Greeting

The traditional form of greeting is a handshake, the length of which varies depending on how well the speakers know each other. At the same time they ask each other questions about health, family, etc. The greeting ritual is generally unhurried.

At the beginning of the meeting, it is important to shake hands with everyone present without missing anyone. The latter is considered rude behavior. So if there are 10 people in the room, as a guest you should shake hands with each person and greet them.

Hands are shaken by both men and women. However, it does not always happen between the sexes. A man should wait for a woman's initiative before offering her hand in greeting.

When greeting older people, it is important to be as respectful as possible. Direct (and particularly prolonged) eye contact should be avoided, and it is better to look down. It is customary to put your left hand on the wrist of the right hand of the person being greeted as a sign of respect.

Men, if they know each other for a long time, can put their arm around each other. Women greet each other with a handshake, but if they are friends they can give each other a light kiss on the cheek.

Introduction

All possible regalia that distinguish a person are important in Kenya's business practices, especially those that indicate his status in an organization or in society. Hierarchy is treated with respect in Kenya.

In formal, formal and business situations, use your partner's titles, degrees or ranks, if any, when addressing him. You may only address him by his first name if you have been given permission to do so.

Particular deference should be paid to persons of older age and status.

If you do not know or have no professional qualifications, title or rank, then use polite forms of address such as Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, followed by the person's last name.

In terms of using names and titles/ranks, follow the example of your Kenyan colleagues. Use the appropriate level of formality.

If you are going to meet a government official, find out in advance how to address him or her. In that case, be polite and show the utmost respect.

If you have a meeting with a government official, find out in advance how to address him or her.

Exchange of Business Cards

In Kenya's business practice, business cards are very important and are exchanged either at the beginning of the first meeting or at the end of the meeting. There is no specific timeframe in business communication.

The owner's professional qualifications, job positions, and academic degrees are indicated on the business card. Contact information including phone numbers, website, email address is common.

Most business cards are written in English and do not always have a Swahili translation (the second official language of the country after English).

Remember that when you give your business card to your partner it is important to hold it with both hands, just as it is important to receive their business card with both hands.

Small Talk: Overview

When taking the first steps toward a joint project, Kenyans try to get to know a potential partner, because establishing a relationship is at the heart of any business. In small talk, especially at the beginning, choose positive or neutral topics.

It is useful to observe how people communicate in the Kenyan business environment, how the conversation is structured. Later, as you gain experience, you will be able to manage the process of communication with partners. In situations where you are the host and host the event, you will need to take the lead in the conversation.

Although English is the primary language of communication in business, do not assume everyone (including your partner) is equally proficient in it. Repeat ideas and judgments if necessary, and use follow-up questions to check you're being understood accurately.

When talking, avoid asking general questions that require a yes or (especially) a no, especially if your question could be construed as a request. It's better to use so-called open-ended questions (e.g., "How do you plan to conduct this meeting?" or"What do you think about it?", which allow the person to choose the most tactful expression.

Kenyans are quite expressive, especially compared to Europeans. That doesn't mean they should be aggressive, though, with strong opinions and passionate defenders of their point of view. A respectful tone is encouraged.

Preferred Topics

Economics and politics. Kenya likes to discuss various economic and political topics that are important to the state, for example, related to the possibilities of its further growth. It is advisable to support such a conversation by reading the latest news in the local press beforehand.

Family. Kenyans are quite open about their family, especially when it comes to the success of their children and nieces and nephews. They may even share with you the various problems their children face at school. Such frankness is possible, however, only after a certain relationship has already been established.

Sports. Most men and even some women in Kenya love soccer. It is a really safe subject. Other popular sports are rugby, cricket (more popular with Kenyans of Asian descent), and long-distance running.

Sports are also popular.

Taboo Topics

Ethnicity is not something you want to bring up in small talk, even if you already know your Kenyan partner.

Group identity is a very sensitive issue and will be very poorly received, especially in Nairobi where there are a lot of mixed marriages.

Corruption is definitely a topic to avoid, because you may encounter all kinds of opinions on the subject, which will not help create a positive atmosphere.

Personal Space

You should keep in mind that Kenyans have a shorter distance of comfort than other cultures, such as those in Northern Europe or North America. It is not a good idea to take a step back to stand further away from your interlocutor, as this can be perceived as unfriendly behavior.

Physical touching is kept to a minimum. They are usually only possible between people who know each other well. A pat on the shoulder or back is possible and well-received in this society.

Touching is minimized and usually only between people who know each other well.

Communication Specifics

In the process of communication, it is not only the words and expressions themselves that are important to Kenyans, which carry a certain meaning. They assume that some information remains unspoken or unspoken because it is either derived from the situation itself or is understood without words by all participants in communication because it is contained in the culture itself.

Sometimes nonverbal signals carry much more information than the actual explicit, verbal part of speech. Foreign partners should seek clarification from their Kenyan counterpart if there is any misunderstanding or ambiguity about what is being said.

In general, the style of communication in Kenyan business practices is polite and quite formal.

Formal behavior is maintained not only between superiors and subordinates, but also between superiors and business partners who have the same status. Formality in communication reinforces hierarchical relationships between people whose boundaries should not be violated.

With time, a certain element of informality may emerge in relationships, especially outside of work situations. But it is important to always keep in mind that an informal, more personal approach can be associated with a weak leader, unable to make authoritative decisions.

Kenyans have an indirect way of speaking, especially when discussing problems or difficult situations. When faced with uncomfortable and particularly sensitive questioning, they are likely to be vague and evasive or prefer to engage a third party to avoid open confrontation.

Your Kenyan partner will not feel comfortable if they have to give a negative assessment or simply tell you "no. He is more likely to say "yes" to you, actually meaning no. For example, he might agree to changes in the plan with a nod of his head, but not be convinced of the need for the change.