breakers (particularly dangerous) and a lack of road signs or directions. It is the general consensus even among Kenyans that standards of driving and road safety in Kenya are deficient and the country has a high rate of serious accidents. Renting a safari vehicle with a trained driver~guide is often not that expensive and this service is offered by companies in Kenya such as Shoor Car Rental and Market Hire. There are two types of safari vehicles: the less costly minibus (tour vans) and the 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser models which cost more but are larger and have four wheel drive. Both vehicle types have game viewing roofs and the minibus is suitable for travel to most destinations except those that may have involve rough or muddy road travel.

It is quite convenient to hire a car online and pick it up at the airport once you arrive. The minimum driving age in Kenya is 18 years and for you to hire a vehicle, you may be required to be at least 23 years and have a minimum of 2 years driving experience. Other rules to comply with are: drive on the left side of the road, talking on a hand-held phone is prohibited, seat belts are mandatory and drivers must always carry a valid driver's license. Make sure that the car you are hiring has up-to-date comprehensive and PSV insurance which are normally displayed on the top left side of the windscreen. When hiring a car for cross-border travel you might need to purchase additional insurance and carry the motor vehicle original log book.

The Nairobi CBD is traffic prone and it is difficult to find parking on working hours. If you can, avoid going to the CBD on weekdays. However, roads out of the city are relatively easy to navigate and pleasant. Kenya has a lovely countryside and most of the roads linking the major towns are in good condition. Smaller roads however may be dilapidated and you might need to rent a 4X4 to get you there. A good map is essential, and if you are self driving to game parks and the like, a GPS would be very useful - sign posts are rare and you are never quite sure if you are on the correct road, leading to many wrong turnings and backtracking.

Some car rental companies provide free extras like a mobile phone with a local number. Other extras that are available at a cost are additional GPS, child seats, camping equipment, rooftop tent and a driver.

Most car rental companies offer cars of all sizes with Japanese models being dominant. All reservations can be made in English with some rental companies providing reservations in French, German, Chinese and Spanish. International car rental companies such as Europcar , Sixt , Budget , Avis and Hertz offer car rental in Kenya. Local car rental companies like Hire N' Drive & Elite Car Rental Kenya are usually very competitive and professional.

See [ edit ]

In Kenya, nature is the main attraction. The cities offer little really worth seeing, apart from the lively and chaotic city life.

Kenya has some of the world's best game reserves where you can go for a safari , and see some of the finest African flora and fauna . The parks are famous for lions, giraffes, elephants and huge herds of zebras, wildebeests and buffaloes. It's wise to shop around for tour operators before picking one, to see what's on offer, who you vibe with, and to get a competitive price.

The annual wildebeest migration (from Maasai Mara to the Serengeti ) is an awesome sight and best experienced in a balloon safari. Bookings to watch the migration are best done months in advance due to the high demand and limited lodging available in the Mara. Migration is during August and September.

Kenya also is a great destination for beach holidays , with several located along the coastal regions and the city of Mombasa , especially Diani Beach . Other coastal towns worth visiting include Lamu and Malindi .

Kenya is also becoming a golf holiday destination, thanks to the many beautiful lush courses around the major urban areas including some which have hosted international Golf tournaments such as Muthaiga and Karen Golf Courses. Outside of Nairobi there is the well known Limuru Golf Club and the Great Rift Valley Golf Resort close to Lake Naivasha. Green fees range from US$15–60 per round, plus a US$5–7 caddy fee for 18 holes.

The northern parts of Kenya are home to some spectacular tribes living very traditional lifestyles - you can start to encounter these remarkable societies near to and around the main road north into Ethiopia (the A2 which runs through Marsabit and into Moyale at the Ethopian border), as well as west of this in places such as Wamba, Maralal, Baragoi, Korr, Kargi, and South Horr.

Kenya has sites from the independence era and the Nairobi National Museum is a good place to learn about the country's rich heritage and recent events in history.

Do [ edit ]

• If you want to spend some time in the urban social scene, you might consider attending music and cultural events such as Blankets and Wine, which features international and local artists performing in a picnic-like setting for families and friends looking to enjoy African talent. The event happens on the first Sunday of every month in Nairobi.
• Rift Valley Festival, which incorporates a camping experience with a sample of cultural and musical tastes from around the country and internationally.
• Samosa Festival is an event set up to integrate the Asian and African cultures in the country. A significant percentage of the urban population is of Asian (Indian) ancestry and has existed since before independence. Their immigration was brought on by the construction of the railway. This event features cuisine from both cultures, poetry and literature (spoken and written), music and games.
• Maulid festival is a one-week event that can only be enjoyed in the Coastal region, specifically in the ageless town of Lamu, which has the majority of the population of Muslim faith. It is the one event which everyone from the region looks forward.
• The three major cities have an array of nightclubs that play local and international music. Though the experience may be thrilling, it would be wise to visit in the company of a guide or a trusted local, as like any other country with a nightlife, nightclubs may attract untrustworthy party-goers and "clubbers", but this shouldn't ruin your experience as nightclubs are also great places to meet singles and new friends.

Safaris [ edit ]

Safari : Watch a wildlife migration in one of the national parks. Go for a game drive in many parks and reserves found in the country. If you are on a tight schedule take a game drive in the Nairobi National Park, less than 20 minutes drive from Nairobi's central business district. Major attractions: big cats including lions and leopards, buffaloes, a variety of antelope species, baboons, and monkeys, among others.

Most vacationers who come to Kenya want to combine the beach with a safari tour. Safaris are never cheap, as the entry fees are high and the camps are usually luxurious. Cheap mass tourism is also undesirable as it would endanger the animals. You shouldn't visit too many parks in a short time, otherwise too much time is wasted on transportation. Less is more here.

• Best travel time for safaris: The time of the great animal migration depends on the annual rainfall and can be subject to large fluctuations. The best chances to experience the great migration are in the months of July to September. In the off-season after the rainy season (May - June) the grass is tall and the animals are sometimes more difficult to see, except for elephants and giraffes. On the other hand, nature has fresh colours and the safaris are cheaper. In the high season August–September the grass is short and the sight of animals is easier, but also more expensive.
• Getting there : If you want to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve, it is financially worthwhile to travel to Kenya via Nairobi to save the high costs of the flight from the coast to Masai Mara and back. Or, if you have enough time and want to keep costs down, you can start the safari tour from the coast by car to Tsavo, Amboseli, Nairobi, Naivasha, Masai Mara and then back to the coast by plane or train from Nairobi. The best combination of a beach holiday with a safari when arriving via Mombasa are the Tsavo Parks, which can be reached inexpensively by safari vehicle.
• Clothing on safari : Maasai Mara is cooler than Tsavo Parks and Amboseli, sometimes below 10 °C in the morning and safari vehicles are usually open. From 9AM, it gets very warm, so a T-shirt and shorts are enough. That is why the "onion look" is recommended, for example zip-off pants, T-shirt and fleece jacket and a "multifunctional scarf" (as a headband against blowing hair when the jeep is open, as a hat when it is cool in the morning, as a scarf when it is too windy in the open car or because of the air conditioning and as sun protection for the head), possibly also hat or cap and gloves for sensitive people. It is also important to have sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellents and enough batteries, as the electricity in the lodges is sometimes switched off overnight. Light shoes or flip-flops (to get on the seat). Getting out of the car is only possible for a short time, if at all, and not wandering around anyway. In the evenings at camp, a fleece jacket and a jogging suit are comfortable. In Tsavo and Amboseli, short clothing plus a windbreaker, multifunctional cloth, mosquito and sun protection, sunglasses and spare batteries are sufficient. In the evening, if you want to stay seated a little longer, a jogging suit and windbreaker are sufficient.

Booked safaris [ edit ]

• There are a number of reputable travel agencies on the coast or in Nairobi who organize safaris and have great experience.
• There are also illegal providers who work without a license and are cheaper. For your own safety you should give preference to the legal ones. For personal safety, the company should properly maintain and insure its vehicles and have an operating license. Good companies usually have their own office and the vehicles have a company logo that clearly identifies the minibuses and off-road vehicles as company vehicles. For such safari operators, scams are much more difficult because they are easy to track. Company signs on the vehicles should be firmly mounted and not be interchangeable with a handle for the next car, as illegal providers like to do.
• If you want to book via the Internet with the local safari providers, e.g. at Diani Beach (which is advisable because of the good local knowledge), you should inquire about several providers, because each company either works with different hotels or receives different conditions at the respective hotel . The prices depend heavily on the time of year, the hotel and the means of transport to the game drive. Camps in the park are more expensive than those outside. A lot of time is lost for the arrival and departure, and there are fewer opportunities to see animals on the game drive. Safaris in which you are accommodated in a minivan with 6 others are cheaper than if you are traveling with a few in an off-road vehicle. Individual trips are significantly better than group trips in a narrow minivan. During animal migration, prices are at the highest level. For good offers, it is necessary to choose the travel time, the number of people, the accommodation in the respective park, the number of days you want to stay in the respective park and the type of transport jeep or minivan.

Safaris on your own [ edit ]

Safaris are traditionally always expensive. Anyone who is not in good financial shape or is not a fan of organized tours will consider going on a safari on their own. There are a few things to consider.

• Important : Basically, you should only consider this if you have experience in Africa, can cope with the chaotic traffic and the often ailing technology of the rental vehicles. Experience with the behaviour of the very dangerous large game animals is also essential.
• Transport and rental cars : You should start from Nairobi if you can. The distances to the parks are shorter than from Mombasa. It is easy to drive north especially and you save yourself the dangerous Mombasa – Nairobi Highway. In addition, the range of reasonably suitable rental vehicles in Nairobi is better than on the coast. The top rule on the Mombasa Highway is: Give in and think along. If necessary, there are run-off areas that you can use if someone overtakes without paying attention to oncoming traffic. But it should be clear that it is quite exhausting for the driver. You have to like driving a car and see it as an adventure. And: something always breaks on the car on a safari. You always get help, but you have to have the nerve to deal with that. You are allowed to drive yourself in all national parks! Likewise in the Mara Reserve, not in some Mara Conservancies.
• Orientation : Google Maps works generally quite good in cities and on country roads. It's almost useless in the parks themselves.
• Animal sightings : As a self-drive, it will take significantly longer to find the animals. You have to pay the considerable fees per day for the park also as a self-driver. If you want to see a lot in a short period of time, you should hire a local guide who is knowledgeable about the area and who is often even better than a driver from the coast.
• Guides : For the Tsavo Parks, Nakuru and Amboseli you don't need a guide, in the Samburo Park you might need a local guide and in the Masai Mara it is essential. You ask about this directly when booking the accommodation. Good guides don't just stand at the park entrances.
• Safari Card : You have to organize entry to the park. It's not difficult, but you need some information. You can't just go there, as most gates have to be paid in advance or only via Mpesa .
• Camping : Almost all camps are not fenced and some live monkeys and baboons who like to help themselves and have no respect for whites. Most of the campsites there are need to be pre-booked and prepaid. There is almost no infrastructure. You should have the right people with you when camping. The wrong treatment of wild animals can quickly result in disaster.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The currency is the Kenyan shilling , denoted " Ksh " or by " /- " following the number (ISO code: KES ). It can be divided into 100 cents, though the smallest denomination in circulation is the 1 shilling coin.

Coins in Kenya come in denominations of 1-, 5-, 10 and 20 shillings. Two series of coins are in circulation, one featuring an image of President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and the current issue featuring Africa's recognizable animals. Banknotes in Kenya come in denominations of 50-, 100-, 200-, 500 and 1,000 shillings.

Next to cash, Mpesa (phone transactions) is the most popular payment method and much more common than debit or credit cards. Cash can be topped up or withdrawn in various shops.

• ATM networks in Kenya with No withdrawal fee . (Jan 2024) Ecobank, Co-operative Bank, NCBA, GT Bank, Sidian Bank, DTB, I&M, National bank.
• ATM networks in Kenya with a withdrawal fees of Ksh 400–700. Standard Chartered, ABSA, Stanbic, Equity, Bank of Africa, KCB, Family bank.
• ATMs accept Mastercard, visa card, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, Union Pay and Discover cards.

Shopping [ edit ]

Kenya is famous for many handicrafts, which are often the signature of a particular tribe or region. Look for Kisii stone (soap stone) carvings, Maasai jewellery, Mkonde wood carvings, Lamu chairs and batiks. The largest selection of handicrafts can probably be found at the Maasai Market which rotates and can be found at different locations within Nairobi. For example, on Sundays, they are located at Yaya Centre near Hurlingham, and on Saturdays, they can be found at the central business district near the law courts parking space.

On Fridays, they are at the Village Market in Gigiri, near the UN headquarters. Gigiri, like Yaya Centre, is a plush suburb, so vendors price their goods accordingly. There is also a fine selection of stores selling craft goods in Mombasa, where the atmosphere is somewhat more relaxed. However, the best prices can be found by buying directly from the artisans in their villages in the countryside.

Apart from the typical souvenirs such as wood carvings, it may be a good idea to buy one of the large books with photos of wildlife, nature, or culture. Do listen to and buy some local Kenyan music. Reggae is a very popular genre of music here.

Do note that merchants are open to bargaining. They will most often raise the price significantly for foreigners, so do not be afraid to haggle.

Eat [ edit ]

The cuisine of Kenya is influenced by the country's geography, climate, and diverse cultural heritage. Here are some key features of Kenyan cuisine:

• Staple foods : Ugali, a maize-based porridge, is the most common staple food in Kenya. It is often served with stews or sauces made from meat, vegetables, or beans. Other popular staples include rice, chapati (a type of flatbread), and sukuma wiki (a leafy green vegetable).
• Meat dishes : Beef, chicken, and goat are the most commonly consumed meats in Kenya. Popular meat dishes include nyama choma (grilled meat), samosas (deep-fried pastry filled with meat or vegetables), and biryani (a spiced rice dish with meat or vegetables).
• Seafood : Kenya's long coastline means that seafood is also an important part of the cuisine. Popular seafood dishes include grilled fish, prawn curry, and seafood stew.
• Vegetables : Kenya's fertile soil means that vegetables are plentiful and varied. Common vegetables used in Kenyan cuisine include kale, cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, and onions.
• Spices : Kenyan cuisine is known for its use of spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and turmeric. These spices are often used to flavor meat dishes and stews.
• Tea and coffee : Kenya is a major producer of tea and coffee, and both beverages are an important part of Kenyan culture. Kenyan tea is typically strong and sweet, while Kenyan coffee is known for its rich, fruity flavor.

Drink [ edit ]

Kenya has several local beer brands, the most popular being Tusker. Imported beers are generally available in higher-end establishments.

Imported and local wines and spirits are widely available, though it is advisable to avoid local brews such as "changaa" and "busaa", which are often illegal, unhygienically brewed, and whose consumption has led to deaths on many occasions.

Soft drinks, especially from Coca-Cola, are widely available, and the strong, locally produced Stoney "Tangawizi" ginger ale is fantastic.

Most bars and small shops will expect you to leave behind your glass bottles so they can return them to their distributors.

Sleep [ edit ]

Nairobi has a wide variety of tourist hotels , from backpackers hostels to five-star establishments such as the Norfolk Hotel. As long as you don't mind basic accommodations, there is no need to spend more than US$100 per night on a hotel or hostel . In addition, the international Intercontinental and Hilton chains are also represented as well as a number of very highly regarded local chains (Serena and Sarova Hotels). Small boarding and lodging establishments are ubiquitous in central urban areas for low cost, although these are rarely safe as they are located in high crime areas.

Guest houses often offer the best value for budget minded travellers . In small towns or villages, lodging can be found for less than Ksh 1,000. The most simple guest houses have shared bathrooms and start at as little as Ksh 500/night--though often of questionable cleanliness and not entirely bug-free. Private, 'self-contained' rooms go for Ksh 500-1000 and often can be rented at bars or clubs (expect a noisy night).

Homestays are increasingly gaining popularity. Part of the reason is that one can experience Kenyan culture in a deeper and more meaningful way. Most homes charge about US$20 per night inclusive of meals. Some may include laundry on that price.

People staying longer-term may rent accommodation; prices range from estate-agent 'international style' rentals US$150 per week, to privately arranged furnished apartments, US$50–100 pw, to 'local' style accommodation, usually unfurnished, in a price range from Ksh 5,000-7,000 per month with windows, water, electricity, down to Ksh 500 per month with no windows, no electricity, loud neighbours, mosquitoes, and shared access to a tap. To arrange privately rented accommodation, you'll need to ask around – cab drivers, shopkeepers, market traders, could all save you the estate agents' fees.

Learn [ edit ]

There are many colleges offering secretarial and computer courses in the CBDs of Nairobi and Mombasa.

There are also many universities, both public and private, and some participate in student exchange programs with international universities.

Work [ edit ]

A high unemployment rate means work permits are required. These can be difficult to obtain unless you have specialized skills that are lacking in the workforce. You are best off being appointed abroad, as local employment opportunities are low-paying and few.

There are many international expatriates who work for non-profit agencies such as the UN and other affiliated agencies. Their pay is very high in relation to local living standards, and as a result their employees can afford to live in luxury.

There are numerous opportunities for volunteering in Kenya, whatever skills you have. Websites such as Idealist carry details of many of these placements, which could be centred on education, conservation, community development, or a number of similar areas. Kenya's English-speaking history and relative stability make it extremely well suited for this kind of work. In most cases, volunteering can be undertaken with a standard tourist visa, although it is worth checking with your host organization before travelling as the authorities may not always take this view.

If you have specialised skills, there are a number of more focused volunteering programs available. These range from opportunities for medical and engineering placements (for example, with MSF or VSO), to short sabbaticals for people with generic business experience, spent mentoring local businesses, with Skills Venture.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Although Kenya is generally safe, it has had bouts of jihadist activities and occasional post-election violence.

