Kenya (KE)
Kenya is East Africa's economic, tech, and diplomatic powerhouse — home to the United Nations' Africa headquarters, the Silicon Savannah startup ecosystem, and some of the world's most iconic wildlife.
Capital: Nairobi
Region: Africa
Language: Swahili
Currency: KES (Ksh)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 30)
Emergency: 999
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Time: 30 minutes · Cost: KES 50–100 (SIM) + KES 500 (minimum M-Pesa deposit)
Deadline: Day 1 of arrival
Risk if missed: Unable to pay for many essential services, utilities, or transportation.
Where to go: Safaricom shop at JKIA arrivals, or any Safaricom retail outlet
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport or Alien Card
Tip: Get Safaricom (not Airtel or Telkom) as your primary SIM — M-Pesa runs exclusively on Safaricom and is accepted everywhere. You can get a second SIM from another operator for data if needed.
Time: 1–2 hours (in branch) · Cost: KES 0–500 (opening fee varies by bank)
Deadline: Within first 2 weeks
Risk if missed: Salary may be delayed if employer cannot credit a Kenyan account. Limited ability to transact beyond M-Pesa float.
Where to go: Equity Bank, KCB, Absa Kenya, or NCBA branch
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Alien Card (or work permit letter initially)
- ✓ KRA PIN certificate
- ✓ Employer letter
- ✓ Initial deposit KES 1,000–5,000
Tip: Equity Bank is most expat-friendly — experienced with foreign nationals and has the widest network. Bring your employer's HR letter confirming your position and salary if Alien Card isn't ready yet.
Time: 30 minutes · Cost: KES 50–100 SIM + bundle top-up
Where to go: Safaricom shop at JKIA or any town
Tip: Get a data bundle immediately — Safaricom data bundles via *544# or the Safaricom app. Recommended: 10GB monthly bundle for KES 900–1,200.
Time: 3–7 days for installation · Cost: KES 2,999–5,999/month + KES 1,000–5,000 router deposit
Where to go: saf.co.ke/homes (Safaricom Home Fibre) or zuku.co.ke
Tip: Check coverage before signing a lease — fibre availability varies by estate. Some landlords include fibre in rent — confirm before signing a separate contract.
Deadline: Day 1 of arrival
Risk if missed: Criminal fines up to KES 4,000,000 or 4 years imprisonment.
Tip: Buy 5–10 reusable bags and distribute them in your car, handbag, kitchen, and by the front door. Kenyan woven sisal bags ("kiondo") are beautiful, durable, and make great gifts too.
Time: 20 minutes · Cost: Free registration
Where to go: ecitizen.go.ke
Tip: Link your KRA PIN to your eCitizen account. Bookmark the portal and save your login credentials securely — you will use it repeatedly throughout your Kenya stay.
Tip: If your salary is in KES but your expenses are USD-denominated (international school fees, rent in USD), negotiate a USD-pegged or cost-of-living adjustment clause. Ask for repatriation (return airfare) to be included for internationally recruited positions.
Tip: Use the KRA PAYE calculator at itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/ to verify your employer is deducting the correct PAYE amount. Mistakes are not rare and correction becomes harder over time.
Time: 1–3 days to confirm/review · Cost: KES 60,000–300,000/year individual or included in employer package
Deadline: Before any medical need arises
Risk if missed: Uninsured private hospital bills of KES 50,000–500,000+ for even a moderate medical event.
Where to go: Your employer's HR or insurance broker. Individual plans: Jubilee Insurance, AAR, BUPA Global, Resolution Health.
Tip: Confirm direct billing with Aga Khan Hospital — this means the hospital bills your insurer directly rather than you paying upfront. Essential for avoiding large out-of-pocket emergency costs.
Time: 1–4 weeks searching; 1–2 weeks signing · Cost: 1–2 months deposit + 1 month agent fee (if applicable)
Where to go: buyrentkenya.com, HassConsult, Knight Frank Kenya, Facebook expat groups
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Alien Card or work permit letter
- ✓ Employer letter confirming salary
- ✓ Bank statements (3 months)
Tip: Never pay any deposit or fee without viewing the property in person. USD-denominated properties in Gigiri or Runda are good if you earn in USD — protects you from KES depreciation.
Time: 1–5 days for internet installation; electricity/water immediate via M-Pesa · Cost: Electricity: KES 2,000–6,000/month. Water: KES 500–2,000/month. Fibre: KES 2,999–5,999/month.
Where to go: KPLC service centre or M-Pesa for electricity. Nairobi Water offices. Safaricom or Zuku for fibre.
Tip: Keep a 5kg LPG gas canister as backup for cooking during power cuts. Most estates have power backup generators but they don't always start instantly.
