This article was 100% written by a human called Duncan who runs Skippers Coliving in Kenya. It covers the nomad experience highs and lows in unfiltered form based on two years of experience.
If I reflect on the last 24 months of Skippers being open the one thing I would say is that:
Kenya is not for everyone.
I’m not just saying that to have an attention grabby headline.
It’s just being realistic.
I heard a super corny saying the other day which is…
“It’s not an adventure if you know how it ends”
If you go to Lisbon, Chang Mai or Da Nang those places are pretty well established destinations. They have solid infrastructure for nomads and they’re busy and popular.
Even though it’s probably one of the most nomad friendly African countries. Kenya is not popular with digital nomads. Not even by a stretch.
What it and Africa does have in unlimited quantities is adventure and peace.
That’s where the phrase TIA (This Is Africa) comes from. It’s not a cuss on the continent, it’s more affectionate. It’s about accepting that it’s an adventure.
Contents
Safety
The first question I am asked is always. Is Kenya safe?
The answer is always…in general yes, but…
Nairobi like all cities has petty crime, its not as bad as London and some other capitals. But like all big cities you have to play a safe game.
Regional safety
Kenya and most African countries do not have extremely well evolved transport networks. As a result of this safety issues are usually regional and confined to specific areas.
They are generally tribal and resource related. Areas for example like the north of the country where there is limited rain tend to have more issues. So guides are highly reccomended in those areas.
However, most of the country is safe to roam.
The key is to talk to your local coffee shop waiter/waitress, accommodation owner etc. and ask where is good to go and where is not good to go.
Solo travel fe(male)
Travelling alone around Kenya is generally safe, there are buses, trains, planes. People are generally respectful and as long as you’re not waving around a new iPhone, rolex etc you will not have problems.
What Kenya has
Not overcrowded, not many nomads
This might be the best thing in the world for you or the worst. But Kenya is not a nomad hub. There are not nomad run clubs or daily nomad yoga sessions in every city.
There are little enclaves like Skippers but it’s largely untouched by over-nomadding. So if you’re not a labrador for other nomads then you’ll be good.
Epic 4G+ phone network
The country has massively over-invested in their 4G+ network. 4G+ has a technical top speed of 300mbps. I’ve personally seen 200mbps in the middle of nowhere and 50-100mbps on your phone is not unusual outside of Nairobi.
In Nairobi itself as it’s a bit busier it’s a bit lower say around 20-50mbps.
Safaricom the main network have cell towers everywhere. They all have backup generators and solar power. You can video call your mum on safari no problem.
EU friendly timezone
All of Africa is in an EU friendly timezone so you’re going to wake up have 2-3 hours extra in the morning for a workout, sport or just chilling. Or look like you’re in super early.
No daylight savings + Equal length days
There’s no day light savings time in Kenya. It’s on the equator so days are more or less the same all year round, in June the shortest day is 11h 53min and in December the longest day is 12h 22min. Still a lot better than ±8h 49min in London.
Coffee
They grow coffee in Kenya and East Africa. There’s lots of it and plenty of places to go and drink it. Most have WiFi also.
Language
While English is usually most people’s 3rd language it’s widely spoken, especially in towns and cities.
Friendly people
I’ll caveat this as Nairobi like London, Paris and other cities is a bit harder. But Kenyans outside of big towns and cities are some of the friendliest people you will encounter.
You can wander around in the bush and generally meet lovely friendly people on all your travels.
Kenyans are generally confused as to why the rest of the world is less friendly (reddit).
Easy tourist visas
If you have a passport from an EU/Western country it will usually be approved very quickly for a visa 2-3 days. You get 90 days and that can be extended to 150 days with minimal hassle.
Lion king
Cliche but you can see Simba and all of his mates. Whether you go high-end safari or just a self drive it’s pretty epic.
Short(ish) flights, no jet lag from EU
Getting to Kenya is about 8h30 from the major European airports. Getting to the coast is an additional connection of 1h. End to end Bankso to Diani usually takes me ±20 hours.
It’s possible to do it in a day with correctly timed flights or one overnight near Nairobi airport.
Fast ordering
It might be slightly surprising but you can get almost anything next day from Nairobi. The in country courier system works really well in particular Fargo who will do a small package under 5kg (weight/volume) for ±$6.
Social outreach
We’re just getting started on our social outreach programme with careers talks in local secondary schools. You can read more about it here. There are also tonnes of volunteering opportunities on WorkAway.
Music
The music scene in Kenya is not what you would expect. It’s different to the cliches. If you’re really into the scene then you will find it especially in Nairobi.
What it does not have
Lots of nomads
This might be a pro or a con for you so I’ve listed it twice. There are plenty of travellers, backpackers etc. but it’s not yet a nomad hub.
It probably never will be as getting residency is not straight forwards and it is not really an advantageous tax jurisdiction.
That doesn’t stop people coming every year but it’s less likely to become your home home as a result.
Development
Kenya is just into the LEDC (Less Economically Developed Country) category.
What that means is that it’s not as developed as most other countries.
In some places like Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani and other cities you’ll have good access to healthcare, shops, even supermarkets like Carrefour that are really well stocked.
But even in those places it won’t be Da Nang, there is not a really well built boardwalk on the coast, the cities are more chaotic etc.
Outside of major cities and towns there is a more barebones experience.
Just like most places, the further you get away from the developed places. The better the adventure.
CC – Wikipedia
Great infrastructure
There is a cross-country train from Nairobi to Mombasa. It’s cheap and runs three times a day. Generally on time.
Beyond that you’re on private minibuses (matatus) and on motorbike taxis.
You can get anywhere on a matatu or via a cross country bus. Driving standards make South America look safe but you can get literally anywhere with no plan whatsoever.
Why you’ll love it
Always the people. Kenyans are lovely, friendly and welcoming.
Why you’ll hate it
The people. Over time you might find the culture frustrating. The approach to money is can feel sometimes difficult and some people find that quite overwhelming.