Homosexuality is against the law but is practised secretly. Overt displays of homosexuality (especially male to male relationships) may, at times, result in open hostility. Although violent reactions are quite uncommon, it is best to be discreet if engaging in any such activities with travel mates or locals. However, it is common to see people of the same gender hold hands while engaged in conversation. A new law, with penalties of 10 years of jail for many acts of homosexuality or discussing homosexuality is proposed in the spring of 2023, similar to ones in Ghana and Uganda.

Stay alert when walking or driving through Nairobi . You should always be careful to be aware of your surroundings and, if possible, ensure that you have a guide with you. Even daylight muggings on crowded streets are not uncommon. Infrequently, violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings and home invasions/burglaries can occur at any time and in any location, particularly in Nairobi. Particularly avoid walking after dark. Take a taxi if you can afford it, or a bus if you cannot, but care should be taken as most buses, even modern ones, tend to be overcrowded and can pose dangers from pickpocketing.

Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth. Objects most tempting to thieves are cameras, phones and electronics. The bus from the airport to downtown Nairobi is a notorious target for pickpockets.

Do not ask for prices in English when buying anything, especially from hawkers and bodabodas. Chances are you will pay at least twice normal prices, no matter how good you are at haggling. Use the little Swahili you know so as not to overpay.

If you are unlucky and get mugged, a good tactic is to wave your arms and start screaming at the would-be mugger. Confrontations with armed robbers, however, should be avoided – in this instance, remember that your possessions are far less important than your life. Most criminals in Nairobi are more interested in a quick grab and dash than they are in a prolonged encounter. Since robbery is frequently punished by lengthy prison terms or even death, most muggers can be dissuaded by a good show of force. Like in any other city, it is perfectly possible to see, and enjoy, much of Nairobi without incident if you take sensible precautions.

The north of the country has a reputation for lawlessness, becoming more dangerous the closer you get to the South Sudanese, Ethiopian and Somali borders. Armed robberies and abductions by shiftas (bandits) on the roads in these areas are frequent. Avoid travelling to this part of the country if possible, and take special precautions if travelling by road. Armed convoys are normal for this part of the country. Visitors to Lake Turkana (indicated on the map as Lake Rudolf) in the northwest and Lamu in the northern end of the coast should travel there by air. Lodwar, Lokichokio ('Loki') and Moyale are towns best avoided by the casual traveller, unless you have business with the humanitarian organizations based there.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Protect yourself from mosquitoes , as they carry numerous diseases such as dengue fever , malaria and yellow fever . Get expert advice on malaria preventatives. Guard against mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and long trousers and apply an effective insect repellent. If arriving from or travelling to other African countries, having a yellow fever vaccination certificate is typically mandatory. The vaccine can be administered at an affordable price at most reliable Nairobi clinics and hospitals.

Malaria medications are recommended if you are travelling to rural areas (Nairobi is not within the malaria zone). The prophylactics most commonly used in this region are doxycycline (an antibiotic) and malarone (a combination of atovaquone and proguanil, also sold locally as malanil). Chloroquine is not as useful because of the high incidence of resistance and Mefloquine, also known as lariam, mefliam, and mephaquin, is associated with various side effects, including a high incidence of mood disturbances and a lower risk of severe neurological disturbance. Consult your physician and government health advisories for current advice.

If you get flu-like symptoms, including fever, joint aches and vomiting, consult a doctor immediately. If no doctor is available, take a treatment dose of an appropriate anti-malarial and go immediately to a hospital. While the public hospitals are slightly cheaper, long waits and poor conditions and care at these facilities may make it worthwhile to go to a private clinic. Costs will vary, but a typical trip to the hospital for malaria testing, doctor's consultation, and medication will cost US$12-30 depending on the clinic. As malaria can become serious, a trip to the hospital is recommended at the first symptoms of malaria.

If you get such symptoms within twelve months of returning home, seek a doctor's advice very quickly and immediately tell them where you have been in the last year. Delayed treatment, even by just a few hours, can lead to permanent brain and liver damage or death.

Do not have unprotected sex as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases are a risk. The country's Adult HIV Prevalence rate (15th in the world) is over 6.1% or 1 in 16 adults. Voluntary Testing and Counselling (VCT) clinics offer free testing and counselling for HIV/AIDS.

Cholera is another danger. When in affected areas, see a doctor immediately and drink plenty of water.

All water should be treated, either by boiling or through purifying tablets or filters. This includes Nairobi as well as rural areas. Typhoid fever is a risk and, like malaria prophylactics, the vaccination is not 100% effective. It is advisable to buy bottled water for drinking. It is available countrywide. All fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed. While eating from the roadside kiosks is part of the cultural experience that one should not miss, such places do not always have the highest sanitary conditions and stomach illnesses can result.

Respect [ edit ]

Although Kenya is predominantly Christian and somewhat liberal, there are areas with major Muslim influence, such at the Coastal regions, where it is considered indecent to wear short dresses. This is true in rural Christian areas as well. The locals, however, are extremely friendly.

Beachwear is acceptable on the beach but not while strolling around town. Nudism and topless bathing are prohibited in Kenya. Even though some hotels allow topless or nude sunbathing, these are in restricted areas and not in public.

Kissing or heavy petting is frowned upon in public, even though Kenyan youth engage in both liberally in night clubs.

Permission is required in order to take pictures of people, as a matter of etiquette. Photos of military and public facilities such as police stations, banks, ferries, etc. are typically prohibited.

If you are invited to a Kenyan home, it is proper to bring a small gift according to the occasion. If you are a white man and go out with Kenyans, you are expected to pay the bills. If you invite a Kenyan out to a pub or restaurant, you are also expected to pay their transport costs, especially if you are a man inviting a woman.

It is disrespectful to reject food offered to you. Always accept tea and chapati, or mandazi, which is very commonly offered to visitors.

The legacy of British colonial rule in Kenya is a sensitive subject, with the violent suppression of the 1950-62 Mau Mau uprising by the British government being a particularly sore spot among Kenyans. Tread carefully when discussing this with locals, and try to do more listening than talking. That being said, most Kenyans bear no animosity against regular British tourists, and you are unlikely to run into any problems so long as you are respectful and avoid political debates.

Connect [ edit ]

Internet [ edit ].

Internet cafés are common throughout Kenya and usually offer decent link quality. Expect prices of Ksh 0.50-1.00 per minute. Most cyber cafes now charge Ksh 1 per minute (2020).

Mobile providers [ edit ]

Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom : After purchasing a starter SIM card you may access the net instantly, if you have an Internet-capable handset or a modem. However, when using your account balance to pay for access, the prices are steep. It is much cheaper to purchase a data bundle, and the more expensive ones offer much better price/limit ratio. For example, in 2023, a 5GB data bundle good for one month costs Ksh 500 from Airtel, while a 5GB from Safaricom costs Ksh 1,000. A SIM card costs between Ksh 50-100.

In 2021, a sim card from Telkom was available for free from any of the Telkom promoters on the streets. A good data package from the same provider goes by the name of "Mambo" (Ksh 100 for 3GB, or Ksh 200 for 7.5 GB, valid for 30 days). Be aware that the reliability of Telkom is often poor and network coverage in rural areas non-existent.

You will be required to provide valid identification as it is required by law that all SIM cards be registered.

You may purchase the bundles by charging your account with scratch top-up cards and then dialing *100# or *544# (Safaricom and Airtel), *124# (Telkom). Once the data bundle is finished, continuing Internet access will consume your account balance (this behavior can be switched off for all providers).

Wi-Fi hotspots [ edit ]

As of 2020, there's been an emergence in Wi-Fi hostspots in Kenya. These include Surf WiFi by Facebook and Moja WiFi that offer cheap internet connection in public places.

Moja WiFi uses points that could be redeemed to access internet. A new user is awarded 50 points on registering on the network. A user gains points by watching video ads, one ad is equivalent to one point. For 5 points a user gets 24 hours of internet access.

Surf WiFi offers cheap internet access. A new user is awarded free 1GB of internet bundle on registration. After that the user receives free 100MB daily by watching a video ad. When a person invites a new user using a referral link both receive 1GB of internet bundle upon registration of the new user. It also offers an app that has an inbuilt map that shows surf WiFi hostspots in the country and recharge shops to buy new bundles.

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10 facts that will make you wild about Kenya

Kenya is one of the world’s leading safari destinations.

You’re sure to channel your inner David Attenborough with endless up-close wildlife encounters. It’s where you’ll find Africa’s second highest mountain, and it’s home to one of the world’s most visible natural cycles; the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Here are ten fun facts that will get you keen for Kenya .

1. close encounters with the big five.

The Big Five was originally used by game hunters to describe Africa’s hardest animals to hunt. These days, laws have been introduced in most African countries to protect the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, black and white species of rhinoceros and the African leopard.

RELATED: WHY RURAL KENYA STOLE MY HEART 

2. Hunting is illegal in Kenya 

It is a criminal act to hunt any protected animal in Kenya.

Image by Pascaline Le Bras

3. No traffic jams on Lamu Island

Kenya’s Lamu Island, located off the northeast coast, is car-free.

4. You can witness the result of earth splitting force

The Great Rift Valley was formed more than 20 million years ago.

Image by Dereje / Shutterstock

5. Breaking world records in running

Kenya’s Kalenjin tribe has been dubbed ‘the running tribe’ for its unbelievable ability to spawn world record breaking runners.

CHECK OUT INTREPID’S SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES TO KENYA 

6. Kenya is also home to the fastest land animal

The cheetah is the fastest moving animal on land in the world, with speeds recorded up to 120 kilometres per hour.

7. The country of languages

There are 68 different languages spoken in Kenya. The official language is Swahili.

Image by Damien Raggatt

8. Kenya is the world’s leading safari destination

The World Travel Awards recognised Kenya as the World’s Leading Safari Destination in 2017, winning the award three years in a row.

Image by Renate Culley

9. Masai Mara Nature Reserve

Masai Mara Nature Reserve is best-known for the Great Wildebeest Migration when, every year, more than a million wildebeest, zebra and antelope migrate clockwise around the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem.

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10. It has the second-highest mountain in Africa

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest (after Mt Kilimanjaro ) in Africa.

Are you looking to travel to Africa with other like-minded 18 to 35s ? Check out Intrepid’s small group adventures now! 

Feature image by Damien Raggatt 

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Jan 18, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Kenya — the name is almost synonymous with the word "safari." Few other places on the planet conjure such a spirit of adventure and romance. The diversity of tourist attractions in Kenya dazzles all who visit, and viewing the country's abundant wildlife tops the list of things to do.

See throngs of wildebeest thundering across the savanna during the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara; come eye-to-eye with elephants in Amboseli; or marvel at Lake Nakuru, flecked with thousands of flamingos. In these sun-soaked lands, ancient tribes, such as the Maasai, Kikuyu, and Samburu, retain their traditional customs, living in relative harmony with the natural world.

Beyond the world-famous safari parks lies a trove of coastal treasures. You can snorkel and dive fish-rich coral reefs, relax on pearly beaches, experience the melting pot of cultures and cuisines in Mombasa and Malindi, and explore tropical islands steeped in Swahili history.

Topographically, Kenya is stunning. Surrounded by calderas and mountain ranges, the Great Rift Valley divides the country. To the east of this sweeping valley, you can climb the peaks of Mount Kenya and fish for trout in crystal-clear streams. Hell's Gate National Park harbors obsidian caves, and hisses with natural geysers and hot springs.

To experience Kenya's colorful colonial history, captured in the film Out of Africa , head to Nairobi. Discover more places to visit in this fascinating country with our list of the top tourist attractions in Kenya.

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve

2. amboseli national reserve, 3. tsavo national park, 4. samburu, buffalo springs, and shaba national reserves, 5. lake nakuru national park, 6. lamu island, 7. lake naivasha, 9. nairobi national park, 10. david sheldrick wildlife trust elephant nursery, 11. giraffe centre, 12. malindi, 13. mombasa, 14. mount kenya national park, 15. hell's gate national park, 16. ol pejeta conservancy.

Maasai Mara National Reserve (also "Masai Mara") is one of Africa's most magnificent game reserves . Bordering Tanzania, the Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti and forms a wildlife corridor between the two countries.

It's named after the statuesque, red-cloaked Maasai people who live in the park and graze their animals here, as they have done for centuries. In their language, Mara means "mottled," perhaps a reference to the play of light and shadow from the acacia trees and cloud-studded skies on the vast grasslands.

The park is famous for the Great Migration , when thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson's gazelle travel to and from the Serengeti, from July through October.

In the Mara River , throngs of hippos and crocodiles lurk. The park is also known for providing excellent predator sightings, thanks to its relatively large populations of lion, cheetah, and leopard - especially in the dry months from December through February.

Thanks to the park's altitude, the weather here is mild and gentle year-round.

Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro , Africa's highest peak, Amboseli National Reserve is one of Kenya's most popular tourist parks. The name "Amboseli" comes from a Maasai word meaning "salty dust," an apt description for the park's parched conditions.

The reserve is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Other wildlife commonly spotted in the park includes big cats, such as lion and cheetah, as well as giraffe, impala, eland, waterbuck, gazelle, and more than 600 species of birds.

Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here, ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli , wetlands with sulfur springs, savannah, and woodlands. Look for the local Maasai people who live in the area around the park.

Kenya's largest park, Tsavo, is sliced in two: Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Together these parks comprise four percent of the country's total area and encompass rivers, waterfalls, savannah, volcanic hills, a massive lava-rock plateau, and an impressive diversity of wildlife.

Midway between Nairobi and Mombasa, Tsavo East is famous for photo-worthy sightings of large elephant herds rolling and bathing in red dust. The palm-fringed Galana River twists through the park, providing excellent game viewing and a lush counterpoint to the arid plains.

Other highlights here include the Yatta Plateau, the world's longest lava flow; Mudanda Rock; and the Lugard Falls, which spill into rapids and crocodile-filled pools.

Tsavo West is wetter and topographically more varied, with some of the most beautiful scenery in the northern reaches of the park. Highlights here are Mzima Springs , a series of natural springs with large populations of hippos and crocodiles; Chaimu Crater , a great spot for seeing birds of prey; and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary .

Wildlife is not as easy to see in Tsavo West because of the denser vegetation, but the beautiful scenery more than compensates.

On the banks of the palm-lined Ewaso Nyiro River , Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba Reserves lie in an arid region in the remote north of Kenya.

Shaba National Reserve is one of two areas where George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, made famous in the film Born Free .

The wildlife in all three reserves depends on the waters of the river to survive, and many species are specially adapted to the parched conditions. These include Grevy's zebras; Somali ostriches; and gerenuks, the long-necked antelope that stand on two rear legs to reach the fresh shoots on upper tree limbs.

A top attraction in Samburu National Reserve are the Sarara Singing Wells , local watering holes where Samburu warriors sing traditional songs while hauling water for their cattle to drink. You might also be rewarded with sightings of big cats and wild dogs.

Lake Nakuru National Park, in Central Kenya, is famous for its huge flocks of pink flamingos. The birds throng on Lake Nakuru itself, one of the Rift Valley soda lakes that covers almost a third of the park's area.

The park was established in 1961, and more than 450 species of birds have been recorded here, as well as a rich diversity of other wildlife. Lions, leopards, warthogs, waterbucks, pythons, and white rhinos are just some of the animals you might see, and the landscapes range from sweeping grasslands bordering the lake to rocky cliffs and woodland.

The park also protects the largest euphorbia candelabrum forest in Africa . These tall, branching succulents are endemic to the region and provide a bold textural element to the arid landscapes.

Read More: Best Lakes in Africa

The small island of Lamu, northeast of Mombasa, oozes old-world charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Old Town is Kenya's oldest continually inhabited settlement, with origins dating back to the 12th century.

Strolling the labyrinthine streets is one of the top things to do here. You can see the island's rich trading history reflected in the buildings. Architectural features from the Arab world, Europe, and India are evident, yet with a discernible Swahili technique. Intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings, hidden courtyards, verandas, and rooftop patios are common features.

Sightseeing here is like stepping back in time. Dhows plow the harbor, few if any motorized vehicles exist here, and donkeys still rule the streets as they have done for centuries. Most of Lamu's population is Muslim, and both men and women dress in traditional attire.

Top attractions on the island include Lamu Museum, with displays on Swahili culture and the region's nautical history; Lamu Fort; and the Donkey Sanctuary.

Lamu Island is also home to Shela Beach, one of the best beaches in Africa . You can bask in the sun or plan for more adventure. Over the past number of years, the island has become a hot spot for kitesurfing. Wide-open spaces with little kite traffic and shallow warm water is perfect for learning near the village of Shela.

A haven for birders, Lake Naivasha lies at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley. More than 400 species of birds have been spotted here, including African fish eagles, jacanas, white-fronted bee-eaters, and several species of kingfishers.

One of the best ways to view the wildlife is by boat. Hippos slosh in the water, and giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and eland graze around the edges of the lake. Keep a lookout for colobus monkeys in the canopies, too.

Near Lake Naivasha, the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary features a wildlife-rich nature trail.

Just south of Lake Naivasha , the relatively affordable Hell's Gate National Park protects a wide variety of wildlife and offers excellent climbing opportunities, with two extinct volcanoes and the red cliffs of Hell's Gate Gorge.

On the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, you can pop in for a cup of tea at the Elsamere Conservation Centre, the former home of the late Joy Adamson, author of Born Free , and her husband George.

Note that Lake Naivasha has been known to shrink considerably in times of extreme drought, and a flourishing floriculture industry in the area is also impacting water levels and quality. But the lake is typically lush and full of life.

If you're looking for things to do in Kenya other than a safari, you'll have plenty of choices in the country's capital and largest city. Nairobi is legendary for its colorful colonial history. It was once the capital of British East Africa, luring settlers who came here to stake their fortune in the coffee and tea industries. Today, you can explore the city's famous historic sites and excellent wildlife-related attractions .

