What You Need to Know About Kenya and Kenyans Before You Visit
Kenya is more than safaris and stunning landscapes — it’s a country with a unique rhythm of life, shaped by culture, technology, food, and everyday interactions. Having traveled to Dubai and interacted with people from different nationalities, including many who have visited Kenya, here are some fascinating things they noticed about Kenya and Kenyans that every traveler should know.
1. Kenya Is a Cashless Country
Kenya is globally recognized as a leader in mobile money adoption. The most popular platform is M-PESA, a mobile money service offered by Safaricom, the country’s leading telecommunications and technology company.
In Kenya, almost everything can be paid for using your phone — from supermarket shopping and taxi fares to street food and open-air market groceries. Some shops even insist on cashless payments only. Surprisingly to many visitors, even fresh vegetables in local markets are often paid for via M-PESA.
Physical cash has become less common, especially after 2019 and during the COVID-19 period, when contactless payments became the norm. For travelers, this means life is easier — as long as you have your phone.
2. Fresh Food Is a Daily Tradition
Kenyans value fresh food, and this is reflected in how they shop. Unlike in many countries where people buy groceries in bulk, most Kenyans prefer visiting the market daily to buy ingredients for the day’s meals.
Long refrigeration is often associated with food that isn’t fresh. As a result, produce is sold in small quantities — sometimes individually. A single tomato, onion, or avocado has its own price, rather than being measured by weight.
For visitors, this daily market culture offers a great opportunity to experience local life, flavors, and friendly interactions with vendors.
3. Kenyan Swahili and the Rise of Sheng
Kenya has two official languages: English and Kiswahili, both taught in schools. Kiswahili is the most commonly spoken language in everyday life, while English is mainly used in offices, schools, and government institutions.
The coastal regions of Kenya are known for speaking pure Swahili. However, most Kenyans seamlessly mix Swahili and English in daily conversations. This blend, combined with various local tribal languages, gave rise to Sheng — a dynamic slang mostly used by the youth and youthful parents.
Don’t be surprised if you hear sentences switching effortlessly between English and Swahili — it’s part of Kenya’s linguistic charm.
4. Meals, Dishes, and Food Culture
Kenya has relatively few named cuisines compared to some countries, but food is still a big part of the culture. Instead of having one name for a complete meal, Kenyans often refer to dishes individually, combining them as needed.
Common examples include:
-
Ugali + nyama (maize meal with meat)
-
Ugali + mboga (with vegetables)
-
Chapati + beans
-
Nyama choma (grilled meat)
-
Githeri (a mix of maize and beans)
Unlike Nigerian fufu or Ugandan matoke, Kenyan meals are more modular.
You may also notice monkeys freely roaming some towns and cities — and no, Kenyans don’t eat them. As locals jokingly say, “Hatukuli cuzo” — we don’t eat our cousins.
Kenyans also generally do not eat snakes, snails, or frogs. Mentioning such foods to locals may earn you surprised looks!
5. The Iconic Matatu Culture
Public transport in Kenya is dominated by matatus — vans, minibuses, and buses used for daily commuting. They don’t always follow strict bus stop rules. Depending on traffic and location, passengers can board or alight almost anywhere, simply by request.
While Kenya does have bus stops and stations, this flexible system can be confusing for first-time visitors — even after months of staying in the country.
Then there are nganyas — a special category of matatus famous for their colorful graffiti, loud music systems, neon lights, and nightclub-like atmosphere. Riding one is an experience in itself and a glimpse into Kenya’s vibrant urban culture.
Bonus Point: Kenya Is the Only Country With a National Park in Its Capital City
Kenya is uniquely special because it is the only country in the world with a fully protected national park located within its capital city. Nairobi National Park sits just about 7 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center, creating one of the most striking contrasts on Earth — modern skyscrapers rising behind roaming wildlife.
Established in 1946, Nairobi National Park is home to lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and over 400 bird species. Despite its proximity to a busy capital, the park remains a vital conservation area and a major symbol of Kenya’s commitment to wildlife protection.
For visitors, this means you can enjoy a classic African safari just minutes after leaving your hotel or airport. It’s possible to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the morning and be on a game drive the same day — an experience unmatched anywhere else in the world.
This rare blend of urban life and untamed wilderness perfectly represents Kenya’s identity: modern, vibrant, and deeply connected to nature.
Final Thoughts
Kenya is a country of contrasts — modern yet traditional, fast-paced yet deeply rooted in culture. From cashless payments and fresh food markets to unique language blends and lively matatu rides, every experience adds to the adventure.
Whether you’re visiting for wildlife, beaches, or city life, understanding these everyday details will help you connect more deeply with Kenya and its people — and enjoy your journey even more.
Karibu Kenya! 🇰🇪
