🇰🇪
Essential apps for
Kenya
Swahili & EnglishKES6 apps
Kenya runs on M-Pesa — mobile money for everything. Uber and Bolt cover rides; Jumia Food for delivery.
🔌
Power & Plug
TypeG
Voltage240V
Freq50Hz
British plug (colonial inheritance).
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Basic phrases
Swahili
- HelloJamboJahm-bo
- How are you?HabariHa-ba-ri
- Thank youAsanteA-san-teh
- YesNdioN-dee-oh
- NoHapanaHa-pa-na
+3 more below
🎎
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; leaving around 10% at restaurants is common where service isn't included. On safaris, tipping guides, drivers, and lodge staff is customary and an important part of their income.
🚖Rideshare & Taxi
See all →💳Payments & Wallets
See all →🗺️Navigation & Maps
See all →📱Messaging
See all →Phrases
All Swahili phrases
Hello
Jambo
Jahm-bo
How are you?
Habari
Ha-ba-ri
Thank you
Asante
A-san-teh
Yes
Ndio
N-dee-oh
No
Hapana
Ha-pa-na
Please
Tafadhali
Ta-fa-da-li
How much?
Bei gani
Bay ga-ni
Welcome
Karibu
Ka-ri-boo
Briefing
What to know before you go
✓ Do
- Greet people before getting to business; a handshake and asking 'Habari?' (How are you?) is expected and rushing is seen as rude.
- Use your right hand or both hands to give and receive items and to shake hands.
- Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and on the largely Muslim coast where covering shoulders and knees is respectful.
- Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly Maasai and other communities, who may expect a small fee.
- Show respect to elders, who are greeted first and addressed with deference.
- Learn a few Swahili words like 'jambo' (hello) and 'asante' (thank you), which are warmly received.
✕Don't
- Do not photograph government buildings, airports, military, or police, which can lead to detention.
- Avoid public displays of affection and same-sex affection, as homosexuality is criminalized and socially taboo.
- Don't show disrespect toward elders or use your left hand for greetings and eating.
- Avoid wearing camouflage or military-style clothing, which is illegal for civilians in Kenya.
⚠️ Common scams to know
- Fake 'safari operators' or street agents take deposits for tours that don't exist, so book through licensed, well-reviewed companies.
- Friendly strangers posing as students, refugees, or fellow travelers spin sob stories to ask for money or 'school fees'.
- Taxi drivers without meters may quote inflated fares, so agree on a price beforehand or use a ride app like Uber or Bolt.
- Curio sellers and touts near markets and parks heavily inflate prices for tourists, expecting hard bargaining.
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