Kenya
Living in Kenya
Last updated on Feb 02, 2024
Summary: The approximate population of Kenya is 51.39 million people. The largest cities in Kenya are Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. Expats love living in Kenya for its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. Life in Kenya is often described as vibrant, exciting, and full of opportunity. Popular foods in Kenya include ugali (a maize-based dish), nyama choma (grilled meat), and matoke (a type of banana). The cons of living in Kenya include a lack of infrastructure, high crime rates, and a lack of access to basic services. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and location.
What do I need to know about living in Kenya?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Kenya, they said:
"Before retiring in Kenya, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs. It is also important to research the cost of living in the area, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should ensure that they have the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Kenya. Finally, expats should consider the security situation in the area and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety," commented one expat who made the move to Kenya.
"Do it! This is a great city. Ignore the reputation. Kenya does have some crime and social unrest issues but with care and caution these can be avoided. This is a beautiful city in a beautiful, friendly country," remarked one expat living in Nairobi, Kenya.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Kenya?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Kenya?
- Will I be able to find a job in Kenya?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Kenya appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Kenya?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Kenya accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Kenya like?
- How are healthcare services in Kenya?
- What are medical services in Kenya like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Kenya?
- What are emergency services like in Kenya?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Kenya?
- How are local medical facilities in Kenya?
- As a foreigner living in Kenya, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
