“Hakuna matata,” or “no problem,” is a popular phrase and perhaps the biggest indication that Kenya is a liberal country where you’re unlikely to bother the locals. In addition to the usual please, sorry and thank you, there are several things that are common among Kenyans that you are expected to know.
Cheers
Greetings between Kenyans are not only used as a courtesy gesture, but also lay the foundation for further communication. When greeting a Kenyan, shake their hand. The handshake is common and often prolonged when they already share a personal relationship. In either case, however, the lack of a handshake is not taken kindly.
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Avoid hugging women, especially if you are a man and don’t share a close relationship because this will be met with disapproval.
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To show respect to an elder or a person of higher status: With your left hand, hold your right wrist as you shake hands and nod briefly.
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The handshake is accompanied by words of greeting, the most common being “Jambo?” that is, “How are you?” The answer is “Yes Jambo” for “I’m fine.”
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The common practice is to have a casual conversation after greetings that include questions about family and work. Avoiding this part of the greeting process is considered rude and evasive.
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When addressing someone, use their honorific before their last name, eg Mr. X, Dr. Y, and Ms. Z, etc. For married women, refer to them as “Mama”. For older men, address them as “Mzee.”
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Despite not having family relationships, children will always address you as aunt or uncle if you are an adult. It is a sign of respect.
Often a person with dirty hands will politely offer their wrists or shake your hand at the elbow out of courtesy, so don’t be offended.
communication style
Even in formal settings, conversations begin with an informal tone in which the parties involved ask personal questions about how you and your family are doing.
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Kenyans are not confrontational when they communicate and as a result are not direct in their approach to communication. However, they use direct eye contact.
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To avoid confrontation and save face, they often use metaphors and stories to express their true opinions and feelings.
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Public displays of affection are often frowned upon, although modern social influences have made them more acceptable.
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Patting on the shoulder, touching the arm, and laughing out loud is acceptable among close acquaintances, although this should be avoided in formal/business settings.
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Having been raised in crowded homes, most Kenyans care little for other people’s space. As a result, they will easily fit into a crowded bus or train, and even push and shove their way into already crowded places without worrying about other people’s personal spaces!
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Offer gifts and receive them using the right hand or both hands.
time element
There is a saying that there is no rush in Africa and Kenyans seem diligent in living up to this expectation. Kenyans are among the worst timekeepers; so if you have a meeting with them, especially the casual ones, don’t gasp! In fact, you could die waiting.
tag table
You are expected to remove your shoes before entering the house unless told otherwise and to accept tea if invited even when full.
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Let the host start eating before you do.
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Kenyans are hospitable by nature, so be sure to serve your plate knowing that you will receive a second helping.
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It’s good manners to eat everything on your plate.
When interacting with Kenyans, you don’t need to check their every move. They easily adapt to other people as long as they are not disrespected.
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