Craving some cultural attractions in Kenya? You'll find several worthwhile places to visit in Nairobi. The Nairobi National Museum is a great one-stop spot to see exhibits on Kenya's history, nature, culture, and contemporary art. Green thumbs will also enjoy the botanic gardens on the grounds.

Another popular tourist attraction is the Karen Blixen Museum, the restored residence of the famous Danish author of the book Out of Africa , also known by her pen name, Isak Dinesen.

To see wildlife without venturing far from the city center, visit Nairobi National Park , now a black rhino sanctuary and also home to a diversity of other African wildlife.

Read More: Best Cities in Africa

Who says you need to go far from Nairobi to enjoy a safari? A mere 15-minute drive from the clamor of Kenya's capital, you can gaze at a snoozing pride of lions or a graceful giraffe strutting through the golden grass at Nairobi National Park.

Visiting this wildlife-rich park is one of the top things to do if you're staying in Nairobi, and it makes a rewarding day trip - especially if you can't make it to one of the larger game reserves.

All the classic safari stars here, including buffalo, leopard, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, elephants, and cheetah, and you can also see some of the planet's most endangered species at the park's rhino sanctuary .

The Nairobi Safari Walk provides a rewarding opportunity to spot wildlife on foot, and birders will be happy to know that more than 400 species of birds also inhabit the park, including the beautiful grey crowned crane.

And no visit to the park would be complete without popping into the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery at the park's main gates.

Official site: http://www.kws.go.ke/parks/nairobi-national-park

Who can resist a baby elephant? At the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, you can mingle with impossibly cute baby pachyderms and feel good about supporting an important conservation organization at the same time.

This famous wildlife sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and offers you the chance to see these lovable creatures up close. This is where the youngest elephants are hand-reared until about two or three years of age, and you can watch the keepers bottle-feed the babies.

From the sanctuary, staff relocate the elephants to a reintegration center in Tsavo East National Park before they are eventually released back into the wild.

Watching these playful pint-sized pachyderms wallow in the mud or nudge a soccer ball around is something you will never forget. If you want to do more to help these magnificent animals, consider adopting an orphaned elephant, giraffe, or rhino before you go, and you'll receive regular updates on its progress.

Conveniently, the nursery sits right at the main gates of Nairobi National Park , so you can visit both of these famous tourist attractions in the same day.

Located near the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery, the Giraffe Center is a must-visit attraction near Nairobi National Park. The center is devoted to the rehabilitation and reintroduction of the Rothschild Giraffe to the wildlife parks of Kenya. As part of a visit, the staff explain their work during a 15- to 20-minute overview.

A visit here allows you to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Equipped with your very own bowl of giraffe food, you'll be able to feed these curious creatures. The feeding area is on a raised platform, which puts you close to head height of the giraffes, who will stoop down slightly and extend their giant blackish, grey tongues to scoop up what you have on offer.

Although perhaps not as beautiful as the giraffes, several warthogs also roam the property and are also willing to eat the giraffe food should you be inclined to share with them.

North of Mombasa on the Kenyan coast, Malindi has a split personality. This popular beach town is part historic old town, part modern tourist hub. Thanks to its rich trading history, it is also a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.

Travelers, many from Europe, come here to sun on the white sands of Watamu Beach and dive the coral reefs of the Malindi and Watamu Marine National Parks . If you're looking for free things to do in Kenya, you can do worse than bask on a beautiful Malindi Beach.

You can also soak up a dose of Swahili history in the historic town, which dates from the 12th century. Here, you can visit the Jami Mosque; two pillar tombs from the 14th century; and the Church of St. Francis Xavier, one of East Africa's oldest churches.

On the promontory, the Vasco De Gama Cross is one of the oldest standing monuments in Africa.

Another popular tourist attraction is the Falconry of Kenya , a rehabilitation center for sick and injured birds.

Also worth visiting, about 30 kilometers northeast of Malindi is the Marafa Depression . Also called Hell's Kitchen or Nyari this set of sandstone gorges sculpted by the wind and rain is like a mini Grand Canyon.

Mombasa is a multicultural tourist magnet. It's also Kenya's second largest city and biggest port. British, Portuguese, Arab, Indian, and Asian immigrants add to the rich cultural mix, and their influence is evident in the architecture, as well as the many different types of cuisine.

Mombasa is actually an island connected to its mushrooming development on the mainland by a causeway, bridges, and ferries. Coral reefs fringe the coast for 480 kilometers, providing fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities, especially at Mombasa Marine National Park and around Wasini Island. Dolphin watching and deep-sea fishing are also popular things to do in Mombasa.

You'll find plenty of tourist attractions along the Kenyan coast here. History buffs will enjoy exploring the 16th-century Fort Jesus and Old Town with its narrow streets, ancient Swahili dwellings, markets, and souvenir shops.

Other Mombasa tourist attractions cram the city's north shore, including Mombasa Go-Kart, cinemas, sports, and a cornucopia of restaurants.

This being a coastal hub, beach lovers will find some worthy strands nearby. North of the city, Nyali and Bamburi Beaches are favorites, while the white strands of Shelly, Tiwi, and Diani Beaches are popular spots south of Mombasa.

In the Central Highlands, east of the Great Rift Valley , Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides the rare spectacle of equatorial snow . It encompasses the country's namesake highest mountain at 5,199 meters.

Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, Mount Kenya is actually comprised of three glacier-cloaked peaks. The highest is Batian, although Nelion, the next highest, is a tougher climb. The lowest peak, Lenana, is considered the easiest climb, although unpredictable weather can pose challenges.

Bring your camera. The striking scenery varies from glaciers, lakes, and mineral springs to alpine forest and dense pockets of bamboo.

The diversity of flora and fauna provides rewarding opportunities for safaris. Among the wildlife here, you may spot black and white colobus monkeys, buffalo, elephant, tree hyrax, leopard, and hyena.

Planning to spend a few days here? Nestled in the foothills, the famous Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is a luxury retreat with trout fishing, golf, and tennis.

A hot spot for climbers, Hell's Gate National Park is one of the few parks in Kenya that allows camping and enables you to explore on foot or bicycle.

Hell's Gate offers excellent climbing and hiking opportunities, with two extinct volcanoes; the red cliffs of Hell's Gate Gorge; ObsidianCaves ; and the pointed column of rock known as Fischer's Tower , a former volcanic plug.

Geothermal features include hot springs and natural geysers hissing steam through vents in the earth's crust. The park also protects a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, baboons, hartebeest, eland, ostriches, gazelles, and more than 100 species of birds. Eagle and vulture breeding grounds also lie within the park.

The Oloor Karia Maasai Cultural Centre within the park is also worth a visit, with Maasai singing, dancing, and jewelry-making demonstrations.

Interestingly, Olkaria Geothermal Station lies within Hell's Gate National Park. It generates power from heated, pressurized water underground and is the first of its kind in Africa.

About 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, near Mount Kenya National Park , Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a prime place for close-up wildlife encounters.

Conservation and sustainability are key at this 90,000-acre private game reserve, where you can view the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), as well as other animals such as cheetah, hyenas, zebra, and hartebeest - all set against the breathtaking backdrop of snowcapped Mount Kenya.

The conservancy is perhaps best known for its northern and southern white rhinos, including Baraka, a blind black rhino, who lucky visitors might have the chance to feed.

You can view the wildlife on self-drive or guided tours, and entry includes a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary . Day visitors are welcome, and if you want to extend your wilderness adventure, you can stay overnight in accommodations that range from bush camps and safari cottages to a charming colonial ranch house.

Official site: http://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/

More on Kenya

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Vast savannas peppered with immense herds of wildlife, snow-capped equatorial mountains, traditional peoples who bring soul and color to the earth - welcome to Kenya.

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Lamu Island

The best museum in town (and the second best in Kenya) is housed in a grand Swahili warehouse on the waterfront. This is as good a gateway as you’ll get…

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Tourism Information About Kenya

Kenya is located in East Africa and is a leading travel destination in the world, due to its scenery, magnificent wildlife and pleasant year round climate. Safaris actually first started off in Kenya.

Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization website

12 Best Places of Kenya

Kenya is famous for a variety of beautiful tourist places worth visiting however here is our brief list of the 12 Best Places to See in Kenya.

Meru National Park – Pristine, unspoilt park with plenty of wildlife and fewer tourists. Masai Mara Game Reserve – famous especially for its annual wildebeest migration. See more about Masai Mara here Amboseli National Park – Special because of its location close to Kilimanjaro Lake Nakuru National Park – Scenic Bird Sanctuary and one of the best places to see Rhino & Leopard. Tsavo ~ East & West – Classic Africa, with large expanses of area, though animal densities are lower. Samburu Game Reserve – Unique semi-arid landscapes as well as animal species only found here. Lamu, Kenyan Coast – An idyllic beach town seemingly unaffected by time – just completely relaxing. Mount Kenya – Snow capped mountain – a more challenging climb than Kilimanjaro. Laikipia – A region rich in wildlife, protected under a system of conservancies – the future of wildlife conservation. Aberdare National Park – A highland park, and one of the few where trekking is allowed. South Coast, Mombasa – the best beaches in Kenya – fine white sand, clear blue water and sunny skies. Nairobi – a large city that offers a few selected ‘Gems’ , such as the Nairobi National Park , Elephant Animal Orphanage , Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum .

Tourist Map of Kenya

Below is a map of kenya indicating the major tourist destinations such as national parks and major cities. click here to see a detailed map of kenya which can be downloaded free as a pdf and may be printed..

Photos of Kenya

Kenya & East Africa are naturally photogenic locations not surprising considering the stunning landscapes, often stretching for as far as the eyes can see, as well as the great lighting conditions thanks to a generally blue-sky climate and ofcourse there’s the magnificent wildlife too.

Click here to see Beautiful images of Kenya

Tourism Arrivals Facts

Kenya Tourism arrivals for the year 2019 stood at 2,048,834 foreign visitors compared with 2,025,206 international arrivals in 2018. Approximately 63% of all the visitors were on holiday, 14% on business and 10.5% visited family and friends. This data was captured from the State Department of Immigration’s PICSES system, that captures total arrivals at all gazetted and active points of entry with the various modes of entry which include.

• All international scheduled flights into the country.
• All international commercial charter flights (particularly significant at MIAM)
• All private charters originating from outside of the country
• Entry through all the land borders connecting Kenya to its neighbors
• All entry through the Indian Ocean along the Coast and through Lake Victoria.

The arrivals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport were 1.42 million followed by Moi International Airport with 128,222 visitors. United States of America(USA) took lead with 245,437 travellers followed by the UK with 181,484; India with 122,649; China with 84,208; Germany with 73,1509; France with 54,979 and Italy with 54,607 travellers.

Kenya Visitor Arrivals 2019

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

17 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Kenya

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

One of the best places to go on safari in the world, Kenya is renowned for its rich wildlife and innumerable nature reserves. While most people come to see the Big 5, pearly white beaches and historic Swahili settlements line its stunning coast.

Located in East Africa alongside the Indian Ocean, it has long been one of the most popular countries to visit on the continent. Incredibly diverse, its national parks encompass everything from mountains and deserts to wetlands, plains, and lakes. They host an abundance of wildlife with the Maasai Mara and its wildebeest migration being the most famous of the lot.

The wildlife safaris have been the top tourist attractions in Kenya for decades. Other things to do include trekking Mount Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara and snorkeling in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast. This makes for a nice change after days spent looking for elephants, giraffes and lions.

17. Lake Naivasha

A lovely day trip destination or a quiet weekend away, Lake Naivasha lies only two hours’ drive from Nairobi. Although often overlooked in favor of the nearby Lake Nakuru and its famous flamingos, it too is known for its bountiful birdlife and beautiful scenery.

Part of the Great Rift Valley, the shallow freshwater lake’s name actually means ‘rough water’ in the Maasai language. Other than a sizeable population of hippos, it is home to around 400 bird species. These include not just egrets and African fish eagles but cormorants, pelicans, and kingfishers too. Big buffaloes and towering giraffes can also be spotted along its shores.

To see as many animals and birds as possible, lots of people take scenic boat trips out on the lake. You can also stay overnight at the comfy lodges that look out over its sparkling surface.

16. Karen Blixen Museum

Lying on the southwestern outskirts of the capital, not far from Nairobi National Park, is the brilliant Karen Blixen Museum. Her former home provides an interesting look at the life of the Out of Africa author in Kenya.

From 1917 to 1931, the renowned Danish writer lived in a bungalow-style farmhouse at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Her famous memoir recounts what living on the coffee plantation was like. It also explores Kenya’s rich culture and colonial rule in British East Africa.

Now a historic house museum, its rooms are full of period pieces and original artifacts owned by the author. Surrounded by lush, green grounds, it makes for a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Nairobi.

15. Tsavo East National Park

One of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, Tsavo East is situated in the southeast, on the way to the coast from Nairobi. A great choice if you’re wondering where to go on safari, it boasts loads of awesome wildlife.

Once the hunting grounds of the Waliangulu and Kamba tribes, its sprawling savanna and semi-arid grasslands have been protected since 1948. As well as the Big 5, you can also spy huge hippopotami and camouflaged crocodiles alongside the Galana River. Overhead, crowned cranes and sacred ibis flap about beneath the park’s bright blue skies.

Constantly in contact with other guides, your driver will somehow get you up close to every animal imaginable. Thanks to them, we saw a family of elephants enjoying a red dust bath right beside the jeep. Although often seen throughout the park, this scene was still one of our favorite memories from our time in Kenya.

14. Tsavo West National Park

Much more mountainous and swampy than its nearby namesake, Tsavo West lies just across a river and the A109 from the neighboring national park. Due to its more varied scenery and specially protected rhino sanctuary, it is slightly more popular to visit.

Also named after the Tsavo River, its rugged reaches are dotted by dramatic black lava flows and volcanic cones. Some exciting rock climbing can also be had up its craggy cliff faces. Here too, you’ll find the marvelous Mzima Springs where you can see hippos, crocs, and turtles.

This time, the highlight of our safari was seeing an incredibly rare eastern black rhinoceros. It stopped in the middle of the road before staring at us for what seemed like an eternity before slowly plodding back into the bush.

13. Fort Jesus, Mombasa

The coastal city’s main tourist attraction, the formidable Fort Jesus watches over the Old Port from Mombasa island. A fascinating place, it has some seriously impressive architecture and an extensive collection of artifacts for visitors to enjoy.

Built between 1593 and 1596, the crumbling old fort marks the first time a European power exerted its influence over trade in the Indian Ocean. An outstanding example of Portuguese Renaissance architecture, it is roughly square in shape with four bulwarks at its corners. Local Swahili people are thought however to have provided most of the labour, materials, and expert masonry techniques.

While we enjoyed seeing the fort and learning about its past, we preferred getting lost in the Old Town outside. Full of life, its traditional Swahili buildings house little local restaurants and souvenir shops selling masks, textiles, and jewellery.

12. Aberdare National Park

Unlike most of the country’s parks, Aberdare is more known for its scenic hikes and waterfalls than its abundant wildlife. Certain to delight nature lovers, it is nestled amongst the Central Highlands on the way from Nairobi to Nakuru.

Established back in 1950, it protects part of the Aberdare Mountains that range from 2,000 to 4,000 metres in height. Covering its vast valleys and the lower slopes of its prominent peaks are rivers, forests, and even some waterfalls. A large population of eastern black rhinos and elephants also live amongst these diverse landscapes.

Some of the best hikes are to Mount Satima’s summit or along the challenging yet rewarding Elephant Hills trail. Not to be missed are the stunning Chania and Karuru falls, both of which make for some epic photos and viewing hidden away amidst the verdant forest.

11. Diani Beach

If after all the safaris and sightseeing you just want to relax and unwind, then the idyllic Diani Beach is definitely the place to go. Set just south of Mombasa, all its wide, white sands are a treat to lounge on lazily. Here you can also enjoy a wealth of fun watersports.

Stretching around seventeen kilometers in length, the relaxing resort area lies alongside the twinkling Indian Ocean. Dotted up and down the palm tree-fringed beach are countless luxury hotels and resorts. Many offer all-inclusive packages and can arrange safari trips for guests.

Besides being one of the best beaches we’ve been to (it really does look breathtaking), there are loads of things to do to try. Kite surfing and jet skiing are both super fun while scuba diving and snorkeling highlight its rich marine life. You can also take sightseeing cruises along the coast or quad-biking trips around the nearby villages.

10. Hell’s Gate National Park

For those after an active holiday, Hell’s Gate National Park is a good bet thanks to its excellent hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Its relatively close proximity to Nairobi and cheaper entrance fees also mean that plenty of people head here.

Lying just to the south of Lake Navaisha, it is named after a narrow gap in the park’s colossal cliffs. Asides from the slender gorge’s ruddy red rocks, there are also a couple of long-extinct volcanoes to explore. Some of the most arresting formations to photo are those created long ago by cooling molten lava.

As very few predators reside within this part of the Great Rift Valley, many visitors hike or bike about the park. While visiting its hot springs and Maasai Cultural Centre, keep an eye out for the local wildlife. Other than African buffaloes and elands, you can sometimes see hyenas, baboons, and ostriches amidst the undergrowth.

9. Nairobi National Park

The only nature reserve of its kind in the world, Nairobi National Park literally lies right on the doorstep of the country’s capital. Seeing its skyline as you look at lions, elephants, and giraffes is a surreal feeling that needs to be experienced.

Set aside in the forties to protect the region’s dwindling wildlife, it mainly consists of endless open grass plains. Here and there though, you’ll find pockets of forests along rivers and small rocky gorges scattered about. Living in the park are everything from gazelles and cheetahs to crocodiles, jackals, and common eland.

While we did do several safaris in Kenya, we are still happy we went here. Its diverse wildlife and delightfully different views made the visit quite special. After all, there aren’t many cities in the world where wildebeest and zebra migrations take place almost right through it.

