Kenyans are generally very friendly people. Most of the ones you will encounter will want to know what you think of their country or city, and will be willing to guide you through places you can visit or shop. They will greet you with a big warm smile, and will make sure you are comfortable.
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What is considered rude to Kenyans?
Kenyans reserve the left hand for unhygienic acts and the right for acts such as eating, touching and passing things to other people. Pointing at another person is considered rude and that goes for beckoning with the palms up, which is considered rude and may be interpreted as you being dismissive.
How are Kenyan people like?
Kenyans are group-orientated rather than individualistic. “Harambee,” (coming from the Bantu word meaning “to pull together”) defines the people’s approach to others in life. The concept is essentially about mutual assistance, mutual effort, mutual responsibility and community self-reliance.
Are Kenyans welcoming?
Kenya is an extremely open and friendly society, so if you know someone well, touching a shoulder or arm in conversation is common, as is plenty of laughter.
What should I avoid in Kenya?
11 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Kenya
- Never refuse hospitality.
- Do not buy items derived from endangered species.
- Refrain from using foreign currency.
- Do not ask people’s tribe.
- Do not take people’s picture without their consent.
- Watch what you wear.
- Do not carry valuables around.
- Do not explore the city on your own.
Why do Kenyans touch childrens heads?
It is not necessarily organised religion, although church attendances in Kenya run at around 90%, and visiting Evangelists attract enormous crowds.
What do people in Nairobi speak?
Languages spoken
Sheng, a Swahili-based slang mixed with English is widely spoken in Nairobi.
How do you show respect in Kenya?
By supporting your right forearm with the left hand while shaking hands with an elder, one shows respect. To casually touch an elder, however, is considered improper. It is considered improper to point at someone with your index finger. When pointing to someone or something, it is polite to use all fingers of the hand.
What are families like in Kenya?
In Kenya, the family is the most important priority for an individual and is a great source of pride. Most Kenyans expect to eventually marry and raise a family. The family unit in Kenya usually includes the extended family. People will frequently interact with their aunts, uncles and cousins.
What is Kenya known for?
Kenya is known for the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration. It’s also known for its world record-breaking athletes, its rich biodiversity, and great safari destinations. Kenya is known for being home to Lupita Nyong’o and Barrack Obama Snr. The most famous foods in Kenya are Nyama Choma and Githeri.
What is considered rude in African culture?
In Africa, pointing at someone or something is generally considered rude and offensive, so if you don’t want to get on the wrong side of the Africans it’s best not to wave that finger around.
What people in Kenya do for fun?
There are plenty of fun activities that locals enjoy, often in groups. They include pool, paintball, bowling, indoor rock climbing, ice-skating, and racing on go-karts. Most of the activities are intended to be competitive without taking away the fun and locals love and enjoy doing them.
Is Kenya poor?
Although Kenya’s economy is the largest and most developed in eastern and central Africa, 36.1% (2015/2016) of its population lives below the international poverty line. This severe poverty is mainly caused by economic inequality, government corruption and health problems.
Is South Africa safer than Kenya?
South Africa offers a far lower risk of contracting malaria, bilharzia and other tropical diseases makes it a safer bet for families, first-time safari goers, and other health-conscious travellers (indeed, South Africa also the only country in Africa to boast several malaria-free safari destinations).
Why is Kenya bad?
Violence, such as armed banditry, violent cattle rustling, counter raids and tribal warfare, are common along the Kenya-Ethiopia border. Kidnapping, armed banditry and clan warfare occur along Kenya’s borders with Sudan and Somalia.
Are African parents strict?
African parents are strict. Generally. Other parents can be strict too. However, it is the specific and interesting things strict African parents do that make them different.
How do Kenyans communicate?
Communication Style: Most Kenyans converse in a polite and friendly manner. From a very young age, Kenyans are taught to respect hierarchy, defer to elders and superiors, and to speak in a deliberate manner. They generally contemplate what they will say before they speak, ensuring their words are considerate.
Are South African parents strict?
South Africa, Italy and Portugal have the strictest parents.But in South Africa, 80 percent of parents think their kids would get hit by a car if they crossed the street alone. (Some South African parents were even featured on a BBC reality show called World’s Strictest Parents.)
What is hello in Kenyan?
Hujambo
The most common greeting among those who speak Swahili is ‘Hujambo’ (‘Hello’) or the more colloquial greeting of ‘Jambo’. Both greetings can be responded with the phrase ‘sijambo’, which means ‘I am well’. Other common greetings in contemporary Kenya include ‘sasa’ or ‘Mambo’.
Is Swahili spoken in Kenya?
Kenya: Ethnic groups and languages
Kenya, the lingua franca is Swahili.
What are some Swahili words?
Civilities
- Yes: ndiyo.
- No: hapana.
- Thank you: asante.
- Thank you very much: asante sana.
- Please: tafadhali.
- OK: sawa.
- Excuse me: samahani.
- You’re welcome: starehe.
