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A Glimpse into Daily Life as an Expat in Kenya.
If you’re thinking of making the move to Kenya, you’re probably wondering what day-to-day life is like for an Expat.
From the food to the weather to the people, there’s a lot that’s different from life in Western countries.
But don’t worry, we’re here to give you a snapshot of what you can expect!
The Food.
One of the things that takes most Expats by surprise is the food. Kenyan cuisine is primarily based on ugali, a dish made from maize flour, and stews full of various types of meat and vegetables.
If you’re not used to eating ugali, it can take a bit of getting used to. But once you do, you’ll find that it’s actually quite delicious!
The Weather.
Kenyans are very lucky when it comes to the weather. It’s sunny pretty much all year round, with temperatures averaging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Of course, there are the occasional downpours during the rainy season (usually between April and May), but for the most part, you can expect clear skies and bright days.
The People.
Kenyans are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. They are always quick to offer a helping hand or a friendly smile, which makes living here all the more enjoyable.
One thing to note, however, is that Kenyans tend to be quite strict when it comes to punctuality.
So if you have plans with friends or colleagues, make sure you’re always on time!
Culture and Religion.
Kenya is a culturally diverse country, with over 40 different ethnic groups. The largest group is the Kikuyu people, who make up about 22% of the population.
Other significant groups include the Luhya (14%), Luo (13%), Kalenjin (11%), Kamba (11%), and Kisii (6%). Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by Islam.
All in all, daily life as an Expat in Kenya is pretty great once you’re dialed in!
The food may take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon come to appreciate the variety of flavors and textures that Kenyan cuisine has to offer.
And with the warm weather and friendly people, you’ll quickly feel right at home in this beautiful country.
Now, let’s move on and discuss overall life in general for Expats in Kenya.
Life in Kenya for Expats: The Good, the Bad, and the Langata Road.
For anyone considering a move to Kenya, be prepared for some culture shock.
This wonderful East African country is full of contrasts, from the bustling city streets of Nairobi to the tranquility of life on a coffee farm in central Kenya.
In this part, we’ll take a look at what life is really like overall for Expats living in Kenya.
The Good.
One of the best things about living in Kenya is the weather. With year-round sunshine and an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, you’ll never have to worry about shoveling snow or bundling up against the cold again.
Another plus is that Kenyan food is absolutely delicious.
From Indian-style curries to traditional African stews, there’s something to suit every taste bud. And of course, let’s not forget the coffee!
Kenyan coffee is some of the best in the world, and there’s nothing quite like starting your day with a cup of freshly brewed cafetiere coffee made from beans grown right here in Kenya.
The Bad.
Of course, no place is perfect and there are some downsides to living in Kenya as an Expat.
One of the biggest problems is crime. Nairobi has been ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and even outside of the capital city, it’s not uncommon to hear stories of muggings and home robberies.
This high crime rate is one of the main reasons why many Expats choose to live in gated communities with security guards on duty 24/7.
Another downside to living in Kenya is the state of the infrastructure. Roads are potholed and public transportation is crowded and unreliable.
And then there are the power outages…in Kenya, power cuts are a way of life.
If you’re not used to them, they can be a real pain (literally) when they happen at night and you’re trying to get some sleep!
The Langata Road.
And then there’s Langata Road…if you thought New York City traffic was bad, wait until you see what rush hour looks like on this busy Nairobi thoroughfare!
To say that traffic on Langata Road is chaotic would be an understatement.
Horns blaring, vehicles swerving around each other…it’s enough to make your head spin.
If you’re brave enough to venture out onto Langata Road during rush hour, be sure to hold on tight and keep your wits about you!
Conclusion.
Living in Kenya as an Expat can be both good and bad. On one hand, you have beautiful weather and delicious food.
On the other hand, you have high crime rates and subpar infrastructure.
But despite its challenges, Kenya is a country that offers its residents a truly unique experience lifted straight out of an African safari adventure novel.
So if you’re looking for excitement and adventure, this may be just the place for you!