AboutKagi Expertise I can answer questions on the overall Kenyan culture, our history (given some time to confirm the facts), and our way of life in the towns and rural areas. I'm not claiming expertise, but if you want my opinion, I'll give it to you.
Experience I am a Kenyan, I have worked with various children's homes and aid organisations to get a hint of the other side of the street, and I enjoy observing Kenyan life. I have also done a number of courses in culture.
Organizations I Choose Life (ICL), Kenya Book Foundation (KBF), and SIFE
Publications A local magazine in Kenyan estates in Nairobi, AdPaper, and my university newspaper, Involvement.
Education/Credentials A liberal B.A in Communication.
Question QUESTION: My wife is concerned that if she wears shorts or tee shirts without arm being covered this will be unacceptable in the areas away from the beach in the cities etc. Is this true? What is accepted without offending the locals or creating too much attention?
Thanks
Geoff
ANSWER: Hi Geoff,
Bare arms and legs are really not a bother in Kenya, even in areas away from the city. More rural folk are beginning to understand that clothing trends are changing, and women do not have to be fully covered.
The only thing that would be extreme, is hotpants or a top that shows off too much stomach (well, that shows the navel)! A t-shirt or even a vest would be acceptable. Tight jeans, or tracks are also acceptable ... depending on the amount of attention you want to attract. If it's waaaay short and tight, then you will attract a lot of attention, and most of it may not be the kind you wanted.
Most people are too polite to attack you for it, but you will notice the glances.
Hope that helps, but if you want more detail, I'll be glad to help!
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QUESTION: Sorry one more thing. Can you give any guide to tipping. For example we are going on safari which is quite expensive as a package and will involve several people but I suspect the people are not that highly paid. Have you any idea what is the norm. We want to get it about right without appearing foolish either way.
Answer Hi Geoff,
Also, if yours is a 2-day trip, you might want to consider a five percent of total cost as a tip at the end of the safari, instead of giving the tokens daily. It might prove a bit hefty, but you could consider it.
Kenyan currency notes are in 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings. See if any of them would be affordable for you. That way, you could set aside a few notes to give to each person in the party that will be serving you.
