Remote Work Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide to the Wild Side
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You won’t really have a giraffe sticking its head through the window interrupting your remote work Kenya (unless you can afford to stay at Giraffe Manor in Karen, Nairobi). But, with its captivating landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and burgeoning digital infrastructure, Kenya has emerged as a popular destination for digital nomads seeking adventure and inspiration. From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the pristine beaches of the coast and the untamed wilderness of the bush, Kenya offers a diverse array of experiences to satisfy the adventurist spirit of remote workers.
In recent years, the phenomenon of digital nomadism has been on the rise, as individuals seek the freedom to work remotely while exploring the world. With the advancement of technology and the increasing availability of remote work opportunities, more people are embracing this nomadic lifestyle, including yours truly. With my latest stint in Kenya, I will cover all the essentials you need to know about being a digital nomad in Kenya.
Remote Work Africa
Me writing in South Africa First of all, when aspiring digital nomads ask me for advice on where is best to travel, I usually provide this rule of thumb:
Beginners: First-world countries such as in Europe, North America, Australia, etc.
Intermediate: Countries throughout Southeast Asia and South America.
Advanced: Africa.
Africa as a continent has its fair share of challenges such as poverty, crime and power outages. Yet, it’s also one of my favourite regions to travel to. It has the most incredible wildlife on the planet, an amazing diversity of cultures, spectacular coastlines, islands and beaches, and many countries speak English. But because this is due to colonial history (not just the English), it can also be a hindrance – while most people are welcoming, some might look at you (if you’re white) like you just sailed in on the Brookes.
Photo credit Stephan Bechert-Unsplash This was actually my second time in Kenya, the first being the start of 2020 when the spicy flu started spreading around the world and I was forced to return home early before fortress Australia closed its borders. That’s when, during lockdowns, I started writing my first book, That’s when, during lockdowns, I started writing my first book, Goodbye Office, Hello World! Find Freedom, Work From Anywhere and Travel the World.
As such, I feel I had unfinished business in Kenya, and returned to complete the job. That said, let’s dive in. But first, let’s get the boring stuff out of the way.
Kenya Visa OptionsWhen I went I had to travel on a 90-day tourist visa. But this was just as the president announced a new visa-free program, the first country in the world to do so. His reasoning was rather amusing, saying that – as the human species originated in East Africa, we are welcoming all home from around the world, or something like that.
You now just need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The fee is significantly cheaper than the old tourist visa, but you can still only stay for 90 days.
Extending Kenyan Visa
If you wish to extend your ETA, you must visit and apply for extension at your nearest immigration offices. If successful, you can get another 90 days. After that, if you wish to stay in Kenya, you will have to do a visa run and restart the whole process. You can hop across the border to Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Ethiopia or Uganda, take your pick.
Getting Connected
One of my favorite spots to work from at Diani Beach First things first. When you exit the baggage claim at Nairobi airport you will see a SafariCom store. Get your local SIM card from here. There are several different packages available and you can top up your credit from the SafariCom App. Also download the Mpesa App and ask the SafariCom clerk to help you set that up also, which links to your local SafariCom SIM/number.
Mpesa Mobile Money AppMpesa is a mobile money app and is a must in my opinion when travelling Kenya. On a side note, Kenya was the first to invent this Fintech, kudos to them! Not only does just about every merchant accept Mpesa, but it means you don’t have to worry about carrying cash on you, which is much safer, especially if you’re staying in Nairobi.
On that note…
Where to Stay in KenyaFrom the big city and the bush to the beach, here are a few of the best options for working remotely in Kenya.
Photo credit Grace Nandi-Unsplash If you’re a big city slicker who likes the hustle and bustle, wants to be close to the action and loves to party, this is where you want to be. I spent roughly one and a half months in Nairobi and stayed at a few different locations. From my experience there, you want to stay in:
Westlands: Built up with plenty of malls, restaurants and nightlife. Need to keep your wits about you though, especially if out at night.
