Kenya: Communication Styles
March 20, 2018
by GoinGlobal
Kenyans are, on the whole, mild-mannered and very polite, and they appreciate these qualities in others. One should use “please” and “thank you” often in English or Kiswahili.
Hospitality is important in Kenyan culture, and greetings in particular are viewed as a key part of social interaction. Before starting a discussion or meeting, you are expected to shake hands. It is the most common greeting in Kenya. Handshakes are held longer between close associates or friends, and shorter for a more casual acquaintance. When greeting an elder or high-ranking person, it’s customary to grasp the person’s right wrist with your left hand while shaking hands, although this behavior is practiced less and less frequently. The handshake is done across all ages and genders. Muslims may not shake hands between opposite sexes. You should always shake hands with your right hand; shaking left-handed, or giving gifts with the left hand, is considered inappropriate. When meeting a group, you should greet and shake hands with everyone present (though you should observe the above-mentioned restrictions, when appropriate).
When meeting a Maasai child, it is common to put your hand on the child’s head. In some rural areas, a man may spit on either side of the hand while shaking hands to indicate that he considers himself socially inferior to the other person.
Occasionally, a Kenyan will maintain the handshake or hold hands during the entire conversation, indicating that he or she is comfortable with and enjoys the company of the other person. Kenyans also will shake hands when they agree on a point; this is common in business situations and between friends. A growing trend among Christians is a hug between people of the same sex. Kissing on both cheeks is another form of greeting, but only between men and women or between two women. Men shake hands with other men.
You should greet a Kenyan using the person's academic, professional or honorific title, followed by the surname. Once a closer relationship has been established, however, you may use an honorific and first name, first name alone or a nickname. The Kenyan will indicate when one has reached this level of friendship. Many Kenyan men prefer to be called by their last name only; however, it is now becoming more common to use first names.