The unit of currency is the Kenya shilling (KSH). Bank notes are available in denominations of Ksh. 50,100, 200, 500 & 1,000 while Ksh. 1,5,10,20& 40 are available in coins format.

 

Currency can be exchanged in foreign exchange bureaus or banks. Banks operate between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the first and last Saturdays of the month. The easiest currency to exchange is US Dollars, Starling pounds, and Euro.

A 16% Value Added Tax is levied on most of the items, but visitors can claim a refund on the levy.

 

Major international credit cards are accepted in Kenya, and most automated Teller Machines (ATMs) accept international VISA & MASTERCARD cards. ATMs are found at Airports, bank branches, shopping malls, and petrol stations. Travelers’ cheques are probably the best and easiest way to bring money with you to Kenya, and most hotel and service providers accept them.

 

The standard time zone in Kenya is GMT +3 hours.

 

The official language in Kenya is English, and the National Language is Kiswahili. Most people in the urban areas speak English, while the vast majority in both the urban and rural areas speak Kiswahili.

 

 

AIR – The main airports are the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Moi International Airport (MIA) in Mombasa, and Eldoret International Airport (EIA) in Eldoret. Wilson Airport in Nairobi Handles light Aircraft and several scheduled and chartered domestic flights. Several Airstrips are located strategically countrywide, connecting all parts of Kenya to Nairobi.

 

Rail – Kenya has only one train service run by Kenya Railways Corporation, dubbed Madaraka Express. The first and second-class coaches have self-contained sleepers with a restaurant. Prior, a reservation is required for both classes. The third class has shared washrooms per room. Trains schedule, and booking portal can be accessed via their link at https://metickets.krc.co.ke/

 

Water– This transport is found only on the coast and the Lake regions. On the coast, ferry services are available at the Likoni ferry connecting the North and South Coast. These services are free for the commuters, but the vehicles are ferried at a fee.

 

road – The extensive road network in Kenya makes road transport the most used mode. Travel within the cities and towns is by the 14-seater matatus and 25-seater minibusses. Transport between cities and towns is by well-established bus companies with regular schedules. Visitors can bring their personal cars to Kenya and receive a three-month free passage at the border.

 

Car Hire – Renting a car is pretty easy in Kenya and is a good and convenient way of getting around the country. There are indeed many car hires in all significant towns and cities and at all the major airports.

 

Visa Requirement – Visitors coming to Kenya from outside East Africa require a Visa. Full details of the requirements are available from the respective mission Offices. However, a single or multiple entry visa can be obtained upon arrival at the Airport.

 

Safety – Most hotels in Kenya have Safes for keeping valuables. It is advisable to avoid walking alone in isolated places and back streets during both day and night. It is also advisable not to adorn valuables or use your mobile phone while walking on the streets.

 

Art & Craft - Kenya is known for the Kiondos & Kikoi, and art and craft artifacts are spread nationwide. The most popular craft materials are beautiful woodcarvings, the Kisii soapstone carvings, various styles of bangles and bracelets, and traditional baskets, all of which make exquisite souvenirs.

 

Others are musical instruments, tribal masks, sculptures, batik cloths, and paintings. These materials are normally found in the numerous craft markets and gift shops throughout the leading trading centers, usually frequented by visitors.

 

Climate – The weather in Kenya is generally excellent and pleasant all year round despite the different topographical regions that experience distinct climates. Kenya is an Equatorial country with slight variations in weather throughout the year.

 

The hottest is between February and March, while the coldest is between July and August. In the Coastal region, the weather is generally humid, with temperatures ranging from 21 degrees to 32 degrees centigrade.

 

The low plateau areas to the North and North East are the driest part of the country, with average temperatures ranging from 19 degrees to 37 degrees centigrade. The temperate highlands, including Nairobi, are generally calmer, with temperatures between 13 and 25 degrees centigrade.

 

Landscape, Flora & Fauna – Kenya offers startling contrasts of landscape and outstanding Natural beauty. There are natural Tourist attractions of the Savannah in the South, the Deserts in the North, Lake Victoria (the 2nd largest freshwater lake) in the west, the topical beaches in the east, and the snowcapped peak of Mount Kenya. The country also boasts more than 80 major species of animals and over 1,000 species of birds.

 

More than 20 National Parks and Game reserves are spread throughout the country – the home tour of Kenya’s abundant wildlife. These include the world-renowned Masai Mara, The Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Park, The Amboseli National Park, The Lake Nakuru National Park, and the Nairobi National Park, which is the only one in the world within the proximity of a capital city.

 

Beaches, Sea & Marine Life – Kenya has a coastline of approximately 536 Km from the Indian Ocean with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The long, white sandy beaches are home to some of the most diverse marine life in the Oceans.

 

There is an abundance of beautiful bright corals and dolphins, butterfly fish, sharks, and turtles, complimented by many yellow and red tuna and snappers.

 

Suppose you are a discerning tourist planning to visit Kenya -. In that case, you will ultimately agree that Kenya is Indeed one of the pristine destinations to visit this year as a first-timer or a repeat visitor.

 

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