With a GDP of USD 92 billion in 2019, Kenya is the 4th largest economic power in sub-Saharan Africa. Being slightly dependent on the export of raw materials, Kenya has succeeded in diversifying its business sectors and benefits from a well-developed and dynamic private sector. Having good infrastructure, Kenya is considered to be the logistics and commercial hub of East Africa. It is also one of the main markets of interest and opportunities for French companies in English-speaking Africa.

Good to know :

Languages Spoken : Swahili, English
Local currency : Kenyan shilling (Ksh, KES)
Capital : Nairobi

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.E in Kenya

Do you already meet the International Young Talent Program criteria ?

Then, consult the table here!

- If your situation only meets ☼, you can try your luck for a V.I.E in Kenya. Your application will be studied.

- If your situation meets at least 1 X, 😬 Kenya cannot accommodate you in V.I.E. Don't be disappointed, continue your research! Other exciting destinations will seduce you!

Do you have any doubts about your eligibility ? Feel free to contact us.

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.A in Kenya

To go to Kenya as a V.I.A participant, you must fulfil the conditions for accessing the V.I.A.  
The administration that is recruiting you is responsible for your residence permit.

Cultural work codes in Kenya

The language of business throughout Kenya is English. But learning a few expressions in Swahili can be an advantage for breaking the ice. Traditions are paramount in Kenya and respect for elders is essential.

Naturally quite modest, Kenyans tend to control their emotions in public. So do the same! Avoid getting angry in public, talking loudly or being too direct as this would be perceived as a lack of respect. Some gestures should be avoided - pointing at someone is disrespectful and winking at people is frowned upon. Be careful, vulgar words or insults have no place in Kenyan vocabulary !

To avoid misunderstandings, learn to decipher your counterparts’ non-verbal communication. A Kenyan will rarely tell you no, but that does not mean that they agree. Building a relationship of trust with your counterparts is therefore crucial to untangling what is true from what is false.

Things that may surprise you in Kenya

- It is impossible to talk about Kenya, without mentioning safaris ! The wildlife is fascinating and extremely diverse. In order to appreciate it, it is best to visit nature reserves such as the Masai Mara or Amboseli Park. You can see the “big five”, the five emblematic animals of Africa - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. But also many herds of giraffes, zebras and gnus in their natural habitat, the savannah. You can spend the night in hard lodges or quite luxurious canvas camps. We warn you, going on safari is not cheap !

- Moreover, compared to other African countries, the cost of living in Kenya is high. Living in Nairobi is not cheap and, although you can find whatever you want in supermarkets, imported products are quite expensive.

In so far as concerns the weather, forget the four seasons! Kenya only has two seasons - the dry season from December to March and the rainy season from July to October. The big rainy season is from April to June and the small rainy season is from November to December. So choose the right time to go on safari or elsewhere !

You will have no trouble being online in Kenya. The Internet works well and the 4G network is highly developed there.

- While English is very widely spoken, particularly in cities, the official language of Kenya is Kiswahili. Armed with the following three words, you can get by wherever you are - Karibu, Hakuna Matata and Polé polé are “welcome”, “no problem” and “cool” respectively !

- Feeling peckish ? In the markets and on the street, you'll find sellers of snacks who offer madaazis - doughnuts that you eat in the morning, very fresh - grilled corn cobs, fried yam and sambusas.