Moving to Kenya

What do I need to know before moving to Kenya?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Kenya, they said:

"Choose a safe neighborhood with many expats. Gated compounds with security and alarm systems are good," said another expat in Mombasa.

"Although Kenyans are generally good people, don't trust everyone. It's a very corrupt country. Oh, one more thing, don't be late to get home, car jacking and robbery at night are common," added another expat who made the move to Nairobi, the whole country.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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How do I find a place to live in Kenya?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Our employer Kaluworks provided us a well furnished apartment in an expat compound in Tudor," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Mombasa.

"Was born here so I am somewhat familiar with the areas, but after so many years away, use someone local that you trust. Keep in mind "Help" is not free in Kenya, even when people are supposed to do their job," commented one expat who made the move to Nairobi, the whole country.

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Learn MoreGet a Quote

Get a free international health insurance quote from our partner, Allianz Care, whose plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Allianz's flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget.

Learn MoreGet a Quote

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Kenya?

"It's a spacious l 2 bedroom comfortably furnished apartment. This is the standard for most expats," commented one expat who made the move to Mombasa.

What is the average cost of housing in Kenya?

If you are thinking about moving to Kenya, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Housing is around 30/35 thousand Kenyan shillings. It is the same or even lower than in my host country," remarked another expat who made the move to Mombasa.

"Higher, we paid $560 for a townhouse in a small town in Norway and now we pay 900 for an apt simply because of the area and locals jack up the price for foreigners," explained one expat living in Nairobi, the whole country, Kenya.

Expat Health Insurance in Kenya

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What should I pack when moving to Kenya?

We asked people living in Kenya to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"Food stuffs, but that is unrealistic since you can adjust quickly to local foods," said another expat in Nairobi, the whole country.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Kenya?

We asked people in Kenya if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"Yes. A very friendly person taught me the local custom of calling a person by his surname instead of by his first name as a form of acknowledging friendship and honoring his bloodline. When she then called a person by his first name I asked why without thinking. I did not realise that I was putting her in a very bad spot as it blatantly highlighted a sensitive political situation," added another expat who made the move to Nairobi.