Kenya Travel Information

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Location: East Africa | Area: 582,646 sq km (224,961 sq miles) | Population: 34.7 million (CIA estimate 2006). Capital: Nairobi; Population: 2.5 million (UN estimate 2003).

Currency
The official currency in Kenya is the Shilling. The written abbreviation is either KSh, KES, or using /= after the amount (ie 500/=) Notes are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings. Coins are in 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Visitors to Kenya are advised to change foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change or authorized hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds sterling and EURO. Many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept Credit Cards. Most Banks in Kenya are able to advance cash on credit cards. There are no customs declaration restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya. However, anyone wishing to take more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.

Language:
Kiswahili is the national language and English is the official language. The terms Swahili and Kiswahili are used interchangeably, though the term Swahili normally refers to the people while Kiswahili refers to the language. There are over 42 ethnic languages spoken, including Kikuyu and Luo.

Health Information:
Travelers are advised to carry a small medical kit that includes any basic remedies you may need, such as antacids, painkillers, anti-histamines and cold remedies. Adults will also need anti-diarrhoeal medication such as Imodium; and if traveling with kids, oral rehydration sachets such as Electrolade. Vaccines commonly recommended for travellers to Africa include those against; Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow fever*, Rabies, Meningitis. Certificate required for entry into, or travel between, some African countries. It is always best to seek advice on immunization well in advance.

Electricity:
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50hz. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical advice, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate.

 

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