Facts and Customs: Kenya

Polite conversations begin with “how is your work?” or “How is your home?” or “How is your family?”  and is often injected with good doses of humor/laughter that is non confrontational.  Rarely are people direct except with close friends.  They hide their true feelings, especially when speaking on financial matters.  They prefer to maintain peaceful than to confront someone about problems they are having. 

When holding a conversation people stand at arms length after shaking hands.  Men who know each other will walk and hold hands.  This is not seen as homosexual but friendly.  Good friends converse intimately.  If you know someone well, touch their shoulder or arm in conversation.  There is no concern for other’s belongings or space.

 

“Africa Time” is very flexible.  It’s common to be late or for services to fail to run completely.  In work, employees usually arrive on time.

 

Women are expected to do majority of work, especially in rural areas.  Women have traditional, subservient roles, especially in villages.  They do most of the work- farming, cooking, cleaning, chopping, caring for children, etc.  They are caretakers of households.  In the village women wear dresses or skirts.  They do not drink or smoke.  In many areas it is unacceptable to give instructions to men.

 

They do not usually point with a finger but might jut their chin or point their lips at something to indicate their direction.  If someone’s hands aren’t clean they might politely grasp your arm elbow rather than hand.  Money is accepted by exterior right hand cupped with left hand resting above right arm.  It is important to accept refreshment if offered to show acceptance of hospitality.  To beckon, make a tssk sound very loudly and as many times to alert them.  The middle finger is an insult.  If a bus, van, or resturant is full, a Kenyan will hold left fist closed and smack the thumb side of the fist with their open pam of other hand.

 

Losing ones temper and shouting is highly rude.  Most disputes are resolved by humor.  Remain polite and smile even if frustrated.  Kenyans dress in conservative manner with emphasis on appealing smart and well dressed.  If one looks sloppy they will easily lose respect.

 

There are hundreds of offences.  Talking on the cell phone while driving will receive an on the spot fine.  Anyone accused of stealing is likely to be beaten

 

MAJOR RELIGION

 

 Info gathered from…

http://www.culturecrossing.net http://users.rcn.com/heistad/maorivocabulary.html