Business Travel in Kenya 2026
Nairobi is East Africa's commercial hub, hosting the UN's Africa headquarters, multinational regional offices, and a thriving tech sector known as "Silicon Savannah." Whether attending conferences, meeting partners, or exploring market entry, this guide covers what business travellers need to know.
Nairobi Business Districts
- Westlands / Waiyaki Way: Modern office towers, tech companies, international brands. The Hub, Sarit Centre, Delta Towers
- Upper Hill: Financial district - major banks, insurance companies, government ministries. Close to CBD
- CBD (Central Business District): Traditional commercial centre, KICC, government offices. Can be congested
- Gigiri: UN compound, diplomatic offices, international organisations. Near Village Market
- Karen / Langata: Quieter area with some corporate offices and upscale restaurants
- Mombasa Road / Airport area: Industrial, logistics, EPZ (Export Processing Zones)
Entry Requirements for Business
- Short business visits: Apply for a Kenya eTA (USD 35) - covers business meetings, conferences, and short-term visits up to 90 days
- Working in Kenya: Requires a work permit (Class D, G, or K depending on the type of work)
- Investing: Foreign investors should contact KenInvest (Kenya Investment Authority)
- Processing time: eTA typically approved within 72 hours. Work permits: 2-4 weeks
Conference Venues
- KICC (Kenyatta International Convention Centre): Iconic 28-storey tower, main conference venue, up to 4,000 delegates
- Sarit Expo Centre: Westlands, modern exhibition space
- United Nations Complex: Gigiri, international meetings and summits
- Safari Park Hotel: Large conference facilities with gardens
- Radisson Blu / Hilton / Movenpick: International-standard business hotels with meeting rooms
Business Etiquette
- Greetings: Handshakes are standard. Exchange business cards at meetings
- Punctuality: International businesses expect punctuality. Local meetings may start 15-30 minutes late - be patient
- Dress code: Business formal for first meetings. Smart casual is common in tech/creative sectors
- Language: English is the official business language. Swahili is used informally
- Relationships matter: Kenyans value personal relationships. Initial meetings may be social before getting to business
- Tea/coffee: Accepting refreshments is polite and expected at meetings
Connectivity & Practicalities
- Internet: Nairobi has excellent fibre broadband and 4G/5G coverage. Most hotels and cafes have fast Wi-Fi
- Coworking spaces: Nairobi Garage, iHub, Kofisi, Ikigai - widely available in Westlands and CBD
- Power: 240V, Type G (UK-style) three-pin plugs. Carry an adapter
- SIM cards: Buy a Safaricom SIM at the airport for data and M-Pesa. eSIM also available
- Transport: Uber and Bolt widely available. The Nairobi Expressway speeds up airport transfers
- Banking hours: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm (some banks open Saturday mornings)
Combine Business with Safari
A major advantage of doing business in Kenya is the opportunity to add a weekend safari or beach break.
- Friday-Sunday safari: Maasai Mara (45-min flight from Nairobi) or Amboseli (4-hour drive) for a 2-night safari
- Weekend at the coast: Fly to Mombasa or Diani (1 hour) for a beach weekend
- Half-day options: Nairobi National Park (morning game drive before meetings), Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephants
Frequently Asked Questions
For short business visits (meetings, conferences, market research), the standard Kenya eTA (USD 35) is sufficient. It covers visits up to 90 days. If you plan to work, be employed, or set up a business in Kenya, you will need a work permit, which your employer or immigration lawyer should arrange.
Top business hotels in Nairobi include the Radisson Blu (Upper Hill), Movenpick (Westlands), Villa Rosa Kempinski (Chiromo), Hilton Garden Inn (Upperhill), and JW Marriott. For longer stays, serviced apartments in Westlands or Kilimani offer better value. All have fast Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and airport transfer services.