Social structures, customs and behaviors in Kenya

Kenyans are fun-loving, hard-working, sociable, and hospitable. The social environment in Kenya is among the most favorable for visitors given the open attitude that Kenyans have towards social differences, and it is a strength that Kenya can effectively leverage to attract and retain existing and potential foreign investors in all sectors of the economy.

Are they individualists or collectivists?

The Kenyan lifestyle is highly social and collective, with extended families, relatives, friends, and the immediate community influencing people’s ideals, beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, and principles.

• Neighbors are considered an extension of one’s social system.

• Each individual has a role to play, especially in the interior of the country, where work is delegated to family members, from the oldest to the youngest.

• Although housework is delegated to family members, women often do more, such as looking after children, fetching water, cooking, gardening, and work traditionally assigned to women.

• As peace-loving people, Kenya’s contribution to peace initiatives such as the cessation of South Sudan and the war against Alshabaab in Somalia are some examples of this.

Social behaviors

“Proud to be Kenyan” is a popular catchphrase among Kenyans, and yes, they have a reason to be proud.

• Kenyans easily adopt new cultures and norms. They have been known to go to foreign countries in Europe for a week and come back with an accent!

• They rarely discriminate against people because of their color, nationality, or race. In fact, they seem even more friendly and eager to help foreigners.

• A common social behavior among Kenyans, especially the low-income class, is the tendency to expect (and to some extent demand) tips for anything from offering directions to carrying luggage.

• Most Kenyans identify themselves by their tribal origins, a point well illustrated by their tendency to ask for middle names. The downside to this is growing tribalism.

• Kenyans are often eager to show off their wealth in an attempt to impress, if not influence their perception of their social status. Many have borrowed, borrowed from friends, and even lived beyond their means to give the illusion that they have money when they don’t. As bad as it may sound, this is social behavior that any product with a well-known brand can take advantage of, Kenyans will easily buy a brand not for what it offers but for what it represents.

In Kenya, they love their food, especially “Nyama Choma” or “Nyam Chom” which is the local name for charcoal-grilled meat. The craze for this delicacy is not its tempting taste, but the bond it creates between family and friends. In fact, you can never go wrong ending a business deal with a tray of well-done Nyama Choma, because that’s how they love their meat, well done!