8. Lamu Island

One of the best places in East Africa to experience traditional Swahili culture is the lovely little Lamu Island. Located along Kenya’s northeastern coastline, it is a very relaxing spot that feels like you’ve traveled back in time.

Part of the attractive archipelago of the same name, Lamu is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the nation. Founded in the twelfth century, the labyrinthe-like streets of its Old Town are lined by charming coral stone buildings and quiet inner courtyards.

More peaceful and better preserved than Zanzibar’s Stone Town, it is known for its intricately carved wooden doors and cute donkeys. After seeing its museum and fort, you can relax on its white sandy beaches or explore some other nearby villages. Many people also take tranquil dhow boat trips about the archipelago.

7. Mount Kenya

The second-highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya towers 5,199 meters above the plains, valleys, and forests below. Now protected as a national park, it generally takes four or five arduous days to reach its soaring summit. Climbing the summit is probably one of the most difficult and rewarding things to do in Kenya.

Formed around three million years ago, the enormous, extinct stratovolcano is actually where the country’s name came from. One of its main symbols and sights, its slopes are very heavily eroded while ice caps coat its upper reaches.

The mighty mount has three separate peaks for avid adventurers to summit with Batian being the loftiest of the lot. Although Nelion is the toughest of the three, Lenana’s unpredictableness can pose a problem. After braving the steep climb and challenging weather conditions though, spectacular views greet you at the top.

Another popular place to head if you’re after some sun, sea, and sand is Malindi. Located along the Indian Ocean, it has lots of fantastic beaches, hotels, and nature parks for you to stop by.

Long a hub for Italian tourists, its string of pearly white beaches is actually where Vasca da Gama landed in 1498. Still standing in the same spot overlooking the ocean is the coral pillar he erected all those years ago. For more historic sites, you can explore the Gede Ruins which protect the crumbling remains of a twelfth-century Swahili town.

Most holidaymakers however come to Malindi for its beaches. Bordered by twinkling turquoise waters, their sweeping white sands make for quite the sight. The ocean does sometimes turn a murky brown color though around the mouth of the Sabaki River.

5. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

If you’re after an unforgettable (and adorable!) animal encounter, then you just have to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. At their sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi, you can watch baby elephants feed, play, and frolic about together.

Since being founded back in 1977, it has rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of orphaned and injured elephants. At their center, young ones are first hand-reared until the age of two or three by their keepers. Later on, they are sent to Tsavo East before eventually being released back into the wild.

Each day, a certain number of guests can visit the orphanage and see the elephants. As you can imagine, watching them play football and roll around in the mud is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

4. Lake Nakuru

One of the most iconic sights in all of Africa is the vast flock of bright pink flamingos that live in Lake Nakuru. Instantly recognizable, they make for some fabulous photos with white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes also regularly spied nearby.

Stretching almost endlessly away into the distance, its reflective waters lie within the Great Rift Valley. Now a national park, it protects over 450 bird species alongside a handful of lions, cheetahs and leopards. At times, more than a million of the fantastic flamingos flock here due to its abundant algae.

While the rhinos and flamingos are the main attraction, there is plenty more to see along its scenic lakeshore. Zebra and waterbucks often water here while sizable pythons slowly slither their way about its dense woodlands.

3. Amboseli National Park

Thanks to its huge herds of elephants and ample wildlife, Amboseli National Park is routinely ranked among the best places to go on safari. Lying almost on the border with neighboring Tanzania, its savannas, woods, and wetlands really are a treat to explore.

Meaning ‘salty, dusty place’ in the Maa language, its unique habitats have been recognized as a nature park since 1908. While some parts are incredibly arid, the areas around its swamps almost create an oasis. Here life flourishes, with 1,600 free-ranging elephants reckoned to live in Amboseli at the last count.

Besides trying to spot the Big 5, you can learn all about local Maasai culture at the traditional Muteleu village nearby. On top of this, the silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro blotting out the sky on the horizon only adds to the park’s already considerable appeal.

2. Samburu National Reserve

Even more wild and remote is the incredible Samburu National Reserve to the north of Mount Kenya. Due to the long distances from Nai, it sees much fewer visitors than other parks. This and its staggeringly diverse landscapes mean large numbers of lots of animals live here.

Located almost slap bang in the center of the country, it is mostly dry and dusty though rivers and forests can be found here and there. It is this wide variety of vegetation and the winding Ewaso Ngi’ro River that attract all the animals.

Asides from your standard lions, cheetahs, and leopards, the park is particularly known for its dry-country fauna. These include the East African oryx as well as generuk, Grevy’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes. While it takes some getting to, Samburu is well worth it for the different animals and scenery you see.

1. Masai Mara

Renowned around the world, the Masai Mara is one of Kenya’s, and the continent’s, most famous safari destinations. The highlight of our time in East Africa, it boasts exceptional populations of lions and leopards, cheetahs, and elephants, alongside countless others.

Named in honor of the Maasai, its open grasslands and seasonal riverlets merge with the Serengeti to the south. Each year, the park’s plains host the Great Migration; an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon like no other. This is when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate en masse as predators try to pick them off.

Seeing them all seemingly move as one is an unbelievable experience that will certainly leave you feeling small. Outside of this tumultuous time, visitors can still easily see all of the Big 5 roaming about the park. Crocs and hippos can also be spotted along the Mara and Talek rivers as long-crested eagles and African pygmy falcons swoop about overhead.

Map of Things to do in Kenya

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Reader interactions.

October 30, 2014 at 5:50 pm

Kenya is absolutely an amazing country, its so beautiful, breathtaking and eccentric. What has made Kenya so special is the diverse wildlife, the beaches, the Kenyan Mountain and off course its pleasant weather. One important thing about Kenyan people I have found out, I think Kenyan people in general are humble and absolute genuine. God have blessed them all. I really love Kenya the country itself and the wonderful people. I’m actually studying Travel & Tourism. I’m really looking forward to see it. Hazjar Iraqi

October 7, 2014 at 10:31 pm

Kenya is indeed a spectacular and breathtaking place to visit in the Heart of Africa. We love you, and wish you a safe journey and good health as you plan for a visit. You will definitely experience the hospitality and warmth more than you expected. Proud to be a Kenyan Soldier. I love my country, and together we can make this world a better sustainable world. God Bless Kenya, God bless you!!

August 28, 2014 at 2:14 am

KENYA,is a great country and beautiful one having the most spetacular sceneries in the world and its peaceful nature ………..if you visit malindi ,maasai mara and mt kenya you may think you are in another universe of its own because you cant believe what you see….,i love kenya

August 21, 2014 at 6:02 am

Having been in the travel industry for about 8 yrs now,i believe Kenya is among the top travel destinations…it offers quite a variety of destinations from just day trips ,short trips and definately the long safaris which gives you an opportunity to learn much about kenya.

May 8, 2014 at 6:02 am

Kenya is like a mini earth.from snow in the mt.kenya peak,tropical forests in nyanza,vast deserts in the northern frontier..the list continues.am so proud to be kenyan

April 1, 2014 at 2:08 am

kenya is spetacular#studied tour guide and i love my job

October 18, 2023 at 1:22 am

It’s true that Kenya has most attractive animals and plants to see.

February 13, 2014 at 7:48 am

Kenya is the best country I’ve been to great fun.

November 22, 2013 at 3:43 am

i couldnt have been born in a better country.kenya is a beautiful place to be.am a proud kenyan

October 31, 2013 at 2:28 am

even though we are losing our wildlife at a devastating rate i have always been hopeful that the time has come for us to implement the new wildlife policies and save our wildlife hence continue enjoying the flow of the revenue. it is and it has been my prayer to conserve the nature of our nation

October 22, 2013 at 7:52 am

kenya is one of the best places to go in a lifetime, the variety of animals in their natural habitats and the beautiful beaches attract a lot of tourists from all over the world. Beholding the wildebeest migration in Masai mara and Serengeti should be in everybody’s to-do list

June 16, 2013 at 3:13 am

I am studying tour guiding and cannot wait to visit the fascinating wild Kenya.

June 4, 2013 at 6:51 am

I am studying tour guide I can’t wait to go on practice

May 14, 2013 at 9:44 pm

kenya is my country and i love it very much. my dream is to be become a tour guide to guide you to these beautiful resource in kenya

October 16, 2012 at 6:43 am

My friends and I are planning to come to kenya next year (2013), can’t wait.

September 20, 2012 at 5:03 am

Traveling to Kenya, especially the Masia Mara is one of my dreams. Earlier this year I was fortunate to travel most of Namibia. So, that dream realized. Next will definitely be Kenya. We must do these things before nothing is left.

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• 50 US States

46 Interesting Facts About Kenya

Last updated on May 15th, 2023

Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country in Africa with 47 semiautonomous counties governed by elected governors. It has an area of 580,367 square km. Nairobi is its capital and largest city. English and Swahili are its official languages. Kenyan shilling (KES) is its official currency. The abbreviation for Kenya is KY. Its five land bordering countries are Ethiopia , Somalia , South Sudan , Tanzania , and Uganda .

About geography and history

1. A part of the Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest freshwater lake, flows through Kenya. The country shares the lake with Tanzania and Uganda. Lake Superior in North America is the largest of all the freshwater lakes in the world. [1]

2. Kenya is named after Mt Kenya, the tallest mountain in the country and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. The highest peak of the mountain is Batian – 5,199 m. [2]

3. Between 1920 and 1963, Kenya was a colony of the United Kingdom. [3]

4. Interestingly, Kenya could possibly be the birthplace of humans. This assumption is supported by the fact that the bones of one of the earliest human ancestors ever found were discovered in Kenya. [3]

5. Because of its geographic position, Kenya was also the regional hub for trade and finance in East Africa.

Flag of Kenya

6. And then there are the coastal towns of Mombasa, Malindi, and Kilifi, which harbor some of the most interesting views in the world. Mombasa is an old town first developed by the Portuguese during the 19th century. Perhaps the oldest and most unique building is the famous Fort Jesus, a sanctuary used by the Portuguese for protection during the siege.

7. Some of the forests, especially Kakamega, have some of the rarest breeds of butterflies and snakes that cannot be found in many other places. [8]

8. A good portion of land in Kenya is covered by a mass of water. Apart from the Indian Ocean at the coast, Kenya has several lakes, both freshwater and salty. Some of these lakes include Lake Victoria, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Lake Bogoria , among others. The country also has many rivers, making it possible for visitors to travel by boats  instead of cars.

9. According to the CIA, Kenya has a coastline of 536 km along the Indian Ocean. [19]

10. Some of the most frequently visited parks include the Nairobi National Park , Tsavo Game Reserve, Maasai Mara Game Reserve, and Amboseli National Park, among others.

11. Anybody visiting Kenya will surely notice some unique scenes and places. Among them are places like  the Fourteen Falls in Thika, which is ranked among the longest and steepest falls in East Africa.

12. Mombasa is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is normally frequented by many visitors, not just because of its beauty but also for business opportunities.

13. Lamu Island is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the country. The town was founded in 1370. Interestingly, more than 6,000 donkeys are used for transporting goods and people through the town. The streets of the town are narrow. Believe it or not, there are just two cars on the island and one of these is an ambulance for the donkeys. [23]

14. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA or NBO) located in Kenya is one of the largest airports in the East African region, and the 9 th  busiest in Africa.

Kenya on the map

About Kenyan people and their culture

15. Dr. Wangari Maathai , the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize , was born in Kenya in 1940. Unfortunately, she died of cancer in 2011. She was known as a fearless social activist and an environmental crusader. She started the movement to reforest the country by paying the country’s women a few shillings. [4]

16. It should not be forgotten that Kenya is also popular across the world for producing some stunning and famous long-distance runners. Kenyan Wilson Kipsang is one such runner. Interestingly, all these runners are actually from the same tribe of Kenyans known as “the Kalenjin”. [14]

17. Iten, a town in Kenya, with miles of hilly dirty roads and perfect altitude for long distance running, attracts elite athletes from all over the country and the world to train. Here runners train for between 20 to 30 miles per day. [25]

18. On August 9, 2012, at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, David Rudisha led from start to finish winning gold in what was called  “The Greatest 800 Meter Race Ever.”  In doing so, he became the first and, so far, the only runner to break the 1:41 barrier for the 800 m race. [15]

19. According to the World Bank, the population density in Kenya reached a maximum value of 85.15 in 2016 and a minimum value of 14.69 in 1961. [18]

20. Freedom of religion is one of the constitutional rights of the Kenyans. The majority of the population of the country is Christian. Other religious groups include Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs.

21.  Kenya is home of the father of Barack Obama , the former president of the United States of America. He recently visited the country to promote the opening of a sports and training center that his half-sister, Auma Obama, founded through her charitable foundation, The Associated Press reported. [21]

22. Kenyans are group-orientated rather than individualistic. Unlike most other places in the world, where people are normally unconcerned about others, social life in this country is tied to companionship, hospitality, kindness and a willingness to help. This is, perhaps, what makes visitors want to come back again and again. [9,20]

23. The kind nature of the Kenyan people might be attributed to the setting and structures of families and communities. In Kenya, a child is brought up by the community and the society at large, and not just the family members alone. This makes it easy for people to develop feelings of concern and helpfulness towards others, strangers or not. [9]

24. The Kenyan people can compromise some of their daily routines and beliefs just to accommodate people from other cultural backgrounds. However, visitors must also acknowledge and respect the locals’ way of life for good coexistence.

25. Greetings in Kenya are a fabric of their social and cultural life. Whenever people meet, irrespective of whether they are acquaintances, they must greet each other, either through a raised hand or thumbs up.  The most common greeting is “Jambo?” (“How are you?”), which is generally said immediately prior to the handshake. Greetings often include inquiries about health and family members. [9,20]

26. When it comes to food, the staple meal in Kenya is a delicacy known as “ugali.” This is a meal made from flour; it can be maize, sorghum or even millet. The delicacy is normally accompanied by stew and is enjoyed by many visitors, including President Obama during his visit to the country. [10]

27. Although it is very common to find Kenyans wearing Western clothes, their own way of dressing is distinct . When visiting this country, one cannot fail to notice a red/pink/maroon piece of clothing commonly referred to as “Maasai’s Shuka” around people’s shoulders/waists/necks. [11]

28. Inasmuch as there is no uniform footwear among the Kenyan people, there is no doubt that Sahara Boots and sandals, for both men and women, are the most commonly worn shoes around the country.

About education, languages used, and sports activities

29. With a population comprising of at least 40 ethnic groups, more than 60 languages are spoken in Kenya. [3]

30. English and Swahili are the two official languages of Kenya as well as Tanzania.

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While Abroad

Emergencies

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Travel Advisory July 31, 2023

Kenya - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping .  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to: Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas, due to terrorism and kidnapping .

Areas of Turkana County, due to crime .

Reconsider Travel to: Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, due to crime and kidnapping .

Certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations , reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.

Country Summary :  Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time.  Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks.  Emergency medical and fire service is also limited. Be especially careful when traveling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime.

Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings.

Demonstrations may occur, blocking key intersections and resulting in widespread traffic jams.  Strikes and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions occur regularly, particularly in periods near elections.  Violence associated with demonstrations, ranging from rock throwing to police using deadly force, occurs around the country; it is mostly notable in western Kenya and Nairobi.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the vicinity of the Kenyan-Somali border, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM).  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notice .

Some schools and other facilities acting as cultural rehabilitation centers are operating in Kenya with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight.  Reports of minors and young adults being held in these facilities against their will and physically abused are common.

Read the  country information page  for additional information about travel to Kenya.

If you decide to travel to Kenya:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Make contingency plans to leave the country. in case of an emergency Review the  Traveler’s Checklist ..
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable).  Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Kenya.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Specified Areas - Level 4: Do Not Travel U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the below areas.

Kenya-Somalia Border Counties:

• Mandera due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Wajir due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Garissa due to kidnapping and terrorism.

Coastal Areas:

• Tana River county due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Lamu county due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Areas of Kilifi County north of Malindi due to kidnapping and terrorism.

Turkana County:

• Road from Kainuk to Lodwar due to crime and armed robbery, which occur frequently.

Specified Areas - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera:

• Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time.  Street crime can involve multiple armed assailants.  Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Laikipia County:

• Certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations, reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.

Consider carefully whether to use the Likoni ferry in Mombasa due to safety concerns.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Yellow Fever

Maximum-100,000 Kenyan Shillings

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy nairobi.

United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +(254) (20) 363-6451 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(254) (20) 363-6170 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All visitors are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization before entering Kenya. 

  Required for Entry:

• Passport  with at least two blank pages, six months’ validity, and a Kenyan electronic travel authorization.
• You should have  proof of yellow fever immunizations if arriving from an endemic country , or you may be denied entry.

Obtain the latest information on visas, as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements, from the Embassy of Kenya , 2249 R Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 387-6101, or the Kenyan Consulate in New York City.

Working/Volunteering in Kenya : In December 2018, the Kenyan government announced a new work permit program that requires foreigners to apply for permits and visas from their country of origin. You should submit work permit applications at least 6-8 weeks prior to travel. Once in Kenya, submit a renewal application at least 90 days before your work permit expires.

For additional information on immunizations and detailed country-specific recommendations on vaccinations and other health precautions for travelers to Kenya, visit the CDC’s Travelers’ Health website .

