Manners in Kenya

Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country

Africa / Eastern Africa

Greetings

  • Handshake
  • Jambo
  • Habari?
  • Kwaheri

Etiquette

  • Greetings are an important introduction to conversation; omitting them is rude
  • Pass or receive items with the right hand or both hands, avoid using only the left
  • Show respect to elders and greet older people first
  • Ask permission from subjects before taking photographs
  • Punctuality is more flexible; 15–30 minutes late is often tolerated
  • Avoid excessive displays of affection in public
  • Modest dress is preferable in coastal areas with large Muslim populations
  • When eating by hand, use the thumb, index, and middle fingers
  • Present gifts in bags or wrapping using both hands without opening
  • Handle topics of tribal conflict or political criticism with caution

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