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Doing Business in Kenya| Kenyan Social and Business Culture

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Doing Business in Kenya| Kenyan Social and Business Culture

Overview Kenya lies to the east of the African continent and has a coast on the Indian Ocean. The country stradles two of the most famous lakes in Africa - Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria. At its heart is Mount Kenya from which the country takes its name. The Kenyan population is heterogeneous, comprising seven major ethnic groups as well as tens of smaller ones and non-Kenyan communities. There is a religious mix with a Christian majority and Muslim and indigenous religious minorities. Formerly a British colony, Kenya achieved independence in 1963. Understanding the various cultural norms and ethnic and religious groups is essential when doing business in Kenya. Kenyan Culture - Key Concepts and Values Group-relations – Kenyans have strong affiliations to their ethnic group or tribe and sometimes place them in front of the ‘nation’. The family is at the heart of Kenyan life and is given priority over everything else. Several generations will live together in one house with all family members taking care of one another. Absenteeism from work or delays in performing tasks due to family obligations is frequently experienced in Kenya and is viewed as perfectly acceptable. Religion – The majority of the population is Christian (Protestant and Catholic) but there is also a substantial Muslim (Sunni) minority. At the same time Animism and ancestor worship remain widespread. Both Christians and Muslims have managed to incorporate traditional practices into their respective religions creating unique blends to suit their particular needs. Time – In general, Kenyans have a more relaxed approach towards time and live at a slower pace. It is not unusual to wait half an hour for someone to arrive for an appointment and this is seen as perfectly acceptable. Taking care of personal affairs first is regarded as more important than arriving on time. This being said, today particularly in the private sector there is a growing trend of punctuality and observing deadlines. Doing Business in Kenya
Doing Business in Kenya © Communicaid Group Ltd. 2010

Kenya is the one of Africa’s more affluent nations and is seen a business hub for East Africa. The country’s economy has been hampered though by corruption and a reliance on certain goods whose prices have failed to rise sufficiently. Kenya has also been affected by the global economic downturn and in 2008 saw a 7% drop in its GDP growth from the previous year. Despite this, tourism, manufacturing and investment have predominated in the Kenyan economy over the last four decades giving Kenya a prized position within Africa. Understanding how Kenya’s economy and politics impact its business culture will help you when doing business in Kenya. Kenyan Business Part 1 - Working in Kenya o Working practices in Kenya • Business hours in Kenya are from 9:00am to 4:00pm, with a one hour break for lunch between 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Some businesses also operate on Saturday mornings. Kenyans have a flexible attitude towards time, so don’t be surprised if business meetings or social events begin late. Punctuality tends to be expected when dealing with foreigners though, so make sure to arrive on time. Kenyans do not tend to schedule a precise end to meetings. What matters is not adhering to a schedule but ensuring that everbody involved is satisfied with the outcome. Therefore make sure to leave enough time in your agenda when attending a meeting. English is widely spoken in Kenyan business environments and you can expect your counterparts to have good language skills so you can conduct your business in English. A little knowledge of basic Kiswahili phrases always leaves a good impression and can help to break the ice.







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Structure and hierarchy in Kenyan companies • Business hierarchies are generally clearly defined, especially in familiy owned companies. Although employees are welcome to give suggestions and comments, the final decision is taken by senior members or managers. Education and experience are important qualities and main sources of credibility. A personable character can earn extra credit. Foreigners tend to be approached with high regard simply on the basis of their international expertise. Hierarchy plays an important role in the business structure of Kenya. Be mindful of a colleague’s title and their place in the organisation. Decision making in Kenyan businesses tends to work on a top-down basis, with objectives set and decisions made by those in the highest positions.





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Working relationships in Kenya • Hospitality figures highly in Kenyan culture. Greetings have high importance in interactions and often include asking about the health of your counterpart or their family.
© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2010

Doing Business in Kenya

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Respect and deference to one’s elders should be observed when in Kenya. First business meetings are often quite formal until the relationship is established. Relationships outside of the business environment can help build stronger ties too. The unofficial and informal nature of networking out of the office can help cement a stronger working relationship. This is often done by offering your colleague a drink or meal.

Kenya Business Part 2 - Doing Business in Kenya o Business practices in Kenya • Being a polychronic society, Kenyan business practice focuses on getting things done by order of priority rather than working to a set time schedule. In many businesses the working day will halt at specific times for Muslim members of staff to pray. Business attire is formal in Kenya. Men wear suits and ties while women wear long dresses or skirts which reach below the knee. Women do not usually wear trousers although this trend is slowly changing. Women should make sure their shoulders are covered and should not wear anything too revealing. Business cards are often used in Kenya and should be given and received with both hands.







Kenyan Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts) DO shake hands with your colleague or guest before starting a discussion or meeting. DO look people in the eyes when conversing. It shows interest in the subject and creates an atmosphere of trust. DO invite your Kenyan colleagues to dinner. This can be a good way to network and forge links. DON’T raise your voice unneccesarily. This can be perceived as rude. DON’T confront a colleague directly about a problem. Kenyans prefer to go through an intermediary peer to address any problems. DON’T show too much emotion when in a public environment. Demonstrations of emotion can be seen as a sign of weakness in Kenya. Kenya Culture Quiz - True or False 1. Arriving half an hour late to a meeting might be viewed as extremely rude. 2. If you have a problem with a colleague you should confront them directlty about it.
Doing Business in Kenya © Communicaid Group Ltd. 2010

3. Women should keep their shoulders covered and refrain from wearing revealing clothing. 4. Rigid sticking to a schedule is of the utmost importance. 5. Inviting your Kenyan colleagues out to dinner or drinks is a good way to network. Kenya Culture Quiz - Answers 1. False. Kenyans will put familial repsonsabilities before arriving on time to a meeting. 2. False. Attempt to get a fellow colleague to mediate between you and the colleague in question . 3. True. Women must dress in a modest manner and not reveal too much of their bodies. 4. False. Kenyans view getting a task done properly more important than sticking to the clock. 5. True. Unofficial meetings outside of the office are a good way to network and forge lasting ties.
Author: Richard Ferguson, MA Translation and Interpreting Studies

* Source: CIA World Factbook 2009 ** Source: CIA World Factbook 2008

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Doing Business in Kenya

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2010

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