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to, or foreign residents of, Kenya.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

You should review the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Kenya before considering travel to Kenya.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are using increasingly less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Terrorist threats remain high in Kenya. Terrorist attacks in Kenya have cumulatively resulted in the death and injury of hundreds of people, including foreigners. Attacks have occurred in periods leading up to and during religious holidays and days of national significance. However, an attack is possible at any time. Please note these recent events:

• In January 2020, terrorists attacked a U.S. Department of Defense facility on the coast, killing several individuals and destroying seven aircraft.
• In January 2019, a small bomb exploded in Nairobi’s Central Business District, slightly injuring two people.
• In January 2019, a terrorist attack on the Dusit D2 Hotel complex in the Westlands area of Nairobi resulted in the death of 21 people, including one U.S. citizen.
• In April 2019, two Cuban doctors were kidnapped from a rural area in Mandera County and were reportedly transported to Somalia.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Regions to Avoid :

• The northeastern Kenyan counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and the northeastern area of Marsabit (including the cities of El Wak, Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, Moyale, and Liboi).
• All parts of the coastal counties of Tana River and Lamu, and all areas of Kilifi County north of Malindi.
• The road between Kainuk and Lodwar in Turkana County due to banditry.
• The Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera.
• Avoid using the Likoni ferry due to safety and security concerns.

Crime: Crime in Kenya is a regular occurrence and Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter and investigate such acts.

• Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including home invasions, burglaries, armed carjackings, muggings, and kidnappings can occur at any time.
• “Matatus” (privately-operated public transportation buses) tend to be targeted since they carry multiple passengers.
• Cases of violent street crime targeting Westerners occur in many seemingly safe areas of Nairobi, ranging from simple muggings to kidnapping and extortion, including attacks during daylight hours. U.S. citizens using off-the-street taxis have also been victims of robbery, kidnapping, and extortion.

Forced Marriage is known to occur in Kenya.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) and Cutting (C): This act is known to occur in Kenya. It is a federal crime to perform FGM/C in the United States on any minor younger than 18 years old, punishable by fines and up to five years in prison. It is also a criminal offense knowingly to take a minor younger than 18 years old outside of the United States for the purpose of performing FGM/C (so-called “vacation cutting”).

Sexual Assault is prevalent in Kenya and frequently goes unreported.

• Victims of sexual assault may have difficulty receiving adequate social or medical support .
• While sexual assault is mostly frequently associated with women, sexual assault of men also occurs in Kenya and often goes unreported because of the stigma attached to this type of assault.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State and the  FBI pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Kenya. Scams are often initiated through dating apps, internet postings/profiles, or by unsolicited emails and letters.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating (Check this online dating scam infographic ).
• Someone you have not met in person quickly offers friendship, romance, and/or marriage.
• Job solicitations asking for a processing fee in advance.
• A person asking for money to pay hospital bills, visa fees, or legal expenses and/or seeming to have many sudden problems overseas.
• Elaborate scam business opportunities, including fraudulent government procurements. Recently, scammers have been impersonating legitimate companies and ordering commodities shipped through Mombasa with payment terms. Companies are encouraged to independently verify the purchasing company to confirm the order prior to shipping goods without pre-payment. Please contact the Commercial Section at [email protected] for assistance verifying procurement opportunities and Kenyan buyers.
• Use good judgement and caution on social media and dating websites. If you decide to meet someone in person that you have connected with online, be sure to set up the meeting in a safe and public place, and let someone know where you are.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 999, 112 or 911, and contact the U.S. Embassy during business hours at +254 (0) 20-363-6451, or after-hours at +254 (0) 20-363-6000.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Kenya has assistance programs for victims of crime sponsored by nongovernmental organizations. These programs include but are not limited to the following:

• Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) has been providing specialized medical treatment and psychosocial support to low-income survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
• Healthcare Assistance Kenya (HAK) offers a 24-hour Rapid Response Service to women and children survivors of Gender Based Violence at its Call Centre as well as a 24 hour toll-free hotline for sexual and gender based violence assistance.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The Kenyan Tourism Regulatory Authority has oversight for the country’s tourism sector. The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities vary by region. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Game parks and related safari tours with well-established operators generally have been reported to be safe.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Kenya are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Kenya enacted strict legislation regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol and cigarettes.
• Penalties for possessing banned wildlife items under Kenya’s Wildlife Act include large fines and severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
• Violations of the Kenya Firearms Act are punishable from one year to life imprisonment. Possession of any amount of ammunition can incur a minimum seven-year sentence.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Customs regulations are strict on importing certain items into or out of Kenya such as antiquities, medications, business equipment, currency, ivory, rhino horn, and other wildlife products including hides, skins, and teeth.

U.S. citizens have been detained and arrested for attempting to bring contraband into Kenya. Contact the Embassy of Kenya or one of Kenya’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010, which regulates when and where alcoholic drinks may be consumed in public, states that a person found by local law enforcement authorities to be intoxicated or disorderly in or near public areas, including some businesses, may be arrested without warrant and brought to court for trial.

• If convicted, the maximum fine is 500 Kenyan shillings and/or imprisonment for a maximum of three months.
• If convicted three times of the same charge within a 12-month period, you will be required to participate in mandatory rehabilitation at your expense.

More information on this law may be found on Kenya's substance abuse website, NACADA .

Tobacco Control Act 2007 regulates public smoking and the marketing and sale of tobacco products in Kenya. In public places, smoking is allowed only in designated smoking areas.

Currency: You may depart the country with up to 100,000 Kenyan shillings.

• Destruction of Kenyan currency, even in small amounts, is illegal, and almost always results in arrest and a fine.
• You should ensure that your U.S. currency bills are relatively new, as banks in Kenya have been known not to accept older U.S. currency.

Cultural Rehabilitation Centers: Some schools and other facilities acting as cultural rehabilitation centers are operating in Kenya with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight. Reports of minors and young adults being held in these facilities against their will and being physically, sexually, and emotionally abused are common. U.S. citizens are encouraged to thoroughly research these facilities and talk to others who have used them. They should have a plan for an early return if necessary.

Safaris : Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) , the governing body of Kenya’s national parks, requires all tour operators and safari lodges carry nationally mandated insurance. You should:

• Inquire whether prospective safari camps or tour operators are in compliance with this requirement;
• Observe all local or park regulations and exercise appropriate caution in unfamiliar surroundings; and
• Thoroughly check the qualifications and safety record of all tourist lodges and guides before engaging their services and venturing into the wild in their care.

Firearms: Import, possession, and use of firearms is governed by the Kenya Firearms Act.

• Import of all firearms, including sporting guns, is prohibited in Kenya except in accordance with the terms of an import permit.
• Possession of firearms while in Kenya requires a firearms certificate, which can be difficult to obtain.
• Violations of the Kenya Firearms Act are punishable from one year to life imprisonment. Possession of any amount of ammunition is punishable by a minimum seven-year sentence.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Kenyan law criminalizes same-sex sexual activity. The Kenyan penal code criminalizes “carnal knowledge against the order of nature,” which is interpreted to prohibit consensual same-sex sexual activity and specifies a maximum penalty of 14 years of imprisonment. A separate statute specifically criminalizes sex between men and specifies a maximum penalty of 21 years of imprisonment. Police have detained persons under these laws, particularly suspected sex workers. LGBTQI+ advocacy organizations, such as the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, have been permitted to register and conduct activities. However, societal discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Travelers with Disabilities:  Kenyan law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities.The Government of Kenya has not consistently enforced these provisions and implementation has been slow.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure.

• Access to government or private buildings , medical facilities, restaurants, or other public or private facilities is limited.
• Accessibility to public transportation and taxis is limited. There is no functioning bus system in Nairobi, but rather an extensive use of vans (“matatus”) that travel along designated routes; taxis are also used, as are motorcycles serving as taxis (“boda bodas”).
• Public transportation and taxis do not accommodate wheelchairs; these vehicles are most often hailed from the side of busy roads.
• Footpaths along the side of roads are generally unpaved, bumpy, dirt paths, and road crossings are often unmarked.

Please visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Kenya.

Medical services are adequate in Nairobi for most medical conditions and emergencies.

In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in or near the major cities of Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. First responders generally are unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance and carry emergency numbers. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

For emergency services in Kenya, dial 999 , 112 , or 911 .

Ambulance services are:

• Not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret;
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment; and
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. You may need to call your insurance company or pay and get reimbursed.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy programs in Kenya are unregulated and families have reported difficulties obtaining required legal documentation from Kenyan authorities and taking children out of Kenya; difficulties may increase if a parent is single.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Kenya to ensure the medication is legal in Kenya.

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Schistosomiasis
• Traveler’s Diarrhea
• Tuberculosis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Kenya.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Road accidents are a major threat to travelers in Kenya. Roads are poorly maintained and are often bumpy, potholed, and unpaved.

• Traffic moves on the left side of the road, which can be very disorienting to those not accustomed to it.
• Beware of vehicles traveling at excessive speed, and unpredictable local driving habits.
• Many vehicles are poorly maintained and lack basic safety equipment.
• Heavy traffic jams, either due to rush hour or because of accidents, are common.
• Some vehicles will cross the median strip and drive against the flow of traffic.

U.S. citizens have been fatally injured in accidents involving long-distance, inter-city buses and local buses and vans called “matatus”. Matatus are commonly known to be the greatest danger to other vehicles and pedestrians. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from using matatus.

Injuries and fatalities involving two-wheeled motorcycle taxis, called “boda bodas,” are equally common. Boda bodas often fail to observe basic safety precautions and ignore traffic rules. Inter-city nighttime road travel should be avoided due to the poor road and streetlight conditions and the threat of banditry throughout the country. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from using boda bodas.

During the rainy season, some unpaved roads are impassable even with four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance. Travelers are urged to consult with local officials regarding road conditions.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Trains : Most passenger trains are considered unsafe, particularly during rainy seasons, because of the lack of routine maintenance and safety checks. The only approved train route for U.S. government personnel is the Nairobi to Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway. U.S. government personnel can only ride in the first-class cabin to avoid pickpockets and facilitate a rapid exit if necessary.

Aviation Safety Oversight:

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Kenya’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Kenya should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Kenya . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Home » Tourism » Tourism in Kenya Facts and Information

Tourism in Kenya Facts and Information

This is an episode on tourism in Kenya facts and figures. Tourism in Kenya has been one of the main foreign exchange earners for the country. Since independence, Kenya has been a great destination for both domestic and international tourists. Kenya is preferred purposely for safari-bound tourism amidst other tourist attractions in the country.

As a matter of fact, Kenya is known as the heart of African safaris. As home to over 60 game reserves and national parks, Kenya is a wildlife gallery that has made a name for itself. Apart from the wildlife, Kenya has a broad offering for its visitors ranging from historic to cultural attractions. A 500 km coastline that boasts of world-class beaches , and scenic views. Join me as we explore tourism in Kenya facts and figures

Tourism in Kenya facts and figures

Kenya is one of the most preferred and popular tourist destinations attracting several tourists from all over the world every year. Since independence, tourism was the main foreign exchange earner for Kenya but that changed in 2011. One of the world’s most brutal terrorist attacks on Westgate mall caught the attention of the world and tainted the tourism industry.

These factors amidst other security concerns have led to the decline in the tourism industry in Kenya compared to yesteryears where tourism was the backbone of the country.

All the same, the county saw a 17% increase in the number of tourists since 2011. The regions that account for the highest numbers of tourists include UK, US, China, and India among other countries. Since 2015, the tourism industry is gradually gaining its momentum since the country has put in place security measures and incentive to promote tourism in Kenya. From 2015, the numbers have risen by 16.7% where visitors have increased from 752000 to over 890,000 as of early 2018.

The government has been instrumental in reinstating the tourism industry as one of the main revenue generators. One of the ways the government has done so is through the launch of the tourism recovery program that was aimed at marketing and improving the infrastructure to increase the volumes of local tourists and foreign visitors.

Structure of the Tourism Sector in Kenya

Kenyan tourism is overseen by the ministry of tourism and culture. The ministry is a branch of the umbrella ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism. It was created in 2015 and was later granted the ministerial status.

The ministry of Tourism currently overlooks the operations of tourism parastatal companies like the Bomas of Kenya, Utalii hotels and Utalii College, KICC, Tourism Fund, Kenya Tourism Board, Tourism Regulatory Authority among many others.

Since the ministry was created, Najib Balala has been the cabinet secretary for tourism for two terms in a row. He has been responsible for the assignment of roles, the creation of tourism policies and management of tourism products within his ministry.

Marketing & Lobbying

The Kenya Tourism Board has played a vital role in sustainable tourism in Kenya. The board has utilized its budget on several marketing campaigns locally and internationally. Some of the campaigns that were spearheaded by the board and became successful included the Tembea Kenya campaign that drew local tourists in numbers. The campaign did a great deal by bringing the local attractions to the attention of locals and foreigners.

As much as tourism has been growing, a great deal of that comes from local tourism. International tourists have been declining gradually for the last five years because of some of the reasons stated earlier. The biggest challenges in the years leading up to 2015 were related to health and safety issues in the country and region as a whole.

Indeed, the KNBS attributed the sector’s subdued performance to perceived security threats and the impact that travel advisories issued by major Western markets had on the sector, including those from the US and the UK.

Coastal regions of the country were hard hit by a spate of travel advisories, which included Mombasa’s Moi International Airport (MIA); a number of charter flights suspended service to the city as a result of these warnings.

Europe as a source of Tourists

For a long time, Europe has been producing the most tourists who visit Kenya. Tourists from Europe account for 35% of the total foreign tourists that visit the country. As of 2017, KTB reported that air arrivals of Europeans stood at 303,912, out of a total of 874,885.

This was an increase from 2015 when European arrivals stood at 277,663 out of 748,770 total arrivals. Visitors from the UK continue to make up the largest European source market for tourists to Kenya. The KTB reported 96,315 arrivals in 2016. 98,195 in 2015, and an 11%  increase in arrivals to the country that year.

Kenya Tourism Board has also noted the increase in the numbers of tourists from Italy and Sweden in particular. European and North American visitors stood at a combined 650,300 in 2015, according to KNBS data. These two markets are a critical priority for the Kenyan government.

Local and regional tourism

When foreign tourism was dwindling, the industry was saved by local and regional tourists. They showed up in numbers to savor the industry. As of 2016, the number of local and African tourists visiting Kenya reached the 251626 mark according to data derived from KTB. This as a 35% rise from the numbers registered in the previous year.

Rising arrivals from the African continent have helped the industry offset some of its losses from traditional markets in Europe. Although the purchasing power of Kenyans is still limited, the tourism marketing campaign urged hotels to reduce their rates to accommodate local tourism. A move the attracted many middle-class Kenyans and has helped to sustain the tourism industry.

According to data derived from the KNBS, US overtook the UK as the single largest source of tourists in 2016 who visited Kenya. This was a much more impressive achievement because, by that time, there were no direct flights between the two countries. In 2018 however, the two countries are linked by a direct flight. It is expected to increase the number of tourists visiting Kenya from the US.

According to the KTB, in 2016, 97,097 US tourists visited the country. A 16.4% increase over 2015, compared to 96,315 tourists from the UK. US tourism to Kenya is largely based around safari tourism, a segment the government has been looking to grow.

The increase in US tourists was spurred by the visit of high profile visitors to Kenya. They included the former US president and the Pope. That is tourism in Kenya figures and facts at a glance. For any clarifications kindly leave a comment.

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Brian Mwangi

Brian is a founding writer at Urban Kenyans. His work is focused on how to improve the digital literacy of Kenyans online. He has been able to do so with his mastery of Kenya and the English Language.

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10 Wild Facts About Kenya

Did you know that Kenya is named after a mountain?

Kenya is among one of the most well-known countries in Africa.

With hundreds of miles of coastline featuring stunning beaches, it’s no wonder tourism is on the rise.

To fully appreciate this country, let’s check out these top 10 facts about Kenya!

Kenya is the best place in the world for a Safari.

In general, people often think Africa is a great place for a safari. But you can’t generalize an entire continent!

So where IS the best place for a safari? Kenya tops any other country in the world!

The Big Five is a term used by hunters to describe Africa’s hardest animals to hunt: Lions , Elephants , Leopards, Rhinoceros , and Cape Buffalo.

These days, laws are in place to protect most of these animals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t admire them from afar.

All of these exotic animals can be found in Kenya’s National Reserve, Maasai Mara which is the best place for an African Safari!

Coffee is a huge export.

Interestingly enough, Kenyan’s mostly drink tea over coffee .

Not much of this dark and beany demand is sold domestically.

Nonetheless, coffee is one of Kenya’s biggest exports!

It grows so well in the country because of the acidic soil in central Kenya, along with the perfect amount of sunlight and rainfall.

Coffee from Kenya is similar to Colombian mild, making Kenyan coffee one of the most sought out coffees in the world.

Kenya is home to the Maasai people.

The Maasai are a group of indigenous people who live in the National Reserve, Maasai Mara.

They are known for their jumping dance and warrior skills.

Occupying a land area of almost 100,000 square miles, the Maasai have an estimated population of 500,000 people.

This group of people is semi-nomadic, although they are reasonably dependent on the market economy.

They will often go into major towns and cities of Kenya to sell goats, cows , beads, grain, charcoal, and other items.

For the most part, the Maasai consume meat, milk , and blood from cattle for protein and health needs.

Cow blood is drunk on special occasions, and often by elders to reduce the effects of a hangover !

Kenya has a Car-free island.

Off the coast of Kenya is Lamu Island.

It is home to Lamu Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Kenya’s oldest constantly occupied settlement – its origins date all the way back to the 12 th century!

Lamu Old Town remains one of the oldest and best conserved Swahili communities in East Africa.

To get around, residents will walk, take a boat, or use donkeys to transport items.

Cars are banned for the general public, and there aren’t roads that can even accommodate vehicles.

Some have wanted to rebuild the town to accommodate modern life.

Fortunately, there are laws in place the forbid anyone from taking down any of the town’s structures.

Kenya is named after a mountain.

Officially, Kenya is actually The Republic of Kenya.

In fact, before the arrival of European colonists in the late 19 th Century, the land was just a part of a larger region simply called East Africa.  

No one is sure what Kenya was called before colonization, and the name is relatively new.

In fact, the borders were only finalized in 1895, and even then they didn’t have a real name.

It wasn’t until 1920 when it was finally christened Kenya in honor of Mount Kenya which is the second tallest mountain in Africa.

