Kenya Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Kenya
Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to the Republic of Kenya. With fast-growing cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya is East Africa’s economic hub and a major centre for technology, logistics, finance, humanitarian work, tourism and agriculture. Visa rules, work permits and residency requirements can change, so always confirm details with Kenyan immigration authorities before relocating.
Home To Home Relocations supports clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Kenya, including export packing, air/ocean shipping, customs coordination and final delivery to major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nakuru.
1. Before You Move to Kenya
1.1 Visa Types & Entry Requirements
Kenya offers several visa categories based on purpose of travel. Entry requirements depend on nationality and may include:
- eVisa / Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – required for most travelers prior to arrival
- Work Visa & Work Permit – required for employment; issued under specific permit classes
- Dependent Pass – for spouses and children of work permit holders
- Student Pass – for individuals attending accredited institutions
- Business Visa – for meetings, commercial activities and short stays
- Special Pass – temporary authorization to work while a full work permit is processing
Work permits are issued by the Directorate of Immigration Services under different classes such as:
- Class D: Employment in a specific company
- Class G: Investors engaged in business
- Class I: Missionaries, NGO workers
- Class K: Individuals with assured income living in Kenya
1.2 Working in Kenya
Nairobi is one of Africa's leading financial and technology hubs, hosting multinational companies, UN agencies, NGOs and major logistics operations. Key employment sectors include:
- Technology & telecommunications (“Silicon Savannah”)
- Aviation & logistics
- Finance & banking
- Humanitarian and international development agencies
- Agriculture, horticulture & agribusiness
- Tourism & hospitality
1.3 Housing & Accommodation
Housing varies from modern apartments in Nairobi’s business districts to gated community homes in leafy suburbs. Requirements typically include:
- Passport & visa/permit copy
- Employment contract or proof of income
- Security deposit (commonly 1–2 months)
- Lease agreement
1.4 Banking & Finances
Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Once you have your work permit or residence documentation, you can usually open a bank account. You may need:
- Passport
- Valid work permit or alien ID
- Proof of address
- Employment letter or income proof
1.5 Healthcare & Medical Insurance
Kenya has both public and private healthcare. Many expatriates rely on private hospitals and international clinics, especially in Nairobi. Health insurance is strongly recommended.
1.6 Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- Passport with sufficient validity
- eVisa/ETA or work permit approval
- Employment contract
- Educational certificates (certified if required)
- Marriage/birth certificates for dependants
- Police clearance certificate (often requested for work permits)
2. Your First Weeks in Kenya
2.1 Immigration & Entry
Upon arrival, immigration officials will check your passport, ETA or visa documents, and purpose of stay. Work permit applicants may need to present additional paperwork.
2.2 Registration & Local Documentation
Depending on permit class, you may need to register for:
- Alien Card (Foreigner Registration Certificate)
- KRA PIN (Kenya Revenue Authority Tax Number) — required for banking, employment, utilities, mobile money, etc.
2.3 Setting Up Essentials
Once settled, you can arrange:
- Mobile service & SIM (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom)
- Internet services for home
- Bank account activation
- Utilities setup (often arranged by landlord)
3. Kenya at a Glance
3.1 Geography & Regions
Kenya features savannahs, mountains (including Mount Kenya), Rift Valley lakes, Indian Ocean coastline and major urban centres. Key regions include Nairobi County, Mombasa County, Rift Valley, Nyanza, Western and Central Kenya.
3.2 Politics & Economy
Kenya is a presidential republic with a diverse economy driven by services, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and technology innovation. Nairobi is a major international headquarters city for global companies and UN agencies.
3.3 Climate & Weather
Climate varies by region. Nairobi has a temperate subtropical highland climate, coastal areas are warm and humid, and inland regions vary between cool highlands and hot lowlands.
4. Why Many Canadians Choose Kenya
- Expanding technology and innovation sectors
- Strong humanitarian, NGO and development presence
- English widely spoken in business, government and universities
- Affordable cost of living compared to many global cities
- Stunning wildlife and diverse travel experiences
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Living costs vary significantly between Nairobi’s upscale suburbs (e.g., Westlands, Karen, Runda) and more affordable neighbourhoods. Typical expenses include:
- Rent (higher in Nairobi and expat areas)
- Electricity, water, generator/diesel backups in some buildings
- Private healthcare and insurance
- School fees for international schools
- Transport (ride-hailing apps widely used)
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
Transport options include:
- Matatus (private minibuses) — affordable but informal
- Buses and BRT systems (developing)
- Boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) — fast, but safety precautions needed
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Little Cab)
6.2 Driving in Kenya
Kenya drives on the left-hand side. Many expatriates rent or buy vehicles. Road conditions vary, and traffic congestion is common in Nairobi.
6.3 Domestic Air Travel
Kenya has excellent domestic air links with flights connecting Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Diani, Malindi and national parks.
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Culture
- Kenya is culturally diverse with 40+ ethnic groups
- English and Swahili are official languages
- Community, hospitality and social gatherings are highly valued
- Outdoor lifestyle and wildlife safaris are central to the Kenyan experience
7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions
- Nairobi: Business hub, Nairobi National Park, Karen Blixen Museum
- Mombasa: Beaches, Fort Jesus, Swahili culture
- Maasai Mara: World-famous wildlife reserve
- Mount Kenya: Hiking and alpine scenery
- Lake Nakuru & Naivasha: Wildlife and Rift Valley landscapes
- Diani Beach: Coastal luxury and water sports