Etiquette and Customs in Kenya

Meeting and Greeting

The most common greeting is the handshake.


When greeting someone with whom you have a personal relationship, the handshake is more prolonged than the one given to a casual acquaintance.


Close female friends may hug and kiss once on each cheek instead of shaking hands.


When greeting an elder or someone of higher status, grasp the right wrist with the left hand while shaking hands to demonstrate respect.

After the handshake it is the norm to ask questions about the health, their family, 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.


People are generally addressed by their academic, professional or honorific title followed by their surname. 


Women over the age of 21 are often addressed as “Mama” and men over the age of 35 are often addressed as “Mzee”. Children generally refer to adults as Aunt or Uncle, even if there is not a familial relationship.

Gift Giving

In general, Kenyans give gifts for events of significance in a person’s life or days of religious significance.

If invited to dinner at a Kenyan’s home, bring pastries, flowers, or sweets for the hostess. In rural areas, gifts of sugar or tea are quite common

Gifts should be nicely wrapped, although there are no prohibitions concerning the color of paper.

Do not bring alcohol unless you know that for a fact that your host drinks

Dining Etiquette

Kenyans table manners are relatively formal.

The best course of action is to behave formally. When is doubt, watch what others are doing and follow their lead

Except for formal functions, there is generally not a seating plan. However, there may be a special place for the most honored guest.

Guests are expected to wash their hands before and after the meal. In some homes, a washing basin will be brought to the table. If so, hold your hands over the basin while water is poured over them.


The honored guest is usually served first, followed by the men, children, and women

Servants often bring the courses to individual guests who are expected to take what they want

Do not begin eating until the eldest male has been served and started eating

It is a good idea to take a small amount the first time the platters are brought so that you may take second helpings when urged

Beverages are not generally served with meals since Kenyans think it is impolite to eat and drink at the same time. They are generally served at the completion of the meal

It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate, although it is not mandatory.