So then where did Mount Kenya get its name?

The local indigenous peoples in the area called the mountain “kenia” which translates to “glitter” or “shine.”

The mountain was known as “the mountain that shines” because it is often capped with snow even though it is in a tropical climate.

Kenya is a pretty new country.

As we know Kenya was a British colony, it didn’t gain its independence until December 12 , 1963.

The path to freedom was sadly a violent one.

Part of this is due to the Mau Mau, who was a militant group of mostly Kikuyu people who led a vicious uprising against authorities and white settlers.

Unfortunately, they also targeted Africans who refused to join them.

Many people were murdered including a massacre in 1953 when over 100 men, women, and children were killed for their cause.

The British countered this with military action and detained tens of thousands of suspected Mau Mau guerrillas in labor camps.

Prisoners were poorly treated in overcrowded camps and often tortured for information.

The uprising, however, swayed the British to transition Kenya into a state of independence which finally happened in 1963.

There are two official languages of Kenya.

The two main languages of Kenya are Swahili and English.

Both of these make sense, considering the African location, and the British colonization.

While these are the main and official languages, there is a total of 68 spoken languages in Kenya.

Most of the other languages spoken in Kenya can be divided into two language groups: Niger-Congo, and Nilo-Saharan.

The Niger-Congo group is the third-largest language family in the world by ranking of native speakers.

In total, around 700 million people speak a language in this group.

The Nilo-Saharan group is significantly less with only 50-60 million people speaking a language in this family.

Kenya is home to a famous migration.

There’s more to Kenya’s wildlife than just The Big Five.

In addition, the largest overland migration in the world happens here, aptly called The Great Migration.

It involves over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras .

During each migration, the animals travel a total of at least 800 kilometers.

Of course, not all of the animals make it.

Around 250,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras die during the migration due to thirst, hunger, exhaustion, and of course predators.

There are over 3,000 lions that follow the migratory herds across the reserve.

Their flag is filled with meaning.

Like any other country flag, everything about the Kenyan flag has a reason.

The flag was adopted on the same day as the country’s newfound independence.

It is based on the Kenya African National Union flag, which is a political party that helped fight for Kenya’s independence.

All of the colors hold meaning. The black represents the Kenyan people, the red represents blood, the green represents natural wealth, and the white represents peace.

The shield and spears of the Masai are featured as a representation of the defense of freedom.

Kenyans have won a lot in the Olympics.

To date, no Kenyan has ever won a medal in a winter sport at the Olympics.

However, Kenyan athletes have won over 100 medals, mostly from track and field events.

Between the Summer Olympics of 2008, 2012, and 2016, Kenya earned 42 medals which is almost half of the total medals won.

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Michelle Gabriel

Michelle Gabriel is a freelance writer and blogger and currently loving it! Her primary focus and passion is traveling, which she does full time and continues to be her preferred topic when composing articles.

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Discover the Beauty and Diversity of Tourism in Kenya: Everything You Need to Know

A s a travel enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the diverse cultures, wildlife, and landscapes that Kenya has to offer. From the vast savannahs to the pristine beaches, Kenya is a destination that has something for everyone. I will take you through everything you need to know about tourism in Kenya, from popular destinations to safety tips for tourists.

Kenya, a country in East Africa, is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, cultural variety, and beautiful landscapes. About 10% of the country’s gross domestic product comes from the tourist industry. Cultural heritage sites and monuments throughout the country attest to the country’s long and illustrious history, which dates back to before colonial rule. Kenya’s diverse animal population is a big selling point for the country. The “Big Five”—lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo—are all native to the country. Giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and wildebeests are just some of the other animals that can be seen in the country’s national parks and game reserves.

Kenya’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions

Kenya is home to a diverse selection of tourism hotspots, each offering something special to its visitors. Located in the country’s southwestern corner, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is a famous tourist hotspot. The reserve is well-known for its dramatic yearly wildebeest migration, which occurs between July and October.

Also Read:  New Mombasa Zanzibar Flight Route Introduced to Boost Tourism

The Amboseli National Park is a famous tourist spot because of its proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is well-known for its massive elephant herds, and visitors can also take in stunning vistas of the surrounding mountain range and its abundant animals. Lamu Island is a fantastic place to go sightseeing if you value cultural travel. The island off the coast of Kenya is home to the ethnically and culturally diverse Swahili people. Travellers can stroll the island’s quaint streets, shop at the island’s local markets, and dine on delectable Swahili fare.

Kenya’s Game Reserves and National Parks

Thanks to its more than its 50 national parks and game reserves, Kenya is home to a vast diversity of wildlife. The following are among the world’s most visited game reserves and national parks:

• National Park of Maasai Mara
• The Amboseli Game Reserve
• The National Park of Tsavo
• The Park of Lake Nakuru
• Park of Aberdare
• Protected Area of Samburu, Kenya

Visitors can tailor their itineraries to their interests by picking and choosing from the various parks and reserves, each of which offers something special.

Safaris and Animals in Kenya

The country’s diverse animal population is a big selling point for the country. The “Big Five” animals—lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinoceroses—can all be seen by tourists, along with giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and wildebeests.

The greatest way to see Kenya’s wildlife is on a safari, and there are many different kinds to select from. The most common kind of safari is a “game drive,” during which tourists ride along in specially equipped vehicles through the park or reserve in search of wildlife.

Some parks and reserves even provide walking safaris, where guests can go on foot tours of the park alongside an expert ranger. You can also go on a safari in a hot air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of the park and its inhabitants.

Safaris in Kenya: A Cultural Detour

Over forty distinct ethnic groups call Kenya home, each with its own history and traditions. Travelers interested in learning more about Kenya’s rich cultural heritage can do so by visiting cultural villages and participating in cultural events.

Also Read:  Tourism Sector Registers Double Earnings for the Eighth Consecutive Month

The Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi are a must-visit for any culture vulture. Featuring traditional music, dancing, and architecture, the Bomas of Kenya serve as a living museum of Kenyan culture.

The Kit Mikayi rock formations are considered a sacred spot by the Luo people, while the Gede Ruins are the remains of a Swahili village from the 13th century.

Vacationing on Kenya’s Beaches

Some of the world’s most stunning beaches may be found along Kenya’s 480-kilometer coastline. Beachgoers can unwind in the sand and sun or try their hand at water sports like snorkelling or scuba diving.

Here are just a few of Kenya’s most well-known shores:

• Beach of Diani
• Beach of Watamu
• Coast of Nyali
• This is Bamburi Beach.
• Beach at Malindi

Marine parks, such as the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, can be visited by boat, and are home to more than 200 different species of fish and dolphins.

The Best of Kenyan Adventure Travel

Kenya is a great destination for thrill-seekers because of the variety of extreme sports available. Hiking, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, and white water rafting are just few of the many outdoor pursuits available to tourists.

Hiking and mountaineering opportunities abound atop Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. There are many ways up the mountain, and they all have their own special problems.

White water rafting is a popular tourist activity on Kenya’s longest river, the Tana. The river’s rapids vary in difficulty from grade 2 to 5, making it a good choice for both novice and seasoned rafters.

Ecologically Sound Vacations in Kenya

Kenya’s tourism sector relies heavily on eco-friendly practice’s. Many government-run projects and programmes in the country encourage ecotourism and environmental protection.

The Maasai Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem is a transboundary conservation area that spans both Kenya and Tanzania and is widely regarded as one of the most effective conservation efforts in the world. The project’s overarching goal is to encourage eco-friendly travel to the region while also protecting its natural resources.

Eco-Tourism Kenya encourages businesses in the tourism industry to adopt sustainable practice’s, and the Kenya Wildlife Service oversees the country’s national parks and game reserves.

Tourism Peak Season in Kenya

When you should travel to Kenya for a vacation depends on what you hope to get out of your trip. March through May and again in October through December are the wettest months in the country.  Safaris are most enjoyable from June through October, the dry season. Wildlife is easy to spot at this time of year since they congregate around water.

Between the months of December through March, the weather along the shore is hot and dry, making it an ideal time to travel there. The seaside is pleasant to visit in July and August as well, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower.

Organising a Vacation to Kenya

Tourists visiting Kenya should give serious thought to a number of details before setting off on their journey.

To visit Kenya, tourists need a passport, a visa, and, if they haven’t already had one, a yellow fever vaccination certificate. You should also learn about the resorts, campers, and motels that will suit your needs.

It’s crucial to think about the type of safari you want to go on, the location of the park or reserve you want to go to, and how long you want your safari to be. Travelers should also do their homework before selecting a tour company to ensure they have a reliable and knowledgeable guide.

Advice for Travelers’  Security in Kenya

Even though Kenya is a relatively risk-free destination for tourists, you should still exercise common sense and take measures to protect yourself. Avoid going out at night, especially in populated locations, and never flash your cash or other valuables.

Safari-goers should listen to their guides and stay a safe distance from the animals at all times. Crocodiles and hippos may be present in the water, thus tourists should stay out of the water.

All in all, Kenya is a fantastic vacation spot since it offers a wide variety of activities and attractions. Visitors can expect to have a pleasant and safe time in the country if they prepare ahead of time and keep in mind some basic safety measures. I think everyone should travel to Kenya and experience the country’s rich culture and natural wonders firsthand.

Tourism in Kenya

Unrest in dreamlike nature, numerous national parks and nature reserves, best travel times, development of the tourism sector in kenya from 1995 to 2019.

Revenues from tourism

All data for Kenya in detail

Kenya Facts

Kenya is one of the premier tourist destinations in Africa, famous for its stunning landscapes, magnificent wildlife and pleasant climate. We have listed below a number of Kenya facts and figures especially related to Travel & Tourism.

Many hundreds of thousands of travelers visit Kenya each year mainly to take a wildlife Safari, enjoy the beautiful Indian ocean beach or take an activity tour such as climbing Mount Kenya.

Ecosystem and Geography

The two major rainfall seasons typical to Kenya also loosely apply to Masai Mara, with the months from April to May and September to November seeing brief rainly spells nonetheless accompanied by hours of sunshine. The terrain in the reserve is typically open grassland and rolling hills, punctuated by a non-seasonal Mara River ( scene of the migration crossings). Some basic geographical facts are as below: Altitude: 00m–5999 m approx (4,900–19,200 ft); Rainfall: 85 mm (3.4 inches) per month; Temperature range: 09–37 °C (54–87 °F)

Arguably the single most iconic tribe in Africa, the Maasai are nomadic pastrolists who traditionally make a living out of herding cattle. Originally a Nilotic ethnic group which is said to have migrated centuries ago from the semi arid Nile valley north of Lake Turkana, the Maasai inhabit the region around Masai Mara as well as large portions of Great Rift Valley. The Maasai have their unique nomadic culture and way of life not to mention their traditonal dress of red or brightly colored ''shukas'' or body drapes.

Though Wildebeest are the most numerous of the many mammals found in Masai Mara, there are healthy numbers of a richly diverse wildlife eco system, and it is possible to see in a single gamedrive not just the Big Five ( Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino ) but much more to include the Big Nine such as Cheetah as well. There are also over 450 species of Birds recorded in the Masai Mara Eco system.

Wildebeest Migration

One of the most spectacular events of nature, the wildebeest migration is the mass movement of over a million plus animals including wildebeest, antelope, Zebra and the Big Cats such as Lion from Serengeti into Masai Mara. The migration is actually a continuous year long clockwise movement encompassing Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya, influenced by a number of factors including weather, pasture and mating~birthing cycles.

plan your visit

Planning a Safari to Masai Mara or for that matter a Kenya Safari is often a challenge for any traveler due to the complexity of options and variables available both online and offline via traditional travel agents. Here are some basics which could help you plan a better all round Safari in Kenya or Africa.

Tourism in Kenya

An example of how the growth of tourism in kenya (a nee) helps to reduce the development gap.

Kenya is a country in East Africa that has successfully developed a tourism industry over the past 40 years. 

Tourists visit Kenya for many reasons, including to go on safari and to visit its spectacular coastline around Mombasa. Wildlife viewing of animals such as lions, elephants and giraffes is the major tourist attraction in Kenya. Elephants and rhinos almost died out in the 1980’s because of poaching and hunting but tourism has offered a more sustainable economic activity. As can be seen on the graph, Kenya attracted nearly 1.4 million visitors in 2017.

Kenya faces numerous problems as a country, it suffers from periodic failure of the rains such as during the 2011-12 Horn of Africa famine and terrorist attacks from the Al-Shabaab group linked to Al Qaeda. The GDP in 2013 was only $1,245 per person, just above LIC status and making it a lower middle income country.

Some facts about tourism in Kenya

• Travel & Tourism generated 226,500 jobs directly in 2013, indirectly 11.6% of Kenyan’s jobs rely on tourism • 11% of the total wage employment is accounted for by tourism and earnings from tourism allow the government to reduce their level of debt • Tourism contributed DIRECTLY 4.8% of Kenya’s GDP in 2013 and a massive 12.1% of GDP through direct and indirect (e.g. farms supplying hotels) tourist services. • 7.6% of Kenya’s capital investment (money coming into the country to develop industry and projects) comes from tourism • Money spent by tourists in 2014 within Kenya was 17% of Kenya’s exports.   • Tourism brings in US$5.3billion to Kenya’s economy

All of these positive economic features have allowed Kenya to develop as a country – tourism directly supports the development of Kenya as a country and allows the government to reinvest money into improving the quality of life for its people. However there are positives and negatives of the tourism.

Positives of tourism 

1. Tourists like to see cultural shows by Maasai warriors and will pay good money for it 2. Local infrastructure is improved as water and sanitation facilities, roads, buses, taxis and airports are provided for tourists. 3. Tourists see beautiful landscapes, wildlife such as elephants and plants. They can also be educated about the dangers to fragile ecosystems in the modern world. 4. The Kenyan government loves tourism - foreign currency spent by tourists can be invested in improving local education, health and other services 5. Tourism creates jobs for local people in Kenya and people can learn new skills in tourism services and construction 6. Visitors get an insight into local customs and traditions.

Negatives of tourism

1. Foreign companies may bring foreign workers to do the skilled jobs; so local people only do low skilled, poorly paid work. 2. Important projects for local communities might be side lined as infrastructure developments are focused on tourists. 3. Pollution and disruption to wildlife habitats could occur if tourism isn't sustainable. 4. Profits can often go to foreign companies, such as tour operators and hotel chains, rather than to the local community. 5. Coastal Environments such as those in Mombasa have been damaged by tourism e.g. destruction of coral reefs as tourists step on the coral and also take souvenirs

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Highlights of Kenya

Trip Dates:  Sunday, November 5, 2023 - Monday, November 13, 2023

Trip Pricing: 

• Double occupancy $3,999 per person
• Single occupancy supplement $795

Trip Details & Highlights

Join CWRU as we explore the wonders of Kenya. Our adventure in Kenya will start with a flight from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park. Located in southern Kenya and renowned for its excellent variety of wildlife, it is also home to the Amboseli Trust for Elephants and boasts a majestic view of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest peak in Africa. You will:

• Experience the annual wildebeest migration.
• Visit a typical African market and dip into local culinary experiences influenced by spices from Asia and the Middle East.
• Meet conservation experts who are on the front lines of sustainable conservation and community impact efforts.
• Hike amid the spectacular scenery of towering cliffs and water-gouged gorges of Hell’s Gate National park.

Watch trips highlight video

Trip Inclusions

• Accommodation & meals mentioned above.
• All safari game viewing activities with a professional guide.
• Hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park.
• All park and conservation fees, Government taxes.
• Full time local Tour Director (except during the optional extension to Mombasa).
• All airport meet and greet + transfers in Nairobi.
• AMREF Flying Doctor Air Ambulance Service (only to a local hospital in Nairobi.)

Contact Information

Sarah Doody  904.432.3141 [email protected]

Trip Terms and Conditions

Luminary Society Members

CWRU’s Luminary Society members may receive additional discounts on CWRU Educational Travel programs. For further information on Luminary Society travel discounts only, please contact The Office of Strategic Giving at 216.368.4460.

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First Lady cites conservation as pillar to drive growth of niche tourism in Kenya

The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, has cited conservation as a critical pillar for sustainable tourism in Kenya.

The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) released ten adult mountain bongos into the Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary, during which the First Lady spoke.

The long-term vision of the 2019-launched Mountain Bongo National Recovery and Action Plan enshrines Kenya’s ambitious plan to achieve a national population of 750 Mountain Bongos in the next 50 years.

The release of the Mountain Bongo into the sanctuary is the culmination of Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy’s 20-year journey and a significant highlight event.

Humphrey Kariuki, the Patron of Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, praised the release of the Mountain Bongos into their rightful home in the wild as not just a victory for conservationists but for all of humanity.

Dr. Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, underscored the significance of the comprehensive strategy the government has implemented to bolster wildlife conservation.

“The successful release of Mountain Bongos at Mawingu Sanctuary today (Tuesday) highlights the possibilities available when stakeholders harness collective will and resources towards a common goal”, he said.

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‘It’s going to be worse’: Brazil braces for more pain amid record flooding

The death toll has climbed to 56 in Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state, with tens of thousands displaced.

Overpowering floods and mudslides caused by torrential rains are continuing to sweep southern Brazil, killing at least 56 people and forcing tens of thousands out of their homes, the government said.

As well as raising the death toll on Saturday, the country’s civil defence agency said rising water levels in the state of Rio Grande do Sul were straining dams and threatening the metropolis of Porto Alegre.

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Triggered by storms that began on Monday, the flooding is only expected to get worse, local authorities said, as rescuers scoured the ruins of washed-out homes, bridges, and roads for missing people.

“Forget everything you’ve seen, it’s going to be much worse in the metropolitan region,” Governor Eduardo Leite said on Friday as the state’s streets were submerged.

‘Nothing could be saved’

The flooding, Brazil’s worst in 80 years, has so far affected at least 265 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, according to the southernmost state’s civil defence department.