Time: 20 minutes online; 1–7 days processing · Cost: USD 30 (~KES 3,900)
Deadline: Before boarding flight to Kenya
Risk if missed: Denied boarding. No entry into Kenya.
Where to go: etakenya.go.ke
Documents needed:
- ✓ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓ Accommodation proof
- ✓ Return ticket
- ✓ Proof of funds
Tip: Apply at least 1 week before travel — not 72 hours before. Download the approved PDF and save offline. If denied, contact the Department of Immigration for the specific reason.
Time: 1–3 months · Cost: KES 100,000–200,000 (government fee — employer typically pays)
Risk if missed: Deportation. Employer fines. Working illegally is a criminal offence.
Where to go: ecitizen.go.ke — Department of Immigration
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Job offer letter
- ✓ Academic certificates (apostilled)
- ✓ Police clearance (home country)
- ✓ Medical certificate
Tip: Your employer's HR department should manage this process. Chase your HR team if you don't have at minimum a Special Pass within 2 weeks of starting.
Time: 1–2 weeks · Cost: KES 500–5,000 depending on card type
Deadline: Within 90 days of arrival
Risk if missed: Fines. Inability to open bank accounts or access formal services.
Where to go: Department of Immigration offices or ecitizen.go.ke
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Work permit or visa
- ✓ KRA PIN certificate
- ✓ 2 passport photos
- ✓ Application fee
Tip: Your employer's HR team should initiate this. Carry a copy of your passport + work permit until the Alien Card arrives.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–6 weeks · Cost: KES 10,000–30,000 per dependent
Risk if missed: Family members without valid permits face fines or deportation.
Where to go: ecitizen.go.ke — Department of Immigration
Documents needed:
- ✓ Main work permit holder's permit copy
- ✓ Marriage certificate (apostilled)
- ✓ Birth certificates for children
- ✓ Passports of all dependents
Tip: Apply for dependent passes as soon as your own work permit is confirmed. Children should be enrolled in school before the application where possible.
Tip: Do not rely on SHA alone — it provides inadequate coverage for the standard of private healthcare most expats require.
Time: 15 minutes · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within first week of arrival
Risk if missed: Cannot open a bank account, process work permit, or access most formal services.
Where to go: itax.kra.go.ke
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport or Alien Card
- ✓ Email address
- ✓ Phone number
Tip: Do this online from your hotel room on day 1. Download and save the KRA PIN Certificate PDF.
Time: 1–2 weeks (HR-managed) · Cost: 2.75% of gross salary (ongoing deduction)
Risk if missed: Non-compliance for employer. Denied SHA benefits. Legal penalty risk.
Where to go: Employer HR or sha.go.ke
Documents needed:
- ✓ KRA PIN
- ✓ Work permit/Alien Card
- ✓ Employee number from HR
Tip: Ask HR to confirm your SHA number and collect your SHA card within your first month.
Time: 1–2 weeks (HR-managed) · Cost: Deducted from payroll
Risk if missed: No pension accumulation. Both employer and employee non-compliant.
Where to go: Employer HR or nssf.or.ke
Documents needed:
- ✓ KRA PIN
- ✓ Work permit/Alien Card
- ✓ Passport photo
Tip: Register your beneficiaries with NSSF as soon as you have your membership number. Don't wait — this matters in the event of death or disability.
Time: 30 minutes setup · Cost: Free
Where to go: itax.kra.go.ke
Tip: PAYE employees with only employment income (and employer-filed returns) technically do not need to file separately. But it's good practice to check your tax account annually. Self-employed persons MUST file by 30 June.
Tip: WIBA provides full medical costs + disability compensation + death benefit (96 months earnings to dependants) for work-related incidents. Even if your employer is uninsured, you are still entitled to compensation — but enforcement becomes more complex.
Time: 2–3 hours · Cost: Free
Tip: Store the same set of documents in a cloud folder accessible on your phone — needed frequently for services, banks, and permits. Share the folder with a trusted family member as a backup.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30 minutes · Cost: Free
Tip: Work permit renewal must be initiated 3 months before expiry — the process takes time and working on an expired permit is illegal. Build this into your annual calendar immediately.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30 minutes setup · Cost: Wise: 0.5–2% per transfer. Banks: KES 500–3,000 per SWIFT transfer.
Where to go: wise.com (online), Western Union agents, or your bank's international transfer desk
Tip: Wise offers significantly better exchange rates than Kenyan bank SWIFT transfers for international transfers. Set up your Wise account before arriving in Kenya using your home address.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 15 minutes online · Cost: Free
Where to go: Your home country's embassy website or in person in Nairobi
Tip: Subscribe to security alerts from your embassy. UK expats: register at gov.uk/locate. US citizens: step.state.gov. This is free and takes 15 minutes — essential for any expat.
