Kenya

General Information

Location: East Africa
Local Time: GMT+3
Capital City: Nairobi
Population: 39 million
Area: 582,646357,021 square km, 224,960 square miles.

Language(s): Kiswahili, English, many local languages
Dialling Code: 254
Emergency: Police: 999

TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit recommended. National licences are renewable after every 3 years and must be endorsed by the Kenya Revenue Authority Headquarters, Times Tower, Haile Sellassie Avenue
Electricity: 220/240V AC 50Hz

Business & Currency

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: KES: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000
Coins: KES: 1, 5, 10, 20, 40. Cents: 5, 10, 20

Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Tanzanian and Ugandan currency is only negotiable in the form of travellers cheques
Opening Hours

Bank: 0900-1500 Mon-Fri, 0900-1100 Sat (first & last Sat of each month)
Office: 0800-1300 & 1400-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0830-1230 & 1400-1730 Mon-Sat

Public Holidays

2012

01 Jan : New Year’s Day
06 Apr : Good Friday
09 Apr : Easter Monday
01 May : Labor Day
01 Jun : Madaraka Day
19 Aug : Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
10 Oct:  Moi Day
20 Oct : Kenyatta Day
26 Oct : Feast of the Sacrifice
12 Dec : Independence Day
25 Dec : Christmas Day
26 Dec : Boxing Day
Note: Holidays falling on a Sunday are observed the following Monday. Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region.

Business/Social Hints: Most executives speak English. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants or clubs, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated
Tipping: When a service charge has been added to the bill, additional tips are discretionary