Life as a Digital Nomad in Kenya

Kenya is a premier destination for digital nomads, offering a mix of white sand beaches, wildlife-rich national parks, and Nairobi’s tech-driven urban environment. The country features the strongest internet connectivity in East Africa, facilitating seamless remote work.

Kenya Travel Basics

Primary Languages: Swahili and English. English is the primary language for business and tourism.

Capital City: Nairobi serves as the regional tech hub and main networking centre.

Main Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) is the primary international hub.

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES). Exchange rate: approximately $1 = 130 KES.

Time Zone: East African Time (GMT +3).

Plug Socket Type: Type G (UK 3-pin).

Visa Requirements: Travellers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before arrival. There is no visa-on-arrival.

Travel Insurance: Specialised digital nomad insurance, like SafetyWing, is recommended.

Best Time to Visit: September to March (dry season).

Internet Quality: High-speed Wi-Fi is standard in urban hotels and cafes. 4G+ networks offer reliable coverage elsewhere.

Highlights: Safaris, diverse landscapes, coastal retreats, and growing coworking infrastructure.

Quick Tips About Kenya

• Visa Application: Apply via the eTA portal at least 2 weeks before departure.
• East Africa Tourist Visa: This allows 90 days of combined travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
• National Parks: Kenya has over 40 parks. The Maasai Mara and Amboseli are flagship destinations.
• Nairobi National Park: A wildlife reserve located within the capital city limits.
• M-Pesa: A mobile payment system essential for daily transactions. Use a Safaricom SIM card to access it.
• Safety: Use Uber for nighttime transit; avoid walking alone in urban centres.
• Transport: Use domestic flights or the SGR train for long distances.
• Cost of Living: High-end tourism and safaris are expensive. Nairobi’s fees are comparable to European cities; coastal areas are cheaper.

Top Destinations

• Naivasha: Located in the Great Rift Valley, three hours from Nairobi. Ideal for nature and quiet environments.
• Diani: South coast beach destination featuring dedicated coliving spaces for nomads.
• Kilifi: A relaxed coastal town popular with young professionals.
• Lamu: A historic Swahili island. Cultural and quiet, but with limited internet.
• Watamu: Known for marine parks, white sand beaches, and ruins.
• Nanyuki: A base for Mt. Kenya trekking and forest reserves.
• Mombasa & Nyali: Mombasa is a busy port city; Nyali is its quieter residential suburb.

Internet in Kenya

Kenya's "Silicon Savannah" status ensures strong infrastructure. High-speed fibre is standard in cities, and mobile data is affordable.

4G+ Providers

• Safaricom: Widely considered the best for speed and national coverage.
• Airtel: Strong coverage in Nairobi; generally the second-best option.
• Telkom: Best in Nairobi, Mombasa, and parts of Diani.

Coworking Spaces

Most coworking spaces are in Nairobi. While functional and offering high-speed fibre, many focus on corporate clients rather than nomadic community building. They are reliable for mission-critical work.

Laptop-friendly Cafes

Nairobi has a robust cafe culture. Chains like Java House, Artcaffe, and CJ’s provide reliable Wi-Fi and power outlets. Coastal hubs like Diani and Nyali also have laptop-friendly spots, though options decrease in rural areas.

When to Visit Kenya

November – February: Sunny with occasional "short rains." Peak tourist season is in December.

March – May: Long rainy season. Lower prices and fewer crowds; some coastal businesses close.

June – July: Cooler "winter" months. Often overcast in Nairobi, but it remains warm on the coast.

August – October: Peak safari season (Great Migration). Generally hot and dry.

The Best VPNs in Kenya

Security is vital when using public Wi-Fi. Recommended options:

• ExpressVPN: Fastest speeds and reliable African server locations.
• NordVPN: High security, though fewer local servers may slightly impact speed.
• Surfshark: Affordable, allows unlimited devices, and performs well in the region.
• CyberGhost: Budget-friendly with user-friendly interfaces.

Top Things to Do in Kenya ( Safaris and National Parks)

Safaris are the primary attraction. The Maasai Mara is famous for the Big 5 and the Great Migration. For hiking, Mt. Kenya provides technical climbs, while Karura Forest and Ngong Hills offer accessible trails near the capital.

Beach Getaways

The coast offers an alternative workspace to Nairobi. Diani provides the most amenities, Kilifi attracts a creative crowd, and Lamu offers a historical, low-tech retreat.

Hiking

Mount Kenya is the second-highest peak in Africa. For casual hikers, Nairobi-adjacent trails like Ngong Hills offer scenic day trips.

Getting Around Kenya

Avoid self-driving due to road conditions and local driving styles.

• Budget Airlines: Flights from Nairobi to the coast start at $30 and take 90 minutes.
• Bus/Matatu: Economical but slow. Nairobi to Mombasa takes 12+ hours by road.
• SGR Train: Takes 5-6 hours between Nairobi and Mombasa. It includes 4G coverage for working while travelling.
• Car with Driver: Recommended for regional travel. Costs approximately $70/day.

Money in Kenya

The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency.

• ATMs: I&M Bank and DTB typically do not charge fees for international cards.
• Card Payments: Accepted in malls, hotels, and major restaurants.
• M-Pesa: M-Pesa is Kenya's primary payment method. It allows you to pay for almost anything via your phone. To set it up, register a Safaricom SIM card with your passport.

Travel Debit Cards for Kenya

A monthly budget of $2,000–$2,500 covers a comfortable lifestyle in Nairobi. Costs are roughly 30% lower in smaller towns. Major expenses include:

• Rent in secure, modern neighbourhoods.
• Ride-hailing services (Uber/Bolt).
• National Park fees (significantly higher for non-residents).

Withdrawing Money From ATMs

Use ATMs inside shopping malls for maximum security. I&M Bank and DTB remain the best options to avoid local transaction fees.

Travel Insurance in Kenya

Private healthcare in Kenya is expensive. Ensure you have coverage from providers like SafetyWing or World Nomads before arrival.

Money Matters

• Use KES for local transactions.
• Carry a mix of M-Pesa, card, and cash.
• M-Pesa is often preferred over cash for security and convenience.

Cost of Travel in Kenya

Kenya is not a "budget" destination. High costs are driven by safari packages, park entry fees ($60–$100+ per day for non-residents), and internal flights. Shared group tours can mitigate some expenses.

Kenya Tourist Visas

The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) has replaced the traditional visa. Ensure all documentation is uploaded to the official government portal before booking travel.

Travel Etiquette and Safety

Safety: Do not display expensive jewellery or electronics in public. Use taxis at night.

Culture: Dress modestly in rural or Muslim-majority coastal areas.

LGBTQ+: Discretion is advised as local laws are conservative.

Tipping: 10% is standard in restaurants.

Security: Major buildings and malls have mandatory security screenings.