Kenya, East African hub

Kenya, East African hub

Kenya is one of the key logistical conduits into East Africa and a regional financial hub. Many foreign companies operating here do business under their own name to manage penetration into the larger, regional market. Companies with strong corporate social responsibility (CSR), education, and training programs will be warmly welcomed.

English is widely spoken in Kenyan business environments and you can expect good language skills.. A little knowledge of basic Kiswahili phrases always leaves a good impression and can help to break the ice. The most common greeting is “Jambo?” (“How are you?”), generally expressed immediately prior to the handshake. After the handshake it is the norm to ask questions about their family, their health, business and anything else you know about the person. To skip or rush this element in the greeting process is the height of poor manners.

Kenyans are group-orientated rather than individualistic. “Harambee,” (meaning “to pull together”) defines the people’s approach to others in life. The concept is essentially about mutual assistance, mutual effort, mutual responsibility and community self-reliance. This principle has historically been practiced by every ethnic group with its roots in cooperative farming or herding.

Direct and frank communication is not the norm in Kenya. Kenyans are extremely polite and will always attempt to qualify what they say so that the message is delivered in a sensitive way. This comes down to wanting to protect people’s face and the relationship. For newly established and more formal relationships, diplomacy will be of utmost importance. In their attempt not to cause problems, Kenyans often use metaphors, analogies and stories to make a point. They are uncomfortable with blunt statements. If you are from a culture that prizes directness, you may wish to moderate your delivery style.

Have you done business in Kenya? Share your experience please.