Parklands: More chilled than its neighbour Westlands but still close enough to the action. Close to Karura Forest which is an awesome nature reserve in the middle of the city.
Kilimani and Kileleshwa: These two are next to each other and more green than Westlands but also have some great cafes, restaurants and bars.
Karen: If you want to feel like you are not in a major city at all, Karen is where to be. Very green and full of tourist attractions such as Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe centre and close proximity to Nairobi National Park. More expensive than the other options though.
Nairobi is also the best location to base yourself if you plan on visiting Masai Mara National Park, where the great migration takes place, Mount Kenya for hiking, or Amboselli National Park for incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The other city options are Mombasa, which I found too hot but it has beaches. And the third largest city is Kisumu, on Lake Victoria which I didn’t visit but I hear it’s pleasant but not too much going on.
Kenyan CoastIf you’re more of a beach person then you might want to settle somewhere on the coast. There’s a few options, starting from north to south:
Lamu
Lamu is an island close to the border with Somalia. It’s great if you’re seeking a tranquil escape. With its labyrinthine streets, centuries-old Swahili architecture, and pristine beaches, Lamu offers a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. Note, Lamu has been a target of Al Shabaab in the past but not for some time.
Malindi and Watamu
Me house-sitting two troublemakers in Watamu Both about half an hours drive from each other and popular with expats, these two coastal towns offer ancient ruins, fresh seafood delicacies, and some pristine beaches, Malindi and Watamu promise an unforgettable experience for those seeking both productivity and relaxation in a tropical paradise.
I was lucky enough to score a beachfront house-sit in Watamu over the Christmas and New Years peak season holiday. But I was unlucky enough to get two very troublesome dogs to mind (pictured above). Still had a blast though.
Mombasa
Photo by Harshil Gudka on Unsplash As the largest port city in East Africa, Mombasa boasts a rich diversity of influences, from Arab traders to Portuguese explorers, reflected in its diverse architecture, cuisine, and traditions. For digital nomads seeking a dynamic urban experience, Mombasa offers a bustling metropolis combined with beaches and nightlife. Personally, if recommend not staying on Mombasa Island but in one of the beach areas such as Nyali. The city (island) of Mombasa just gets too hot without reprieve. And besides the history of Fort Jesus, there’s not much else to see there. However, my pick is going a little further south to…
Diani
Diani Beach, Kenya Renowned as one of Africa’s most stunning beach destinations, Diani offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, creating an idyllic setting for remote work and relaxation. This is where I spent a great deal of my time but I struggled with the heat in the middle of summer, which I do not recommend. It is also where I noticed the most fellow remote workers and I suspect Diani to become only more popular for digital nomads. I recommend south Diani over north.
Tip: If traveling from Mombasa, book a Bolt ride to the Likoni Floating Bridge and walk across to the other side of the Mombasa Harbour (if not too much luggage) and book a Tuk Tuk from the other side. You can catch an Uber, Bolt or taxi all the way but it can be costly and waiting for the car ferry can be a pain in the ass.
Another Tip: Go to Ali Barbours Caves Retaurant which is inside, you guessed it, a cave! I went here for my birthday (special occasion prices) and it’s an experience.
Ali Barbour Caves Restaurant, Diani Beach Downsides to Digital Nomad Kenya 
Not as Affordable as Expected
This is not just me – I have heard it from a few nomads, and I was really surprised by the general cost of living in Kenya. While most things are significantly cheaper, like long term rentals if you can find them, other things were on par with developed countries, i.e. Western Europe, USA, etc. This was especially true for grocery shopping, dining or drinking out in bars.
Mzungu PricesMzungu is Swahili for “white person.” Nothing condescending about it… I think – a bit like Central and South America’s use of “gringo,” it’s hard to tell sometimes. Apparently it originates from when David Livingstone visited Zanzibar and the locals referred to him as “man who spins around on the spot,” which roughly translate to Mzungu, which I find quite amusing.
