Kenya

Located in east Africa, Kenya is known for it’s scenic landscapes and wildlife preserves. It’s capital city is Nairobi. Kenya has a long history of musical and artistic expressions including oral and written literature such as fables telling stories of the country’s past experiences. Kenya is located very close to the equator and the climate is generally dry and hot with the rainy season being March-May. Kenya is comprised of more than eight ethnic groups and languages. There are not many places in this world where you can kiss a Giraffe or see a lioness playing with her cubs but you can do both of those and much more in Kenya. Truly a place to feel humanity’s simplest realities and be in touch with nature.

To pack for your trip to Kenya please bring:

For Carry-Ons:

• Passport
• Kenya Visa
• Copy of vaccination record
• Spending/emergency money
• Medication in original packaging
• A change of clothes 
• Phone and charger (if desired)
• Water bottle
• Mini toiletries (in Ziploc plastic bags)
• Something to carry passport/money in (fanny pack, small purse, passport holder)
• Book (anything to do while on plane)
• Notebook/Journal – for thoughts and reflection
• Pen/Pencil

For Checked luggage:

• Shirts (nothing revealing or with obscene graphics)
• Pants (no ripped jeans; airy pants are a good option)
• Sturdy close toes shoes (for walking/working)
• Flip-flops (for shower, if desired)
• Women: long skirts for church/visiting
• Socks
• Underwear
• Pajamas
• Light jacket
• Roll of toilet paper 
• Bug spray containing DEET
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Bible
• Pen/pencil
• Portable Water Bottle
• Journal
• Shampoo / Conditioner
• Soap
• Towel
• Hairbrush
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Hand sanitizer/ wipes (baby wipes work well)
• Snacks (if desired. High protein granola bars are a good option)
• Bag/backpack for during the day

Kenyan culture is an honor/shame culture

• People from honor states might be more tolerant of abuse, social injustices.

• In an honor culture, a woman who stays loyal in the face of violence by her
husband is considered strong and good.

• Enduring feelings of intimacy are not likely to be fostered by the
typical honor culture.

• People often are more likely to tell you what you want to hear rather than to tell
the truth. Lying is acceptable if it makes you(person being lied to) happy and
saves that person(lier) embarrassment or shame.

Kenyans have a deep respect for their elders and leaders

• When an older person enters the room everyone stands to greet them.

• When finishing a meeting or fellowship the eldest receives final say.

• Titles are very important to most Kenyans, “Pastor” “Reverend” Honorable” “Dr.”
People like to have titles and show respect to others by using titles when
addressing each other.

• Kenyans do not pay attention to timeliness

• Being “on time” is not a part of the Kenyan culture. Often weddings announce a
start time 10AM but nobody arrives until 1PM. Church might start 30 minutes late
and go until 3PM. Time is not important in Kenyan culture.

• In honor cultures, men are prone to be hyper sensitive to threats to their
masculinity, and these threats can provoke reactions designed to restore a man’s
honor.

Kenya is a collectivist culture

• Kenyans have the “it takes a community to raise a child” approach. It is very
common to see children being corrected and lectured by neighbors, often a
mother/father may not know where his/her child is but relies on neighbors to
take care of the child.

• Personal property is also viewed collectively. If you have a bicycle and you are not
using it, then it is free game to be used by someone with the need to use it.

• Kenya has 42 tribes and roughly 68 languages

• The national language of Kenya is Swahili, english is the language of “business”
and is spoken by most people in urban areas.
• Most Kenyans speak 3 or more languages.

• Kenyan’s are very spiritual people

• Kenya claims to be a christian country. Protestant 45% Catholic 33% Islam 11%
Indigenous religions 10%. Many people believe Islam is much higher percentage,
maybe as high as 35%-45%.

• Sunday morning are often busy with people going to church. Kenya’s love
attending church and do not mind spending 5-6 hrs at church on Sunday.

• With so many different tribal religions there is more of a mixture of christianity
with different tribal religions. A church might proclaim Jesus on Sunday and tell
your future for money on Monday.

• The role/title of pastor is very popular and is often viewed as a great way to
make money. Because of this there are many con-men and false teaching aimed
at generating money.

Traditional Customs

• Kenyans love giving and receiving blessings. When visiting a home you will be
offered something to drink or eat, its important to accept the drink or food with
gratitude. Kenyans believe they receive a blessing when you drink or eat at their
home. When visiting a home for the first time it is also customary to pray a
blessing over the home and the host family.

• Kenyans love to give and receive gifts. It is very common to when visiting a
neighbor to bring something as a gift(often food).

• When eating at a Kenyan’s home you will more than likely be given more food
than you can eat. Kenyan’s are very hospitable and it is a very bad thing for a
guest to leave hungry, so they make sure you have plenty of food.