Introducing Kenya
Page 2 of 2CULTURE AND LANGUAGE
Kenyans are a courteous people who are always delighted to exchange news and views with visitors from other countries particularly Britain. Part of the attraction of the country is its African culture and customs, which should be respected at all times.
The official languages are English and Swahili and although you will find no problem communicating in English, Kenyans are always appreciative if you have taken the trouble to learn a few words of Swahili.
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Hello | Jambo |
| How are you? | Habari gani? |
| Welcome | Karibu |
| Good/very good | Mzuri/Mzuri sana |
| Thank you (very much) | Asante (sana) |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri |
| Yes/No | Ndiyo/Hapana |
| Please speak | Tafadhali sema |
| OK | Haya |
| Sorry | Pole |
| I do not understand | Sifahamu |
| Sir | Bwana |
| Madam | Memsahib |
| How much? | Ngapi? |
| I would like | Nataka |
| I do not want (anything) | Sitaki (kitu) |
| Bread | Mukati |
| Milk | Maziwa |
| Water | Maji |
| Tea | Chai |
| Coffee | Kahawa |
| Warm/Hot | Moto/Moto sanu |
| Cold | Baridi |
| Slowly | Polepole |
| Lion | Simba |
| Leopard | Chui |
| Giraffe | Twiga |
| Elephant | Tembo |
| Crocodile | Mamba |
| Rhino | Kifaru |
| Insect | Dudu |
WHAT TO EXPECT
When travelling in Kenya it is important to remember that it is a third world country and you cannot expect the same standards as in the UK. For example, roads are often little more than bumpy tracks and poverty is evident everywhere. Energy conservation measures may mean that hotels are obliged to limit services such as water and electricity and the legal safety requirements may be of a lower standard than the UK.
CURRENCY
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (Ksh). Notes are produced in denominations of 1000 Ksh, 500 Ksh, 200 Ksh, 100 Ksh and 50 Ksh. Coins are produced in denominations of 40 Ksh, 20 Ksh, 10 Ksh, 5 Ksh, 1 Ksh, 50 Cents and 10 Cents.
SUGGESTED READING
‘Out of Africa’ Karen Blixen, 1937
‘Kenya - a Visitor’s Guide’ Arnold Curtis
‘Insight Guide to Kenya’ Insight Guides
‘Kenya Travel Survival Kit’ Hugh Finlay & Geoff
Crowther, Lonely Planet
‘East African Wildlife’ Geoffrey Eu, Insight Guides
‘The Rough Guide to Kenya’ Richard Trillo,
Rough Guides
‘The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching
African Mammals Including Hoofed Mammals,
Carnivores and Primates’ Richard D Estes
‘African Safari Journal’ Mark Nolting
‘Lonely Planet Kenya’ Joseph Bindloss
‘Lonely Planet Swahili Phrasebook’ Martin Benjamin