But what I am sure of is Mzungu prices. You will often get quoted and charged significantly more than locals which, to be fair, happens in many countries around the world. But that doesn’t make it right. After all, we are already there supporting their economy by spending tourists’ dollars, which we could just as easily take elsewhere. Tuk-tuk drivers are notorious for this. Always ask how much it will cost before committing to a ride. And then, as a rule of thumb, offer half as much as they quote you.
CrimeLike many places when travelling, you have to keep your wits about you. While it’s mainly Nairobi where you really have to be vigilant, I had my phone stolen inside a bar at Diani Beach when I left my guard down. I heard quite a few stories of locals and tourists alike having their phones snatched right out of their hands when walking in crowded areas, mainly in and around Nairobi CBD.
Hagglers and Beach BoysI go to the beach, as I imagine with most people, to relax, swim and reconnect with nature. It’s almost impossible to go to the beach in Kenya without being approached by someone trying to sell you something, whether it be a coconut, bangles, or in some cases, sex. These are known as beach boys, but others are plying their trade such as the Masai tribe. I know it’s their way of earning a living, but it can become very annoying when all you want to do is chill and mind your own business.
Power OutagesI was there in peak summer so I don’t know if the heat had something to do with it but I experienced frequent power outages. I’m talking almost every day. This is not ideal when you’re a digital nomad relying on the internet to earn a crust. This is why it’s crucial to get a SafariCom SIM plan with hotspot as a backup!
Maneaters Lodge, Tsavo Best of Both World's In Kenya you get the best of both worlds in terms of culture – you have the comfort of western culture, English speaking people, and familiar amenities, combined with the real Africa and pure traditional African culture as witnessed with the Masai.
You also get the best of both worlds in the form of some of the best National Parks for wildlife on the planet, my picks being:
Masai Mara Nature Reserve: Famous for the Masai tribe and the Great Migration.
Tsavo National Park: Stay at Maneaters Lodge (pictured) and learn the incredible history of two killer lions who ate as many as 135 railroad workers in 1898. The Hollywood film, The Ghost and the Darkness, was based on this. Additionally, while I stayed there I saw elephants, Hippo, crocodile, monkeys and a snake without even having to leave the lodge. Talk about wild!
Amboseli National Park: Where you can see some of the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the Kenyan side of the border, plus an abundance of African wildlife.
Then, you also have an amazing coastline to explore all the way from Lamu in the north to Diani in the south, with relaxing tropical vibes, warm clear waters and some excellent snorkelling, diving and kite surfing spots.
NightlifeI’ve partied at some pretty wild places around the world, and I have to say that Nairobi ranks up there with the best. Kenyans love a good party, so much so that their main form of transport, Matatu’s (like a pimped-up minibus) turn into mobile party buses at night, some with strobe lights and incredible sound-systems. If you too like to party, you must experience a Matatu’s party bus. Just find a buddy to go out with.
DatingUnfortunately, there is a sex tourism industry in Kenya. The worst I saw of it was in Diani, where every day I would see a really old European man (mostly Germans) with a really young Kenyan woman. But it also worked the other way – I saw nearly as many western white women with young Kenyan beach boys. I became friends with a young, good-looking beach boy in Watamu (my driver) and he was busy every night of the week with female tourists during peak season.
How is this an upside? It’s not, I just wanted to put that out there.
But dating can be great fun. Most Kenyans just want to go out and have a good time. Just expect to pay for everything. And I mean everything. But it’s worth it.
Get Out There and Go Wild!All in all, I believe I will be back to Kenya at some stage. Although, I have now moved onto Tanzania where the safari’s are significantly cheaper due to the Kenyan government doubling, sometimes tripling the entry fee to their national parks for foreigners. As a result, I will now be planning to tick off a bucket list item – watching the great migration in the Serengeti in Tanzania instead of Kenya.
I hope you found this helpful, stay tuned for future posts on all things travel and location independence related.
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