(Last updated: 9 Sep 2013)
Visiting
Business hours
Commercial offices are open from 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Major shopping centres, department stores and supermarkets are open from 8.30am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 6.00pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Banks are open from 9.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 11.00am, Saturday.
Public holidays
January 01 – New Year’s Day
March 29 – Good Friday
April 01 – Easter Monday
May 01 – Labor Day
June 01 – Madaraka Day
August 08 – End of Ramadan
October 20 – Mashujaa Day (Heroes Day or Kenyatta Day)
December 12 – Jamhuri Day (Independence Day)
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day
Climate
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country.
For weather details in Kenya, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The monetary unit is the Kenya Shilling.
Banks
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and in some retail shops. Most ATMs will give cash advances, but this service should not be relied on away from major centres. There are numerous ATM locations in the major towns of Kenya, but fewer in regional and rural areas.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travelers’ cheques and US dollars cash. Australian currency and travelers’ cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Time zones and time differences
Kenya is seven hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Nairobi, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Kenya's country code is 254.
For calls to Kenya from Australia dial: 0011 + 254 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Kenya to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Kenya’s power supply is 220/240 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. The square three-pin plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Magical Kenya – www.magicalkenya.com
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.