Tip: A quality countertop Berkey filter is excellent value and very popular in the Nairobi expat community. Filters last years. Buy from Jungle Junction or Zucchini in Karen.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: Half a day of exploration · Cost: KES 500–2,000 for Bolt rides and initial purchases
Tip: Google Maps works well in Nairobi for most areas. Ask your building's security guard or house manager for local knowledge — they know the neighbourhood better than any app.
Time: 30 minutes · Cost: Free
Tip: WhatsApp is not optional in Kenya — every professional contact, landlord, and service provider uses WhatsApp as their primary channel. Set up your WhatsApp Business or personal account with your Kenyan number immediately.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Set a complex M-Pesa PIN and change it every 6 months. If your SIM stops working unexpectedly, call Safaricom from another phone immediately — SIM swap attacks are Kenya's fastest-growing financial crime.
Time: 2–4 weeks for application; waitlist may be months · Cost: Annual fees: USD 12,000–38,000 depending on school and grade
Deadline: Apply before or immediately after accepting Kenya assignment
Where to go: ISK (iskenya.org), Braeburn (braeburn.com), Rosslyn (rosslynacademy.com), Aga Khan Academy, Hillcrest International Schools
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport copy
- ✓ Birth certificate
- ✓ Previous school reports (2–3 years)
- ✓ Immunisation records
- ✓ Proof of parent employment
Tip: Check whether your employer includes school fees as part of the compensation package — most international employers do for senior staff. Negotiate this in your offer if not included.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Where to go: University of Nairobi (ils.uonbi.ac.ke), KIPS, private tutors via BrighterMonday
Tip: Practice with household staff and local vendors daily — they are the best, most patient teachers. Download Duolingo before your first lesson for vocabulary foundation.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Where to go: Employer HR or Retirement Benefits Authority (rba.go.ke) for list of registered schemes
Tip: Employer contributions to occupational pension schemes are tax-deductible for the employer. Your own contributions are deductible up to KES 240,000/year — a significant tax saving at higher income levels.
Tip: School bus transport is much safer than individual driving for the school run — Nairobi traffic at school hours is intense. Schools manage routes and many parents find this the easiest arrangement.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Get a DCI background check (certificate of good conduct) from any domestic worker before hiring — apply at dci.go.ke (takes 3–10 business days, KES 1,050). Ask for references and follow up on them personally.
Tip: The biggest Kenya budget surprise for most expats is domestic staff cost — most expat households employ a house manager, nanny, and/or guard (combined KES 40,000–100,000+/month). Factor this into your budget from day one.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Consider keeping no more than KES 50,000 in M-Pesa at any time — move larger amounts to your bank account (Safaricom to Equity Bank transfer is instant and free within Safaricom ecosystem).
Time: 15 minutes · Cost: USD 70–120/year individual; USD 120–200/year family
Deadline: Within first week — before any travel outside Nairobi
Risk if missed: A medical emergency in a remote location (safari, upcountry) without evacuation coverage can result in devastating costs or delayed life-saving care.
Where to go: amref.org/flying-doctors or through your employer's insurance broker
Tip: Many international employers in Kenya include AMREF membership in their package — check with HR before purchasing separately.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1 hour (first appointment) · Cost: KES 2,000–5,000 (initial consultation, covered by insurance)
Where to go: Nearest private hospital outpatient clinic or private GP practice
Tip: Many Nairobi private doctors are reachable by WhatsApp for quick advice. Get the direct number for your GP — not just the hospital switchboard.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Register with your nearest police station (OCPD) and give them your address and contact details — this is encouraged for expats in Kenya. Join your estate WhatsApp security group immediately on arrival.
Deadline: Before driving any vehicle in Kenya
Risk if missed: KES 100,000 fine or 3 months imprisonment for driving without insurance.
Where to go: APA Insurance, Jubilee Insurance, CIC Insurance, or compare at policystore.co.ke
Tip: Keep your insurance cover note (certificate) in the vehicle at all times. NTSA roadblocks routinely check insurance validity.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Where to go: Jubilee Insurance, APA Insurance, CIC Insurance
Tip: List all high-value electronics (laptops, cameras, televisions) specifically on the policy to ensure they are covered above any single-article limit.
Time: 2–3 hours self-study · Cost: Free (Duolingo, YouTube)
Tip: Key phrases: Habari? (How are you?), Asante (Thank you), Tafadhali (Please), Karibu (Welcome/You're welcome), Bei gani? (What's the price?), Pole pole (Slowly), Maji (Water), Chakula (Food), Hospitali (Hospital), Msaada (Help).
