KARIBU KENYA - UNON - the United Nations Office at Nairobi

daily lives. However, some cultural customs and behaviours should be
observed, particularly in the stricter Muslim societies of the Northeast and the
Coast, where visiting men should be careful not to show too much affection
towards women. However, in most rural areas, expatriate visitors are usually
welcomed with open arms – and are nearly always forgiven any cultural indiscretions!
As an employee in Nairobi, it is also likely that you will be asked at some
time to contribute to the funeral expenses of a colleague’s relative.A donation
towards such an occasion – usually for a family who cannot afford it – will
always be gratefully received. In the spirit of ‘Harambee’ (‘pulling together’),
volunteers in communities across Kenya build schools, churches and medical
clinics, or collect funds to send their most promising students abroad for
further studies. It is common for visitors to be invited to ‘Harambee’ functions,
and donations are always received with much gratitude.
Religions & Public Holidays
The majority of Kenyans are Christian – some 45% are Protestant and another
33% Roman Catholic – while Muslims make up about 15% of the population.The
country thus celebrates the usual Christian holidays as public holidays.
One Muslim holiday, Idd el Fitr, which ends the fasting month of
Ramadhan, is also celebrated as a public holiday. For a list of official public
holidays, see Chapter 8.
CHAPTER 1: KENYA • 7