Expat workers in Kenya may find the business culture and way of working slightly different than their home country. Although Kenya is welcoming of international workers, especially in diverse cities like Nairobi, businesses can operate very hierarchical and vertically, which can be different than the more collaborative ways of working that are popular in other countries. Heres an overview of the working culture and business etiquette for expats moving to Kenya.
Major industries
If you are relocating to Kenya for work, it is helpful to be aware of the country's major industries. These include finance, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Nairobi, the capital, is one of the commercial and financial hubs of East Africa.
Many local and international businesses operate in Nairobi, and expat workers can also be found in the city. Major employers in Nairobi include the Nairobi Stock Exchange, Coca-Cola, IBM, Cisco Systems, the United Nations, and Kenya Airways. Manufacturing done in Nairobi includes processed foods, textiles, and clothing.
The working environment
Kenyan workers generally work 8am-5pm, with a one-hour lunch break. However, many private companies tend to work longer hours, and there is a strong work culture in Kenya, with many companies asking for very high performance from their staff. Workers also receive at least 21 annual leave days per year and approximately 12 public holidays. In banking jobs, banks tend to be open from 9am-3pm, and sometimes on Saturday mornings.
Many workers in Kenya report that the work-life balance is not as good as they would like, with workers often working long hours. However, expat workers often enjoy generous salaries and do have satisfaction with their work, despite the long hours.
Business etiquette
The business culture in Kenya may be different than your home country, so it is important to familiarise yourself with some of the particularities before starting work. In Kenya, business attire is formal or smartly dressed, and meetings are likely to start with a strong handshake, with eye contact, and the Swahili greeting of 'Jambo'. Punctuality is important, and meetings start on time.
In Kenyan business, hierarchy is very important, with younger or junior workers deferring to the senior or elder management or staff. Respect of coworkers and management is very important, and workers should always use the titles of the job and the person's full name when introducing someone.
Getting to know your colleagues is also considered important, especially as you may be spending long days working together. Small talk is expected both in the workplace and before meetings with potential business partners, so take the time to ask questions and get to know your associates. Due to the importance of getting to know one another, meetings and business deals may take longer to finish, making patience a necessary quality. As in other countries, networking is helpful in building professional relationships and is highly valued.
You may encounter differences geographically also. Workers in Nairobi will find a fast-paced city that may operate with many similarities to other international hubs, while in regional areas and smaller towns, business may move at a slower pace, and punctuality may be less valued.
Good to know: Many Kenyan workers like to get to know one another and socialise via eating lunch or dinner together, so try to go along if invited.
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