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 6–12 months (beginner to B1) · Cost: KES 40,000–90,000 total
Where to go: University of Nairobi Institute of Language Studies (ils.uonbi.ac.ke)
Tip: Some international employers provide a language training allowance — ask HR. Many UN agencies require B2 Swahili for community liaison roles.
Time: 1–4 weeks · Cost: KES 15,000–50,000 (advocate fees)
Where to go: LSK-registered advocate — lsk.or.ke for member search
Tip: Kenya has no inheritance tax — a significant estate planning advantage. Ensure your beneficiaries are registered with NSSF for NSSF survivor benefit access.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Your home country's embassy in Nairobi can authenticate/notarise documents for use back home. Kenya also has licensed notaries public and advocates who can prepare Kenyan PoAs.
Time: Plan 3–6 months in advance for full vaccination timeline · Cost: Import permit: KES 2,000–5,000. Airport inspection: KES 2,000–5,000. Airline fees: USD 200–800+.
Deadline: Import permit must be obtained before pet travels
Where to go: Directorate of Veterinary Services (dvs.go.ke)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Kenya Veterinary Import Permit
- ✓ International health certificate
- ✓ Microchip record
- ✓ Rabies vaccination certificate
- ✓ Other vaccination records
Tip: Use a specialist pet relocation company (Nairobi Pet Care, International Pet Transporters) — they know the Kenyan requirements and can manage the paperwork. Well worth the extra cost.
Time: 1–2 hours · Cost: KES 500–2,000/year (licence fee)
Where to go: Nairobi City County Area Vet Offices (nearest to your location)
Tip: Register with a reputable vet clinic at the same time — Karen Animal Centre, Limuru Road Vet Centre, or Animal Health Centre (Parklands) are popular with expats.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Where to go: Karen Animal Centre, Limuru Road Vet Centre, or nearest expat-recommended vet
Tip: Tick-borne diseases (particularly babesia/biliary) can be fatal in dogs if not caught early. If your dog becomes lethargic, pale gums, or off food — vet urgently. Monthly tick prevention is non-negotiable in Nairobi and essential at game parks.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 weeks · Cost: KES 3,000–5,000
Deadline: Within 90 days of arrival (IDP covers first 90 days)
Risk if missed: Driving on foreign licence beyond 90 days is illegal.
Where to go: ecitizen.go.ke — NTSA section or NTSA offices
Documents needed:
- ✓ Foreign licence
- ✓ International Driving Permit (IDP)
- ✓ Alien Card
- ✓ KRA PIN
- ✓ Passport photos
Tip: Obtain your IDP before leaving your home country — available from motoring associations (AA, RAC, AAA). Cost is typically USD 15–25.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours (self-filing) or engage a CPA · Cost: Free self-filing or KES 10,000–50,000 for professional accountant
Deadline: 30 June of the following year
Risk if missed: KES 2,000 minimum fine plus 5% of tax due plus 1% interest per month on unpaid tax.
Where to go: itax.kra.go.ke
Tip: Engage a KRA-registered CPA (ICPAK member) for your first year — the rules around foreign income, deductions, and SHA/NSSF treatment are complex enough to warrant professional guidance.
Time: 1–5 days in your home country · Cost: USD 15–25 (approximately)
Deadline: Before arriving in Kenya if you plan to drive
Risk if missed: Cannot legally drive in Kenya without IDP + home licence for first 90 days.
Where to go: Your home country motoring association (AA, RAC, AAA, ADAC, etc.) before departure
Documents needed:
- ✓ Valid home country driving licence
- ✓ Passport photo
- ✓ Application form
Tip: IDP must be carried alongside your national driving licence at all times when driving. Without your national licence, the IDP alone is invalid.
Time: 1–2 weeks · Cost: KES 3,000–5,000
Deadline: Within 90 days of arrival
Risk if missed: Illegal to drive on foreign licence after 90 days.
Where to go: ecitizen.go.ke (NTSA section) or NTSA Upperhill offices, Nairobi
Documents needed:
- ✓ Foreign licence
- ✓ IDP
- ✓ Alien Card
- ✓ KRA PIN
- ✓ 2 passport photos
Tip: Study the Kenyan Highway Code before the written test. Available free online at ntsa.go.ke. Test is not difficult but covers local road signs and rules.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: Immediate — pay at toll · Cost: KES 100–550 per journey
Where to go: nairobiexpressway.ke
Tip: Have M-Pesa loaded before using the Expressway — cash is not accepted at most toll booths. The Expressway is a huge time-saver during Nairobi rush hour (saves 45–90 minutes on JKIA–Westlands route).
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: EAP services are confidential — your employer does not receive details of your sessions. Particularly valuable during the Kenya adjustment period (months 2–6) which is often the hardest. Use it proactively, not just in crisis.