Kenya - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

by Jane Barsby

Don’t just see the sights—get to know the people. Culture Smart! Kenya  provides a cultural bridge that will carry you beyond the gloss of the hotels and deep into the warp and weft of everyday life; beyond the game parks and into the intricacies of community and wildlife coexistence; beyond the bounds of tourism and into the freedom of cultural understanding and exchange. A true "insider’s take" gleaned over years of living and working in the country, this guide delivers key insights into the forces, ancient and modern, that have shaped Kenya—and practical guidance on how best to enter into the modern Kenyan social and business environment. Due to its high-action pursuits, cultural treasures, wealth of wildlife, and glorious beach life, it is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and the unrivaled “safari capital of the world.” As to its people, Kenya is a cultural microcosm comprising more than seventy ethnic groups. Each has its own distinctive cultural identity. All extend the warmth of welcome that has proved to be Kenya’s most valuable asset to tourism. Demonstrate an interest in their history, traditions, and way of life, and your welcome will be warmer still. Have a richer and more meaningful experience time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.

Genres: Africa, Nonfiction, Travel, Cultural

168 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 2007

Reviews

[Kat V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good overview of what to expect when traveling to Kenya. I will definitely read this again. 4.5 stars

[BellaGBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this prior to my big trip to Kenya. Very informative, although it lacks some nuanche. Also, I suspect some things might be outdates (the love of SMS for example), but that's understandable for a book from 2008. But who knows, I might discover the coming months everything that's written is true!

[Lisa]

Quick read on the plane on the way to Nairobi. It was a bit dated in terms of current politics and technology but otherwise a helpful overview targeted at white US an European travelers.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have yet to see its effectiveness or accuracy as I don't leave for another week, but I found a lot of mixed messages between the nature of Kenyan sociability and crime. I suppose that's only natural, but sometimes I was like, "Ok, so which is it?" Regardless, I feel somewhat prepared for my travel. Would have rather read something more anecdotal, though.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful to prepare for my upcoming trip. The book has a decidedly colonial tone and I take its arbor and recommendations with a grain of salt. The book is several years old as well. Still, a useful tool!

[Edie Millar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful to learn about history, customs, society, & culture of Kenya before traveling there in September 2022. I would buy other books in this "Culture Smart" series to get an overview of a new country before visiting.

[Rod Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful

Good insight into the culture of Kenya. I'll be more sensitive to my surroundings while there. More than a travel guide.

[George Foord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a great book for when I went to Kenya 🇰🇪

[Jason Spitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat repetitive throughout, this guide will give you a good overview of Kenyan customs, traditions, and provide some good travel advice. It’s a quick and easy read.

[Lucinda E. Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe not quite up to date, but good place to start

I found this guide easy to read and well organized. I have several other resources to get through, but this was a helpful overview, with lots of very detailed info about dealing with the Kenyan people in many circumstances. I'm hopeful I'll remember these relevant tips!

[Cody Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some general information on Kenya. It is a fairly small book and therefore could not go into much detail over any history behind the customs. Definitely one I'll be re-reading before traveling to Kenya.

[jm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Regurgitates a lot of information one could also find on Wikipedia, is outdated in parts, stays superficial on almost every topic and is annoyingly repetitive ("we have already seen that..."). On the plus side, it's short enough to read on the flight and saves you from gathering the data yourself.

[Joanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So generic. In preparing for my first trip to Africa, I am not sure how useful this guide really will be. It's one of many I am reading to get ready for this trip, but I hope the other books I plan to read will be more informative.

[Janna · Rating 4 out of 5]

very useful