It has injured at least 74 people, displaced more than 24,000, and left 350,000 with some form of property damage.

“Nothing could be saved,” said Claudio Almiro, who lost his home and possessions to the flooding.

“Many people have even lost their lives. I raise my hand to heaven and thank God that I’m alive.”

Residents in several cities and towns have been left completely cut off from the world, with no electricity or telephone access, while others have been forced to abandon their livestock.

“You don’t know if the water will continue to rise or what will happen to the animals, they may soon drown,” said Raul Metzel, from Capela de Santana, north of the state’s capital.

Five days in, as the rainfall shows no signs of letting up, four of the state’s dams are at risk of collapsing, creating the risk of a new “emergency situation”, according to civil defence officials.

Brazil’s federal government has sent aircraft, boats and more than 600 soldiers to help clear roads, distribute food, water and mattresses, and set up shelters, while local volunteers have also helped with search efforts.

‘Disastrous cocktail’

Climatologist Francisco Eliseu Aquino said the devastating storms were the result of a “disastrous cocktail” of global warming and the El Nino weather phenomenon.

South America’s largest country has recently experienced a string of extreme weather events, including a cyclone in September that killed at least 31 people.

Aquino said the region’s particular geography meant it was often confronted by the effects of tropical and polar air masses colliding – but these events have “intensified due to climate change”.

And when they coincide with El Nino, a periodic warming of the waters in the tropical Pacific, the atmosphere becomes more unstable, he said.

• Open access
• Published: 07 May 2024

‘Counselling is not just providing information’: perceptions of caregivers and stakeholders on the design of nutrition and health counselling interventions for families with young children in rural Kenya

• Grace Wothaya Kihagi   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0005-6926-6696 1 ,
• Lea-Sophie Hansen   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2116-5088 1 ,
• Erick Agure   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6991-6760 1 ,
• Erick M.O. Muok   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0636-7917 2 ,
• Isabel Mank   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1321-1731 1 , 3 ,
• Ina Danquah   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3222-3498 1 , 4 &
• Raissa Sorgho   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2026-2457 1 , 5  

BMC Health Services Research volume  24 , Article number:  597 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Metrics details

Globally, a fifth of the children continue to face chronic undernutrition with a majority of them situated in the Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). The rising numbers are attributed to aggravating factors like limited nutrition knowledge, poor feeding practices, seasonal food insecurity, and diseases. Interventions targeting behaviour change may reduce the devastating nutrition situation of children in the LMICs.

For the co-design of a Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) intervention for young children in rural Kenya, we aimed to identify the experiences, barriers, facilitators, and preferences of caregivers and stakeholders regarding nutrition and health counselling.

We employed a qualitative study design and used a semi-structured interview guide. The in-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using content analysis, facilitated by the software NVivo.

Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) area in Siaya County, rural Kenya.

Participants

We interviewed 30 caregivers of children between 6 and 23 months of age and 29 local stakeholders with experience in implementing nutrition projects in Kenya.

Nutrition and health counselling (NHC) was usually conducted in hospital settings with groups of mothers. Barriers to counselling were long queues and delays, long distances and high travel costs, the inapplicability of the counselling content, lack of spousal support, and a high domestic workload. Facilitators included the trust of caregivers in Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) and counselling services offered free of charge. Preferences comprised (1) delivering of counselling by CHVs, (2) offering individual and group counselling, (3) targeting male and female caregivers.

There is a disconnect between the caregivers’ preferences and the services currently offered. Among these families, a successful BCC strategy that employs nutrition and health counselling should apply a community-based communication channel through trusted CHVs, addressing male and female caregivers, and comprising group and individual sessions.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

Childhood undernutrition continues to be a global challenge and poses a threat to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There has been a decline in childhood chronic undernutrition (stunting) from 203 million in 2000 to 149 million in 2020. Still, every fifth child < 5 years of age has chronic undernutrition. The majority of these children (38%) are living in sub-Saharan Africa [ 1 ]. In Kenya, the proportion of children suffering from stunting is 18%, while 5% of children have acute undernutrition [ 2 ]. Poor child-feeding practices have been associated with child undernutrition, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa [ 3 , 4 ]. In rural Kenya, caregivers among small-scale farmers assign little value to local and traditional foods and show limited nutrition knowledge. This has resulted in the consumption of energy-dense but micronutrient-scarce foods [ 5 , 6 ]. In addition, aggravating factors in Siaya County, Kenya, like HIV infections (Prevalence: 21%), malaria infections (Prevalence: 54%) and seasonal food insecurity predispose under-fives to poor health and undernutrition [ 7 , 8 ].

Behaviour change communication (BCC) interventions constitute a promising strategy to improve the health and nutrition of young children by empowering caregivers with the skills to provide healthy feeding for their children [ 5 , 9 ]. BCC is defined as an interactive process with communities to develop tailored messages and approaches using a variety of communication channels. BCC aims at developing and maintaining positive behaviours that promote and sustain individual, community, and societal change [ 10 ]. Nutrition and health counselling (NHC) forms one of these BCC strategies: A trained counsellor educationally conducts counselling sessions to facilitate changes in food choices, hygiene, utilization, feeding, and care-seeking. NHC is a supportive process between a counsellor and a client to set priorities, establish goals, and create individualized action plans that acknowledge and foster responsibility for self-care [ 11 ]. A trained counsellor provides training on maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN) to improve feeding practices and health behaviours. In Kenya, counselling on MIYCN mainly takes place at mother and child clinics during antenatal care visits, yet only 4 out of 10 women access the ANC services [ 12 ]. Evidence shows positive associations between the uptake of MIYCN counselling, improved feeding practices, and the reduction of stunting [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].

The successful adoption of BCC requires that clients recognize the value of NHC, and feel motivated to adopt counselled practices [ 11 ]. Studies on the perception of such counselling among inpatients show an association between adherence to dietary recommendations and improved dietary habits [ 16 ]. Despite this well-acknowledged need to understand perceptions and preferences regarding BCC with NHC, we lack contextualized information from caregivers living in rural Kenya and stakeholders with nutrition expertise.

Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions and preferences of caregivers living in rural Siaya and local stakeholders to determine how best to design a nutrition and health counselling BCC intervention. The specific objectives were (1) to describe caregivers’ and stakeholders’ experiences of NHC, (2) to identify and describe barriers to and facilitators of such counselling, and (3) to determine their respective preferences.

To ensure the quality of reporting our findings, we applied the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research, (COREQ) guidelines in the entirety of this qualitative research process [ 17 ]. The guidelines were developed to help researchers focus on the relevant areas, which must be reported in qualitative research [ 17 , 18 ]. COREQ guidelines have a checklist containing 32 specific criteria for the three domains namely, the research team and reflexivity, the study design, and data analysis and reporting of findings. In the Supplementary material (01), attached, we have documented how each section was covered.

Study setting

This qualitative study was conducted within the Siaya Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) area in South-Western Kenya, located in the North-East of Lake Victoria with approximately 1 million inhabitants [ 2 ]. Study participants were recruited from the villages of Gem, Karemo, and Asembo of Siaya County (Fig.  1 ), where people mainly speak the Dholuo language. The primary occupation of most inhabitants is smallholder subsistence farming, complemented by fishing activities. Additionally, subsistence farming contributes to 70–90% of livelihood in this area, and starchy staples and legumes make up a typical diet according to the Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS) of the World Bank.

Map of the Siaya health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) area, adapted from KEMRI HDSS, 2019

Population, sampling, and recruitment

Purposive sampling was applied to the Siaya HDSS population for the recruitment of 10 caregivers of under-fives from each of the three regions within Siaya HDSS; Gem, Karemo, and Asembo, totalling to 30 caregivers. The eligibility criteria for caregivers were (1) being the primary caregiver of a child aged 6–23 months, (2) having lived in rural Siaya for at least two years before the study started, and (3) being conversant in Dholuo, Swahili, or English languages. We used a combination of purposive and snowball sampling to identify and recruit the stakeholders. First, we mapped out stakeholders involved in nutrition and home gardening projects within Siaya from prior scoping review conducted by two researchers (RS, LH) [ 19 ]. We identified 116 potential stakeholders working within 2 years in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), or Government ministries. We sent initial and follow-up emails to the eligible stakeholders and began the recruitment process while encouraging them to share the names of other professionals fitting the eligibility criteria. Sampling and recruitment continued until data saturation and redundancy were reached [ 20 , 21 ] A total of 29 stakeholders were recruited. Of the participants contacted, none declined to participate.

Data collection

Between September and October 2020, three well-trained researchers, two females and one male (GWK, LH, EA) conducted interviews once; they had no previous contact with the study participants. For the interviews with caregivers, we used a semi-structured interview guide (Supplementary material 02). Two linguistically matched researchers (GWK, EA) contacted the caregivers at home and sought consent to conduct the in-person interviews. One of the researchers conducted the interview, and the other one took notes, i.e., documenting the process, key points, and observations. All interviews with caregivers were audio-recorded at the participants’ homes. The interviews lasted for an average of 37 min.

The interviews with stakeholders were conducted in the two official languages in Kenya: English and Swahili, by two researchers (GWK & LH), based on individual participant’s preference. The researchers used a semi-structured interview guide (Supplementary material 03), which was piloted and tested before data collection. It contained broad topics drawn from the study objectives, with key questions to guide the discussions [ 22 ]. We started to conduct in-person interviews in the stakeholders’ offices but had to transition to a digital video conference tool because the COVID-19 pandemic ruled out in-person meetings. Of the 29 interviews conducted, only two were in-person, the rest were conducted on digital platform. The interviews lasted between 60 and 100 min, were audio-recorded, and saved in a password-protected cloud system. The notetaker documented all additional material for cross-referencing and interview analysis. After each interview, the interviewer and the notetaker conducted a verbal debriefing of the interview and completed a debriefing form. We later used interview notes and debriefing forms as source material for triangulation [ 23 ].

Throughout the data collection period, the researchers (GK, LH, EA) held bi-weekly debrief meetings with the research team to check on the progress of the interviews, the emerging points of interest in the data, and monitoring data saturation [ 20 ]. Finally, two translators transcribed the interviews verbatim [ 24 ] and translated them from Dholuo or Swahili to English before being uploaded to the software NVivo, version 12 for analysis.

Data analysis

The interview transcripts, field minutes, and observation notes were read to inductively identify points of interest for the directed content analysis [ 25 ]. Two researchers (GK, LH) conducted two rounds of coding to identify any new codes to expand the coding frame [ 26 , 27 ]. The first round was done independently on half of all the caregivers’ and stakeholders’ transcripts. NVivo was used to organize, store, and visualize the data [ 28 ]. Next, we compared our preliminary codebooks, defined our codes, explained them to each other, and discussed points of concurrence and divergence. Afterward, we built a combined coding frame that served as the basis for the second coding round. Upon agreement on the coding frame, which remained open to additions and flexible to change, we conducted a second round of coding for all the transcripts. Lastly, during the second round of coding, categories were developed and then linked with the overarching concepts [ 29 ]. To improve the validity and the quality of our findings, we triangulated them with data from observation notes and debriefing forms [ 23 ].

Dissemination and validation of findings

To enhance the trustworthiness of our findings, we held a virtual feedback and dissemination meeting with the interviewed stakeholders in March 2021 [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Prior to the meeting, we sought consent from stakeholders to participate in a group meeting. Participants were given the option to remain anonymous in the group meeting or have an individual debriefing session. A total of 11 participants consented and participated. Dissemination of findings for caregivers was not possible due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

We present participants’ responses to our three above-mentioned research objectives using representative quotes [ 33 ]. Quotes were labelled with the following information: participant group (Caregiver-CG, Stakeholder-SH), study-specific ID number (01 to 30), organization category and participant role or relationship to the child, respectively, and age of the participant.

Participants’ characteristics

Out of the 30 interviewed caregivers, 27 were mothers and 3 were grandmothers (Table  1 ) Regardless of their relationship to the index child (mothers or grandmothers), the two sets of caregivers in our study were defined as the primary caregivers, who took full custody and care of the children. Their age ranged from 22 to 68 years, and mean duration of schooling was 8.7 years (range: 0–14 years).

The majority of caregivers (24/30) had already received some sort of nutrition education or counselling. Of the 29 interviewed stakeholders, the majority (21/29) worked with NGOs, including national, local, and community-based. Four of the stakeholders worked for government ministries, while the remaining four were employed at research institutions. Almost half (12/29) of the stakeholders were women. They were aged between 26 and 67 years, and 22 of them had experience with nutrition education or counselling projects implemented in Kenya.

Experiences of caregivers and stakeholders

Reasons for seeking and initiating nutrition and health counselling.

Of the caregivers with past nutrition counselling experience, three main reasons were reported for seeking nutrition counselling:

1) Knowledge gain: Caregivers wanted to learn from experts about child feeding, “I went so that I can receive this training on food nutrition because I might have given birth when I didn’t know anything, and I don’t know what is going on. That can make me make a lot of mistakes, for example, giving the baby food too early…” (CG_019; Mother, 25).

2) Address feeding and health problems: Caregivers intended to address the poor feeding habits of their infants to improve their health, “I thought counselling could help me because sometimes she [my child] was not eating and I couldn’t do anything. The child was sick and was not eating, so I went to hospital where I was told to look for a place where I can get trained on how she should eat so that she can have good health…” ( CG_017; Grandmother, 51 ).

3) Externally initiated: The health facilities have created an opportunity for nutrition and health counselling by offering it as part of an integrated service to mothers attending antenatal or postnatal care, “ I went [to the nutrition counselling] because I was also taking the child to clinic, and every time we took them to clinic, there were days for training, so I used to sit for those trainings”(CG_020; Mother 26 ). In some instances, the health providers also deliberately requested that the caregiver attends counselling, “Nurses told us that there’s counselling so we should not leave” (CG_011; Mother, 40) .

From the perspectives of the stakeholders, there were 5 reasons to conduct nutrition and health counselling for caregivers of young children:

1) Improve nutrition and health status of the children: The stakeholders initiated projects with nutrition components, first, as a strategy to improve the deteriorating health and nutrition status of children, and second, as a solution to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-related malnutrition and food insecurity, “ we had to start it [nutrition project] because when we use to make the home visits, there were a lot of children who were HIV infected, they were not able to get good nutrition….” (SH_023;Program officer/ NGO, 34).

2) Empower the community: Stakeholders stated they need to empower the community through capacity building, “ The main reason is just to improve the health of the community. In fact, if they know what they should eat, and what they should not, and the balance of all those foods, different categories of foods, it will improve the nutritional status of the community.” (SH_015;Home-economics officer/ GOK, 43).

3) Target critical periods of child growth and development: Stakeholders initiated nutrition projects to optimize child health during the first 1000 days of life, the period between pregnancy until 2 years of age, “… The process starts while the child is in the womb. So, when you start nutritionally counselling the mother, then mother nutritionally implement those advice for the benefit of the child” (SH_009; Nutritionist/GOK, 47).

4) Target poor feeding practices: Stakeholders intended to address poor child feeding practices through BCC for the caregivers, “…a lot of children in the slums are fairly wasted because there is typical competition for good nutrition between the adults and the children who should eat…” (SH_012; Program officer/NGO, 45).

5) Nutrition and health counselling was part of an integrated project: A few stakeholders explained that nutrition was part of an integrated approach in their projects, that aimed to improve household resilience and empower women, e.g., by home gardening, “ …the nutrition is also part of the home gardening. So, it’s not really a project on nutrition, but it’s like an additional point to home gardening…” (SH_017; Program officer/CBO, 41).

Current mode of delivery

Both participant groups reported that nutrition and health counselling was mostly offered in hospitals (Table  2 ). The target audience for these sessions was mothers. Fathers rarely received counselling on child nutrition, because they seldomly accompany mothers to the hospital. However, some caregivers highlighted that with a change in counselling setting, from a hospital to the community, more men attended the sessions. NHC sessions took place monthly and lasted between 1 and 2 h. Caregivers and stakeholders highlighted that health personnel, nurses, physicians, nutrition officers, and CHVs have conducted counselling sessions.

Caregivers’ likes and dislikes

Participants shared a range of experiences from past NHC and raised a few concerns. Caregivers liked how the past sessions were organized, “ It was clearly done” (CG_006; Mother, 28). They were happy with the content delivered and found it applicable and useful, “ It was done well. They also said that you should look for food that you can easily get… Provided you have taken balanced diet” (CG_ 001; Mother, 30). Similar sentiments were shared by another caregiver who talked about wide coverage of topics, “They taught us about nutrition, hygiene, how to take care of ourselves. So, all that was good for me” (CG_011; Mother, 40) , (Fig.  2 ).

Summary of caregivers’ likes and dislikes about nutrition and health counselling

Concerning their experiences with the counsellors, the caregivers classified the sessions as either desirable or undesirable based on their encounters. Those who interacted with friendly counsellors enjoyed their counselling sessions, “ I used to like the one [counsellor] who used to teach because he is someone who when teaching, teaches like he is joking. He liked jokes. He used to make us happy.…” (CG_002; Mother 30). On the contrary, those who encountered unfriendly, judgemental, boastful, or un-accommodating counsellors, classified their past counselling experiences as undesirable, “When they [the counsellors] tried telling me that when I am unable to feed the child, there are departments that can look at your child’s well-being. That one did not please me” (CG_016; Mother, Unknown age). Another participant recounted, “The person taking charge [of the group counselling sessions] wants to show off to you, that can make you feel like leaving.” ( CG_002; Mother, 28). Similarly, the use of local language (Dholuo language) by the counsellors during the sessions enhanced the caregivers’ desirability. They preferred sessions conducted in their local language.

