Digital Nomad Life in Kenya

"There are lots of social clubs. A good place to start is the notice board in many of the city's main malls," remarked one member in Nairobi.

"Expats in Kenya often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, sailing, and running. Expats can also join social clubs, such as the Nairobi Expat Club, which organizes events and activities for expats to meet and socialize. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending local events, such as art exhibitions, music festivals, and cultural celebrations. Expats can also meet people by attending church services, volunteering, or joining a language exchange program," explained one expat living in Kenya.

"Kenyans are very family-centric and will be flattered if you show an interest in their home life. "Harambee" is the name of a family or community party which will require a small donation but is well worth attending. If you are invited to one by a Kenyan colleague, be sure to make a donation and attend, you won't regret it. Music and nightclubs, bars and fun carnivals are regular events," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Nairobi.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Kenya is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its warm climate, friendly people, and vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of activities to enjoy, from exploring the country's national parks and game reserves to taking part in the local music and art scenes. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. Additionally, the country has a strong infrastructure, with reliable internet access and a variety of coworking spaces available. All in all, Kenya is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and affordable place to live and work," explained one person living in Kenya.

"Was born here so I am somewhat familiar with the areas, but after so many years away, use someone local that you trust. Keep in mind "Help" is not free in Kenya, even when people are supposed to do their job," remarked one member in Nairobi, the whole country.

"Our employer Kaluworks provided us a well furnished apartment in an expat compound in Tudor," explained one expat living in Mombasa, Kenya.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Kenya is to use online resources such as property websites, classifieds, and social media. You can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a suitable place to live. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in Kenya for recommendations. Finally, you can also look for rental postings in newspapers and other local publications," said one person in Kenya.

"Before retiring in Kenya, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs. It is also important to research the cost of living in the area, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should ensure that they have the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Kenya. Finally, expats should consider the security situation in the area and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety," explained one expat living in Kenya.

"Do it! This is a great city. Ignore the reputation. Kenya does have some crime and social unrest issues but with care and caution these can be avoided. This is a beautiful city in a beautiful, friendly country," said one person in Nairobi.

"Expatriates in Kenya appreciate the warm hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture, and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the diverse cuisine, the rich history, and the vibrant music and dance. Additionally, expats appreciate the strong sense of community and the strong family values that are so prevalent in Kenyan culture," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Kenya.

"Conservation has a new meaning to me. I am used to large game parks with big 5, but the abundance in the smaller game parks here surpasses what I have experienced in South Africa. I honestly thought that all the game would be eaten by now, but reality is that they are well preserved," explained one person living in Nairobi, Kenya.

"Expats in Kenya often find the local culture to be quite different from their own, which can be challenging to adjust to. Many expats find the pace of life in Kenya to be slower than what they are used to, which can be difficult to adjust to. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for expats, as English is not widely spoken in Kenya. Furthermore, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate for expats, as they are often quite different from what they are used to. Finally, the lack of infrastructure and resources can be a challenge for expats, as it can make it difficult to access basic services," said one expat who made the move to Kenya.

"A person learn to trust friendly people faster and tend to accept customs as a given. What caught me off guard is that the Kenyan culture has a very strong emphasis on good interpersonal relationships to the point where you will be extremely friendly with the person you are lying to and that you are in the process of deceiving. I found it difficult to learn not to trust a person just because he/she is friendly and apparently sharing as it took me a knock or two to realize the depth of receipt the friendly people are capable off. Corruption is everywhere and only power and money controls it," explained one foreigner living in Nairobi, Kenya.

"If you plan to stay in Kenya for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a valid Kenyan visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a residence permit. You will also need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport, and proof of your financial means, such as a bank statement. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of your purpose for staying in Kenya, such as a letter from your employer or a letter of invitation from a Kenyan citizen," said one expat in Kenya.

"Yes. A very friendly person taught me the local custom of calling a person by his surname instead of by his first name as a form of acknowledging friendship and honoring his bloodline. When she then called a person by his first name I asked why without thinking. I did not realise that I was putting her in a very bad spot as it blatantly highlighted a sensitive political situation," explained one expat living in Nairobi, Kenya.

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Kenya. It is considered rude to point with your finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid discussing politics or religion in public, as these topics can be sensitive. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to be respectful when speaking to locals," said one person in Kenya.

"Healthcare services in Kenya are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Kenyan citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents in Kenya have access to the public healthcare system, but they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Kenya typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and of a higher quality. However, some expats may choose to use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private healthcare," explained one expat living in Kenya.

"Nairobi is a beautiful and dynamic city...full of contrasts and economic disparities. The weather and vegetation and fresh food/produce are amazing. Kenya is a young and youthful country teaming with potential and growing exponentially in development. It is also becoming more and more cosmopolitan. It s the tech hub for East Africa n a huge gateway city for the region. Touristy things to do are abundant and the country is diverse in people n landscapes and just stunningly beautiful. People are generally spite,warm and friendly...but some friendly folk are scammers, conpeople or will use friendship with expats for financial benefits. On the other hand poverty is rampant so one must be prepared to live more generously than we do in the west. Water, electricity n internet are not dependable but fairly doable overall...crime and corruption are rampant...there s a lot to learn in order to avoid them (hopefully!! But no guarantees). Traffic is AWFUL n unpredictable... it s good to live as close as possible to your work and all the adverts that say only 20 or 30 minutes from somewhere are false advertisements. 20 minutes on your best day can easily be 2 hours another day," explained one digital nomad living in Nairobi, Kenya.

"Expats and digital nomads in Kenya often appreciate the country's warm climate, diverse culture, and friendly people. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their money further. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the infrastructure and public services in Kenya to be lacking, as well as the lack of reliable internet access in some areas. Additionally, the high levels of crime and corruption can be a deterrent for some," said one member in Kenya.