"Habari gani" is the most common greeting in Kenya, and it doesn't mean "hello."
The direct translation is more along the lines of "what's the news of the day," or in other words, "how's it going?"
It's a friendly invitation to say a little more, explain something personal or just express what happens to be on your mind.
Being friendly and halting a busy schedule in order to hang out with friends is the first step in how to be a local in Kenya! Master the first step and the other steps will fall into place!
Table of Contents
Don't Worry About Time
In Kenya, there's absolutely no need to worry about or even know the time.
As in much of Africa, things just fall in to place at the right moment, and there's no need to rush the process.
Learn to Carry Things on Your Head
It's not a joke, most people in Kenya (and all of Africa) are experts at carrying things on their heads.
It doesn't matter if it's a bucket full of water, a simple notebook or a takeaway lunch, it's much more convenient and resourceful to carry it on your head.
Think about all the relief it gives your hands!
Start Speaking Sheng (Kenyan Slang)
Sheng is a mixed combination of Swahili, English and tribal African languages that developed and currently evolves on the streets of Nairobi.
There are a host of “wazup,” style greeting like sema, sasa, walapa, and instead of saying “How are you?” the correct lingo is “Is how you guy?”
Many words are shortened or spoken lazily, as with most slang around the world.
Drink Your Beverages Warm
It doesn't matter if it's beer, soda or water, refrigeration or the electricity to power it, are not Kenya's most reliable amenities.
This poses no problem for Kenyans because beer is much more appealing in its room temperature state.
To be Kenyan means learning to drink and crave a warm, refreshing beer!
Ride Matatus
The public minibusses that prowl the streets of Nairobi, known as Matatu's, are rowdy, chaotic, and usually entertaining.
In addition to the roller coaster ride provided, many are hooked up with the latest jua kali (fix anything) sound systems and speakers that you can feel!
Nyama Choma Fat!
There's nothing more Kenyan than eating chunks of pure enriching glutinous animal fat!
Eating roasted meat, known as nyama choma, is a popular past time in Kenya and something everyone enjoys.
After waiting for the meat to finish grilling, the waiter comes to the table and slices up the meat on a chopping board.
The man of respect has the initial honor to indulge in the transparent pieces of fat!
Greet Everyone With a Handshake
Greetings are a crucial part of Kenyan culture, and handshakes always accompany a “habari.”
Kenyan handshakes are not the firm Western style shakes that hurt your hand, but just a soft squeeze of acknowledgment.
For utmost respect, shake with the right hand and support your elbow with your left hand.
Don't Ever Throw Anything Away (It Can and Will Be Fixed)
Those flip flops that broke at the toe, your ancient lawn mower, or even your busted radiator, can and will be fixed by a jua kali method.
Jua kali, which means “hot/fierce sun,” is used to describe fix-it men that use their creativity and inspiration to repair anything and everything.
Their innovative strategies which often involve welding and banging, are not always the best quality, but they have a high rate of short term success!
Drink Chai Sweet
Dessert is not a big part of the Kenyan diet, so when it's time to drink Kenyan style tea, make sure it is super sweet.
Add about three tablespoons to make a proper cup of Kenyan chai.
Walk Around With a Radio
Kenyans love music, but they're not always listening to Kenyan music, many love Lingala music from Congo.
It's a common practice to walk around, battery fed radio in hand, and groove or sing along to the high pitched Congolese guitars.
Despite these cultural ways to blend into the Kenyan culture, it's nice to know that the most essential way to become a local in Kenya is to enjoy the company of others, be friendly and always love a good laugh.
Learning a few of these cultural practices may never make you an authentic Kenyan, but you can be assured that locals will smile, be accepting, and laugh with you!
Leigh says
Couldn't agree more with your post. I think I would add be patient - even though it goes under the time moniker.
Mark Wiens says
Thanks Leigh! Good point, Kenyans are extremely patient and rarely complain when having to wait.
Traveling Canucks says
this is a bang on post Mark! I lived in Nairobi briefly when I was younger (errr, 20 something years ago) and it sounds like its still the same. The warm beer would be tough to get used to. I remember the orange fanta always being warm too!
Mark Wiens says
Haha, yes, warm Fanta! Not soda, but I still like to drink warm beer and warm water!
Ben Reed says
I definitely want to try carrying stuff on my head.
Mark Wiens says
I've made a couple of unsuccessful attempts, but definitely start practicing!
Cathy Sweeney says
I always feel like I'm as close to being in a place without really being there when I read Mark's articles. I learned a lot of entertaining and interesting things about Kenya in this post. Now I just have to get there!
Mark Wiens says
Great, thanks Cathy! Now when you get to Nairobi you will be able to fit right in with locals!
John in France says
An excellent article Mark. Warm beer I'd struggle with - would remind me of England!! As for the handshake - support your right elbow with your left hand - do they have heavy arms!!!??
Migrationology says
Thans John! The handshake, supporting the elbow shows respect, I think it's an analogical combination of the power of both arms going into a single shake!
Rajasthan Tours says
Wonderful suggestions!!
Rebecca says
Not sure about the warm beverages... but if that's what I've got to do to be a local, then that's what I've got to do!
Dave says
The local beers I drank in shabeens in South Africa were warm, and frothy. It was gross, but if that's all you've got, then I can't blame the guys for drinking it.
Timothy Kirigha says
"Walk around with a radio". You must have traveled to Western Kenya, that's where it is most fashionable to walk around with a radio. Nice reading.
KENYAN CITIZEN says
Mr Mark sorry to say but you are very ignorant, i am a kenyan citizen and all i can say is that you need to research more. 3/4 of what you have written above is FALSE.
Dave says
Can you please be more specific -- what are some examples of the information you believe are false?
Eric Kariuki says
Interesting blog post Mark/Dave. Some of things you mentioned are hilarious when read from an outsider's perspective. I am a Kenyan and I find most of the material you present as true or at least having a shade of truth. Regarding the handshake bit (the left hand supporting the right elbow), it really depends which part of Kenya you experienced it since the only place I have come across it is in Botswana where is more prevalent. Normally, Kenyans greet with double hands or the left hand supporting the right hand foreman/wrist especially when greeting seniors or the elderly.
Rob of Nairobi National Park says
I couldn't agree more. Kenyans are generally welcoming people and the reason we drink warm soda and beer is that being in the equator, we are used to the warmth. Anything cold can and is mostly lethal. Good luck with balancing stuff on your head!
Stan says
I think u have been to one side of kenya.aftr reading ur blog i kinda notice u were in western kenya.coz in the coast they only listen to taarab,its swahili song with arabic sound bt when u visit central side they listen to mugithi sounds like american contry music wich most people stil listen too
Dan Safaris says
Nice stuff. I live in Kenya and operate tour in this great country. That is how we live here, nice way, but for lingala, that must be in Western kenya, in Nairobi it is something else that is more appealing to the younger generation.