Nairobi City, the capital of Kenya, is situated in the south-central part of the country, in the highlands, at an elevation of about 5,500 feet (1,680 metres). The city lies 300 miles (480 km) northwest of Mombasa, home to Kenya’s major port on the Indian Ocean.

Languages

Kenya is a multi-ethnic State with a variety of languages spoken.
English is the official language, while Kiswahili is the most widely spoken.

Climate in Kenya

Kenya enjoys a tropical climate, which is favourable and characterized by abundant sunshine all year round. In the capital, Nairobi, the average temperature in May is 19ºC, with highs of 24ºC and lows of 14ºC. Around 120mm of rain is expected this month. Visitors are advised to prepare for dry and rainy days and to check the weather before travelling.

Banking Services

Business hours are generally from 0830hrs to 1600hrs on weekdays and from 0830hrs to 1200hrs on Saturdays. Banks are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Most banks have Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) accepting various international debit and credit cards.
The increasing use of mobile money has sparked competition between mobile money wallets and commercial banks, as Kenyans gradually abandon cash-based transactions, which remain dormant, in favour of digitally-enabled alternatives, particularly mobile money.

Currency Exchange

The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). It is issued in 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 banknotes and 40, 20, 10, 5 and 1 coins.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the banks and Forex Bureaus. Currency exchange points are available at banks, airports and major hotels. Daily prevailing exchange rate for major international currencies can be obtained from the Central Bank of Kenya website .
Currency Restrictions: Currency notes of up to the equivalent of US$5,000 and KES100,000 can be brought into or out of Kenya without making a customs declaration. For any currency notes exceeding this amount, a customs declaration is necessary.

Telephone Services

Country code: +254
Mobile telephone services are quite efficient in Kenya. Major mobile telephone service providers include Safaricom, Airtel and Telcom, offering voice, data, messaging and mobile money services.
Telcos operating in Kenya provide voice and internet service using third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation (5G) networks. Cell phone SIM cards are readily available at the cost of approximately KES. 140. Delegates should note that registration is required to activate mobile SIM cards, using an official / government-type personal identification.
Online payments (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, etc.) are accepted by most businesses in Kenya.

Time zone

Kenya is in the East Africa Standard Time zone. It is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +3).

Electricity Supply

The standard electrical current used throughout Kenya is 220–240 volts at a frequency of 50 Hz. Power plugs and sockets are of the D/G type. It is recommended that delegates bring their adaptors suitable to the above power supply specifications and rating.

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Restaurants and other Hotel Services

African, Western and Oriental cuisines are available in Nairobi restaurants.
Tipping is voluntary and considered courteous. It is at your discretion, although some hotels include service charges in bills.

Taxi Services

Reliable online and traditional cab/taxi operators are available in Nairobi, offering reliable and affordable services. Payment can be made in local currency or using an accepted global currency. You can download the Uber, Little Cab and Bolt apps and add your payment method to use the service. Please note that foreign transaction fees may apply based on your payment method.
Tipping the taxi driver is customary for good service but not mandatory. Do not feel obligated, nor should the taxi/cab driver force you to tip them.

Business and Shopping Hours

Most businesses are generally open from 0800hrs to 1700hrs. However, some shopping malls operate 24 hrs. Delegates who wish to shop may seek advice from their hotels on the nearest shopping facilities.

Tourism

Kenya is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. Tourist attractions range from the white sandy beaches at the coast to scenic landscapes, memorable mountain expeditions and the majestic beauty of a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kindly visit “A short Guide to the Magical City for the Active Traveller” for a 48-hour guide to Nairobi.
Nairobi is also the only city in the world that boasts of a National Park within its proximity.
September is known for the great wildebeest migration in the savannah of Maasai Mara—also one of the world’s wonders.