Country guide

Kenya Business etiquette and meeting customs

Africa/Nairobi

What kind of meeting?

Moderate punctuality

A few minutes late is tolerated, but let people know if you'll be later.

Meeting Culture

Recommended duration45-60 min
Communication StyleFriendly, respectful
Greeting StyleHandshake

Daily Schedule

Work Hours08:0017:00
Breakfast07:0008:00
Lunch12:0013:00
Dinner19:0020:00
Sleep23:0007:00

Tips for Meetings

For the kind of meeting you chose above.

Dress Code

Business formal

Tone

Professional, respectful

  • ·English and Swahili are both used in business settings
  • ·Nairobi tech culture is increasingly Western-style
  • ·Respect for elders and seniority guides meetings

General Tips

  • ·Some flexibility in timing
  • ·Respect for elders and seniority
  • ·English is widely used in business
  • ·Nairobi is a growing tech hub — more Western-style meetings

Cultural Notes

  • ·EAT timezone (UTC+3)

Meeting someone from Kenya?

Find the best time

Cultural information is for general guidance only and may not reflect every individual's practices.

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