Business Etiquette in Kenya
Kenya is known for its rich agricultural economy, and particularly for its sales of premium coffee to countries all around the world. As a professional, it's important to be aware of Kenyan business etiquette, to secure business deals and establish positive relationships.
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Professional Greetings
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The handshake is the professional greeting for businesspeople in Kenya. When meeting someone for the first time, a short handshake is customary; longer handshakes are given between colleagues who have formed a relationship. It is proper etiquette to lower your eyes when shaking hands with someone whose professional rank is higher or is older. In Kenya, professional men should not shake hands with a women unless she extends her hand first.
Business Cards And Titles
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There is no formal method for exchanging business cards in Kenya; this can be done before or after the meeting. However, it is acceptable etiquette to accept and give business cards with both hands. Because Kenyan professionals speak English, it is also not necessary to translate one side of the business card into Swahili, the other official language of Kenya. When addressing someone in the business meeting, it is important to use the individual's title or honorific and surname. It is inappropriate to address a professional by his first name unless invited to do so.
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Punctuality And Meeting Agenda
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When doing business in the urban areas of Kenya, professionals are expected to show up on time. If a businessperson is going to be late for any reason, it is acceptable etiquette to call the receptionist at the meeting location. In the villages of the country, it is common for individuals to be significantly late, but international professionals should still strive to be on time. Small talk is unavoidable, and may take up a significant part of the meeting; businesspeople from other countries should engage in casual conversation willingly, so as not to seem rude. The eldest person in the room is often designated as the meeting's chairperson, and will begin and end the meeting.
Negotiations
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During negotiations at a Kenyan business meeting, it is important to remain pleasant, and to refrain from harsh or disapproving language. Negotiations can take awhile in some cases, but displaying aggression will cause international colleagues to be viewed negatively by Kenyans. Bargaining is often a part of negotiations, so all professionals should expect to participate actively in this process. Kenyans will usually offer a higher price to those who are from other countries. When the final price is reached, Kenyans will forget about any disagreements that took place during the negotiation process.
Giving Gifts
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It is important for professionals from other countries not to present Kenyan businesspeople with gifts that are very expensive, as this can be seen as bribery. Gifts that contain the company logo of the international colleague are welcomed. It is also acceptable to give a gift to a colleague who has just returned from a vacation or business trip to another country; giving token gifts from the country the professional has just visited is in keeping with proper etiquette.
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