5 Interesting Facts about Kenyan Culture You Probably Didn’t Know
In 2019, Kenya’s tourism industry grew to $1.9 billion with over 2 million foreigners coming to the country.
While Kenyans are used to seeing tourists and speak English as one of their official languages, they do have a unique culture that is to be respected.
If you are planning a trip to Kenya then there are some important things to know before you go.
Read on to discover the top 5 Kenyan culture tips to brush up on.
1. They Thrive on Community Cooperation
The Kenyan people rarely isolate themselves, especially when times are tough. Instead, they use their community as a safe-haven to solve problems.
The term “Harambee” meaning “pull together”, a Bantu tribal word in Swahili, has found its way into the lives of all 13 ethnicities and 27 small sub-culture groups.
Sharing responsibilities such as farming, herding, and even forming political agendas safeguards their community using mutuality. No one is left behind when in need.
If you are visiting Kenya, then immerse yourself in the spirit of group cooperation. Respect this notion of mutual responsibility to care for the land and its people by offering your assistance wherever you are in the country.
2. Tardiness is Not a Thing
Unless you are meeting a client for an important business meeting expect Kenyans to be very loose about the time.
The people of Kenya don’t track the time of day as much as a westerner who keeps a tight schedule. In the west, it is also considered rude to show up late, especially with no phone call.
Time is more casual in Kenya, so if you plan to meet for lunch with a friend then know that the timing is fluid. Don’t get mad at them for being up to 30 minutes late. Don’t expect an apology or an excuse either as this is the norm.
What you can rely on is a perfectly timed Kenya safari or any other tourist activity that involves a formal timeframe.
3. Kenyans Respect and Remember Ancestors
A large part of Kenya customs involves ancestral recognization. They continue including their passed loved ones as part of the larger nucleus family. This is done through remembrance.
In Kenya culture, as well as in most African countries, they believe that ancestors still exist or in a sense are alive until the “living” forgets them. They are stuck in limbo, not in this world but not apart from it.
Trapped in-between an afterlife and mortal life, Kenyans believe that ancestors are closer to God. So, Kenyans believe that the recently deceased have abilities to navigate events.
Asking for ancestral guidance is common by displaying respect and worship. Offerings such as prayer and sacrifice show ancestors that they are in need. The ancestors act as a medium to connect their families to a higher power.
It is also common to maintain a connection with their ancestors by naming babies in honor of them. This shows tremendous respect as the next generations remember them.
4. Dining is a Formal Affair
When eating with Kenya people it is essential to know the proper etiquette as to not offend your hosts.
First, know that even though 14.7 million Kenyans live in extreme poverty, they will offer you food when you enter their home. The term “Mgeni ni Baraka” means that a “guest is a blessing.” So, it is their privilege and duty to offer you food.
Refusing food is a major insult since its offering shows an exchange of mutual respect. Always accept food from your hosts even if you just ask for a small portion. Tell them that you ate recently but would love to try their food.
Second, at the table, you should follow formal dining rules. Specific details change according to the tribal tradition so be open to social queues that reveal expectations.
If it is a special affair, the guest of honor will have an assigned seat, otherwise, sit where you please. Food service begins with the honored person followed by the eldest male, other men, children, then women.
Don’t begin eating until the eldest male starts his meal.
Third, expect the meals to be served family-style by servants offering communal bowls to each person. Take a small portion at first since you will be encouraged to indulge in a second helping.
It is respectful to finish your plate so don’t overload unless you want to be seen as wasteful.
Also, know that drinks aren’t served with meals since it is considered impolite to drink while eating. Beverages will be served after the meal.
If you aren’t sure of something or want to know what you are eating it doesn’t hurt to ask in a curious and appreciative tone.
5. Communication is Kept Respectful and Indirect
If you are from the west, you may be accustomed to speaking directly or even being openly critical. The culture of Kenya is quite different as it aims to preserve relationships through passive, polite communication.
As a foreigner, it might seem odd that Kenyans use metaphors and analogies to get a point across instead of bluntly calling someone a liar or explaining they did something wrong.
This is the method used in Kenya to protect the image of others. To insult a member of the community is like insulting one’s self.
If someone wants to be openly critical or show anger they do so in private. Displaying anger in public is seen as a consequence of the instability of character.
Yelling is also not seen very often unless there is a business dispute. Also, before any business transaction, a form of small talk is expected by asking about each others’ health and family.
Even though English is spoken throughout the country, it might not hurt to learn important Swahili terms to further understand the way Kenyans communicate.
Exploring Kenyan Culture
Now that you know the do’s and don’t’s of Kenyan culture it is time to explore the country. After visiting the cities, don’t forget that much of Kenya is in the rural part of the land.
Check out our list of Kenyan safari options for the ride of your life.