Caregivers were unhappy with the hospital as the setting for nutrition and health counselling; they found the session timing inappropriate, and complained about the transportation costs to and from the health facility, “… we were required to go every month, so the challenge I had was the fare [transportation cost], (CG_025, Mother, 36). Caregivers disliked short counselling sessions, as they limited the question-and-answer part, “Let me say that the time for asking questions was short” (CG-020, Mother 26). Some participants of group counselling found the dynamics and side chatter as distracting, “ When you’re in a group, you hear people gossiping…could be complaining about something yet you’re trying to listen to what is being said [by the counsellor], and you end up not concentrating” (CG_006; Mother, 28).

Perceived effects of nutrition and health counselling

We identified five themes among caregivers and stakeholders concerning the perceived effects of nutrition and health counselling (Fig.  3 ).

1) Knowledge gain: Caregivers reported learning new concepts about feeding and nutrition in general, “ I will continue with them because you gave me directions, trained me on the things I didn’t know, making me enlightened, so they are things that I will continue practicing and even teaching my fellow [mothers] on how to go about them” (CG_028; Mother, 22 ). This was echoed by the stakeholders, “ There’s certainly improved knowledge, if you do a pre-and post-assessment you would find that they have much more knowledge about what the practices should be…” ( SH_019; Nutritionist/ NGO, 45).

2) Acquisition of skills: Caregivers mentioned that they acquired new skills in the preparation of nutritious meals, which they found applicable to their daily life, “ The benefits I can get later is that I’m taught how to cook the food and the types of foods to eat and how to change your diet” (CG_008; Mother, 24) . This was exemplified by one stakeholder: “ Some have also come up with their own initiative and they are using the available resources to provide a balanced diet… the caregivers came up with something they used to call ‘thirty-thirty strategy’…, which was meant to feed their child for a whole day… 10 shillings is for buying a protein, 10 shillings is for buying a fruit or vegetable, and 10 shillings is for buying a carbohydrate” (SH_005; Nutritionist/NGO, 45).

Summary of perceived effects of nutrition and health counselling

3) Behaviour change: Caregivers and stakeholders witnessed positive changes in consumption patterns and improved dietary diversity of children and the whole family, “ I have changed even on the vegetables that we should eat daily.” (CG_002; Mother, 30) ; “After the training, I used to give the child fruits after food every day.” (CG_020; Mother, 26). The improved dietary diversity among households was confirmed by stakeholders, “we did see significant improvements in dietary diversity, consumption of iron-rich foods, reduction in morbidities…., so we think that most of the effect was likely due to the monthly trainings”, (SH_25,26,27; Program officers/ International Organization, 27,28,33).

4) Improvement of health and nutrition indicators: Both caregivers and stakeholders alluded that after the counselling and application of the skills learned, they saw changes in the health and nutrition of their children, “ I could see that porridge did not give him enough satisfaction, so when he also took fruits, I could see that he had good health” (CG_018; Mother, 28). “…we see improved outcomes in terms of feeding practices, in terms of the health and nutrition status of the counselee from nutrition counselling” (SH_008; Nutritionist/GOK/NGO, 53).

5) Forceful feeding practices: One caregiver reported having adopted an undesirable feeding habit, ‘forceful’ feeding, “… the child was not eating properly, and I was told that there are certain foods that she should be eating so I gave her….… There are some foods which I was told ‘to force her’ to eat even if she didn’t want to” (CG_017; Grandmother, 51). The stakeholders also highlighted forceful feeding as a common problem in Siaya. They hypothesized that its introduction was likely a result of a counsellor’s poor communication skills.

Barriers to and facilitators of participating in nutrition and health counselling

We outline the obstacles faced by caregivers while seeking NHC (Table  3 ). These services were inaccessible, according to some caregivers. They also highlighted long distances to the health facilities, long queues, and delays. The inability to afford the prescribed diet and transport to the facility were among the barriers. Importantly, a lack of spousal support and the women’s workload were frequently mentioned barriers. Caregivers reported having been too occupied with childcare and household tasks to attend counselling sessions. Lastly, they were unable to attend NC when they were sick or ill.

Preferences and recommendations for BCC with NHC

According to the caregivers and stakeholders, there are seven key features of a successful NHC for young children in Siaya County. Six of the features are shared by the caregivers and stakeholders, while one of the recommendations was mentioned by the stakeholders only.

Shared recommendations from caregivers and stakeholders:

1) Community-based setting: Both caregivers and stakeholders preferred a community setting, “ I would want them (counsellors) to come home” (CG_008; Mother, 24) ,

“I think for me, in the community works best, because you know, the people, whoever you are counselling is within their environment, they are relaxed…. if you’re in the confines of a health facility, they [participants] may not be that free to tell you, ‘We are not able to do this, we are not able to do the other’…” (SH_024; Nutritionist/Academia, 60).

2) Male and female audience: Caregivers preferred that the mother is targeted for counselling and suggested that spouses could also be included “ The mother of the child, but both of you can be counselled but especially it should be the mother of the child.”, (CG_006; Mother, 28). Likewise, stakeholders confirmed that they recognize the importance of male involvement in child feeding, hence preferred to target both parents for the counselling, “We mainly prioritize the mothers but that doesn’t mean that we don’t focus on other household members because there is no point of giving information to a mother and they don’t have the control of the decisions that are made at the household level”, (SH_028; Program officer/International Organization, 38 ).

3) Duration between 1 and 2 h: The views from both participant groups converged on an average of 60 to 120 min of the NHC session, “ Sitting down the way we are sitting should take around one hour”, (CG_ 012; Mother, 33) , “For the women, I think is that we need to take between one to two hours” ( SH_012; NGO, 45). The setting may dictate the length, “ monthly group trainings, that would take about 60 minutes. But on the household visits that’s shorter, because you don’t want to take so much of their time, they’re working…” (SH_25,26,27; Program officers/International Organization; 27,28,33).

4) Monthly frequency: Both participant groups thought 1 to 2 sessions a month would be sufficient, “In a month, may be once (HH_012; Mother, 33), “…and the community health workers are supposed to visit every household on a monthly basis.” (SH_013; Director/GOK, 41).

5) CHVs as counsellors: The caregivers preferred to receive counselling from CHVs. Caregivers liked and trusted the CHVs, “ Since she is the community health volunteer of this area, whatever she tells you is something you feel she has experienced because she also has her own children who are much older and even grandchildren, she [the CHV] can’t mislead you, (CG_019; Mother, 25). Also, stakeholders preferred CHVs over facility-based health workers, “ the counsellors can be very few, visiting a very large community”, (SH_018; Program officer/NGO; 64). At the same time, they recommend a good mentorship of the CHVs to equip them with the correct content, “whoever is doing it has to be really well-trained and retrained because there is a lot of misinformation out here, on nutrition issues” (SH_011; Program officer/NGO, 40).

6) Mix of individual and group counselling: There were divergent views from caregivers on whether to have individual or group counselling, “…being visited at home individually” (CG_006; Mother, 28) was preferred by some but not all caregivers, “It’s good if it’s done in a group so that everyone benefits” (CG_008; Mother, 24). This split was also evident in the stakeholders’ preferences. Some opted for individual approaches, “nutrition counselling is much more personalized you cannot do a group counselling […] counselling is more personal, and it is tailor-made per each individual” (SH_007; Nutritionist/NGO, 34) , while others strongly recommended the group sessions, “ I think this works a lot for most of our programs, is the group approach” (SH_012; Program officer/NGO; 34). Some recommended a combined approach, “well, for the group counselling, it was working easier at the community but for the individual counselling, one-on-one counselling it was much more at the facility” (SH_021; Nutritionist/ NGO, 33).

Stakeholders’ recommendation:

Contextualized and evidence-based content: The stakeholders recommended using simplified but factual messages that address the local nutrition and health issues, “proper information and information delivered correctly, I think those are two very important, the kind of information should be correct, and then, it should be delivered in a way it gets to people in the right language, in the right note” (SH_014; Nutritionist/ Academia, 39).

Summary of main findings

This study explored caregivers’ and stakeholders’ experiences and preferences regarding nutrition and health counselling for young children in Siaya County, Kenya. As opposed to hospital-based counselling that caregivers had experienced before, the study participants (caregivers and stakeholders) preferred community-based services by well-trained CHVs. They highlighted the current barriers, including long queues and delays, long distances, high travel costs, the inapplicability of the counselling content, lack of spousal support, and a high domestic workload. Under the observed facilitating factors, such as trust in CHVs and services offered free of charge, both interview groups preferred that CHVs deliver the counselling, either to individuals or groups of caregivers and ideally, to both male and female caregivers (Fig.  4 ).

For the interpretation of our findings, we employ an integrated BCC framework, grounded in (1) behaviour change theories, such as the transtheoretical Stages of Change Model, (2) the expected and observed barriers and facilitators to deliver the BCC to the target community, and (3) relevant communication channels to successfully achieve the desired behaviour change [ 34 ]. BCC which uses nutrition and health counselling as a channel to communicate key messages on child nutrition has been applied in many settings across the globe and is associated with an increase in nutrition knowledge and improved feeding and health practices [ 5 , 9 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ].

Summary of findings

Stages of change

The transtheoretical model for BCC outlines seven stages of change, namely being ‘unaware’ (pre-contemplation), ‘aware’ or ‘concerned’ or ‘knowledgeable’ (contemplation), ‘motivated to change’ (preparation), ‘practicing trial behaviour change’ (action), and ‘practicing sustained behaviour change’ (maintenance) [ 34 ]. The participants of this study are situated along this continuum. Most caregivers and all the stakeholders appear to be aware of the unfavourable nutritional situation among young children in Siaya County. They have already moved beyond the pre-contemplation stage. In fact, many of the participants were open to gaining more knowledge and skills on healthy feeding practices and hygiene measures for their children. Also, the stakeholders expressed their concerns about the nutrition and health situation of young children in Siaya County and emphasized the need for BCC strategies. In particular, a couple of caregivers and most stakeholders demonstrated profound knowledge about the pillars of food security, including availability, access, utilization, and stability [ 39 ], as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) measures. Beyond this stage of being knowledgeable, a big share of the caregivers and stakeholders likely belong to the motivation stage, as they explicitly described the preconditions and preferred modes of delivery for nutrition and health counselling. Further, we observed that a considerable proportion of interviewees experienced or practiced trial behaviour. Yet, none of our participants seem to be situated at the stage of ‘practicing sustained behaviour’ because of the imbalances between barriers and enabling factors that were reported.

This situation is not unique to our study population. In nearby Kisumu, Reynolds and colleagues have conducted a Knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) study among 20 mothers living in informal settlements [ 40 ]. They also saw that mothers generally know about feeding recommendations for young children, but caregivers cannot implement such practices due to similar barriers as observed in our study. Similarly, in rural Machakos, close to Nairobi, Uusimäki et al. confirmed that complementary feeding knowledge is good among mothers living in informal settlements [ 41 ]. In addition, in two neighbouring counties of Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori, a recent qualitative study with 29 key informants revealed that caregivers are indeed knowledgeable and skilled enough to execute healthy child feeding practices. The authors, however, echo the findings of our study concerning social, financial, and cultural barriers that limit the adoption of recommended feeding behaviour [ 42 ]. To ensure that caregivers practice what they learnt in nutrition and health counselling, we also identified factors that contribute to the uptake of the desired practices.

Enabling factors for behaviour change

Such factors for a successful BCC comprise: the communication of key messages must be effective, the environment in which messages are delivered ought to be conducive, and the services should be friendly and accessible. Regarding effective communication, the caregivers and stakeholders in this study highlighted that rigorous and repeated training of counsellors is key to effective nutrition and health counselling in Siaya County. This advice was given explicitly by stakeholders, as well as implicitly by caregivers. In their previous experiences with health professionals and CHVs, counsellors partly acted judgemental, unfriendly, unskilled, and unprofessional. Previous studies in rural and deprived settings in Kenya confirm the important role of CHVs in delivering messages about complementary feeding and general health. Yet, these studies have raised concerns about knowledge gaps and limitations in communication skills among CHVs, and thus, call for training them regularly on nutrition and health counselling [ 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Notably, this seems to be the situation in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A recent umbrella review noted that CHVs constitute an immense potential in the formal health systems of LMICs. Still, CHVs are ineffective in handling complex situations, and therefore, require continuous training [ 46 ].

Concerning the enabling environment, both participant groups of the current study disliked the hospital as a setting of nutrition and health counselling for organizational, socio-cultural, and gender-related reasons. In fact, there is a rich body of evidence from nutrition and health counselling efforts in LMICs, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Malawi, that bi-weekly home visits offer more privacy, and thus, comfort, cognitive attention, and family support than on-demand counselling in public health facilities [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Regarding user-friendly and accessible services, in our study, the hospital-based setting was additionally criticized for the monetary and opportunity costs connected with the distance between caregivers’ homes and the health facilities. Clearly, when caregivers are highly motivated and ready to adopt healthy child feeding practices, the respective activities, services, and products should be accessible to them [ 34 ]. Systematically reviewed literature from home-based nutrition interventions in LMICs and The Lancet Series on Maternal and Child Nutrition 2 strongly argue for delivery strategies reaching the most vulnerable population groups at their homes [ 47 , 53 ].

Implications for nutrition and health counselling in Siaya County

Our study participants clearly stated their preferred mode of delivery for nutrition and health counselling to improve the nutritional status of young children in Siaya County, including the respective communication channels. Importantly, the caregivers’ and stakeholders’ ideas mirrored the current recommendations by the Government of Kenya on Baby-Friendly Community Initiatives (BFCI), which promotes maternal nutrition counselling to be delivered in a community setting [ 54 ]. In fact, our findings align with the recent efforts by the Kenya Ministry of Health to integrate the BFCI into the curriculum for CHVs [ 55 ] and thereby, delivering nutrition and health counselling at the community level. Taken together, best-practice examples, participant’s preferences and scientific evidence from other areas in Kenya and the Global South, suggest to thoroughly train the already well-trusted CHVs so that they can deliver household-based nutrition and health counselling. The sessions should last between one to two hours, take place once or twice per month, and address female and male caregivers [ 11 , 48 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Consequently, BFCI should be routinely implemented everywhere in Kenya, particularly in rural areas where chronic child undernutrition hits every fifth child < 5 years of age.

Strengths and limitations of the study

Our findings need to be interpreted with caution. While the conduct of most interviews in the Dholuo language was a strength during the interview process to facilitate the discussion of culture-specific and sensitive issues, the subsequent transcription into English might have led to a partial loss of the original meanings due to paraphrasing. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to conduct interviews with stakeholders in-person. Rather, we used an online conference tool to facilitate data collection. This might have led to inconsistencies in data collection between the target groups, particularly referring to limitations in the record of non-verbal expressions. Still, the study team conducted debriefings as outlined above for both, the stakeholders’ and the caregivers’ interviews, to ameliorate this constraint. Another strength of the study was the ability to reduce subjectivity by peer coding. During data analysis, peer coding took place with the code books shared between the two coders to allow for the comprehensive identification of themes. Secondly, this study incorporated views from both caregivers and stakeholders, with many avenues for data triangulation and thus, validation of key themes. Thirdly, by adhering to the COREQ guidelines throughout the research process, we have enhanced the transferability of our findings [ 17 , 59 ].

This qualitative study with caregivers of young children and stakeholders in Kenya reveals that caregivers are highly motivated to change child feeding practices and healthcare behaviour towards improved food security and hygiene measures. Yet, they have challenges accessing counselling services in the current hospital setting and perceive this setting as inappropriate and inconducive. Caregivers and stakeholders prefer a change of the setting and the mode of delivery. This shows a disconnect between what is currently offered and what caregivers find helpful. At the same time, these observations corroborate current governmental efforts to train CHVs on delivering nutrition and health counselling at the community level. It has become evident that effective BCC needs to be tailored to the communication channels to this target population in rural Kenya. Precisely, counselling should be community-based, through trusted CHVs who deliver evidence-based content within less than 2 h every month; counselling should embrace male involvement and family support and allow for group and individual sessions.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the Steering Committee of the DFG-funded Research Unit “Climate change and health in sub-Saharan Africa”, coordinated by Ina Danquah: [email protected] but restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which were used under license for the current study, and so are not publicly available. Data are however available from the authors upon reasonable request and with permission of the Steering Committee of the DFG-funded Research Unit.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank caregivers and stakeholders for their participation in the study. We acknowledge support from the Ministry of Health, Siaya County, and Staff members of Kenya Medical Research Institute for the assistance in fieldwork coordination.

This article is part of a PhD project funded by the Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer -Dienst (KAAD). The research also received funding from Foundation fiat panis (Reference: Projekt Nr.06/2022) and the German Research Foundation (DFG): Reference DA 1881/3 − 1.

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Grace Wothaya Kihagi, Lea-Sophie Hansen, Erick Agure, Isabel Mank, Ina Danquah & Raissa Sorgho

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Isabel Mank

Hertz-Chair Innovation for Planetary Health and Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany

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Conceptualization of research idea was done by Grace Wothaya Kihagi (G.W.K.) under the guidance of Ina Danquah (I.D), Raissa Sorgho (R.S), Isabel Mank (I.M) and Erick Muok (E.M); Methodology: G.W.K, R.S, I.M, and I.D; Investigation (data collection): G.W.K., Lea-Sophie Hansen (L.H) and Erick Agure (E.A); Field coordination and support: G.W.K., E.A, L.H, E.M and I.D; Formal analysis, G.W.K and L.H, supervised by R.S; Validation G.W.K, R.S., I.M and I.D; Writing and preparation of original draft: G.W.K. supervised by R.S; Review and editing subsequent manuscripts: G.W.K, R.S, I.M, I.D, L.H, E.M, and E.A; Funding acquisition: G.W.K, R.S, and ID. All authors contributed to the manuscript development and have agreed to the published version.

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Kihagi, G., Hansen, LS., Agure, E. et al. ‘Counselling is not just providing information’: perceptions of caregivers and stakeholders on the design of nutrition and health counselling interventions for families with young children in rural Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 24 , 597 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-10872-w

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Received : 06 May 2023

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-10872-w

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