Development of Culture in Kenya - Term Paper Example

Culture and Customs of Kenya Brief historical perspective of the country to assist in understanding the culture The Republic of Kenya is a nation situated in East Africa and is most famous for producing some of the best athletes in the world. It has 42 different ethnic communities each having its own set of customs and cultures. Despite the different communities, they seem to have a standardized culture and customs for easier interaction and communication within themselves and between strangers. The fact that their socialization has led to intense intermarriages has led to lessening of the strict cultural differences and uniting towards one culture and customs that are uniform and standardized (Sobania 76). The country attained independence from the British in 1963 but still holds some of the customs that they were assimilated by the British during colonization. This is the reason that despite it being an African country with the usual stereotypes surrounding African nations; it is a modernized country in terms of its culture as it represents a blend of the Western and African culture (Sobania 129). Travel custom tips Traveling to Kenya requires a passport but there are no other major restrictions other than the usual security restrictions against terrorism and drug trafficking (Martin & Chaney 26). Immunizations and especially against malaria and flu which are prevalent in the nation as it lies along the equator hence temperate weather conditions are necessary. Due to the warm weather and especially between January and April, packing should be restricted to light clothes that are comfortable and decent. Medication should be carried as long as the necessary paperwork and stamps are indicated for the medication to avoid them being confused as hard drugs. Health cards should also be carried in case of any accidents or illnesses. There are a lot of taxis on the airport which can take the passenger to the best hotels in the city. Tokens of appreciation are encouraged as a way to appreciate but not bribe individuals for their services. Conformity to the local customs is easy as it needs just observation and interaction with the local people. The country houses a lot of international headquarters and hence foreigners are many making one cope easily and quickly and get over any cultural shock one might meet as well as adjust properly to the laws of the land which are similar to the UK laws. Language, greetings, introduction and business cards The national languages are English and Kiswahili and making communication easier. The Swahili language is easy to learn the basic greeting phrases to show effort to the hosts. Business greetings should be formal and so should addressing the titles of the people. As for the office time, the normal working hours are 8-5pm but people rarely keep time and hence a 30 minutes late allowance is always provided in case of meetings. The friendliest greetings between acquaintances are hugs as they are warmer and friendlier than just a mere shake of the hands common in the western culture. Many people other than the foreigners prefer being addressed by their first names other than their surname which is a family name and common and hence can easily confuse many people with it. Exchanging of business cards is not a very common occurrence unless on huge companies and very few individual entrepreneur. Many people exchange business numbers through word of mouth and hence mobile phones are kept in handy after meetings. The cards are also produced only when asked after but not before and they have no restrictions of culture when providing them. Socializing Socialization in Kenya between business individuals is only formal for the first and second night. After acquaintance has been established, dinner meetings become less formal and people can relax and enjoy the evenings or working together without putting too much effort into it or having to discuss business all the time. People discuss about their different cultures or topics such as politics and weather during these informal meetings. Punctuality in Kenya is a big problem as people rarely keep time whether it is in business or non-formal meetings. This is very inconveniencing and annoying as everything has to be delayed or cut short to avoid interfering in the next meeting’s time or business appointment. Even though bribery in any form is considered corruption in the country and the law is against it, it is the most acceptable form of doing business and especially in cases where positive results are expected and quickly for that matter. Money is the most accepted form of gift. Foreigners are considered knowledgeable and have a certain amount of respect accorded to them no matter their gender. Socialization and acceptance is therefore easy for the foreigners working in this nation. Gestures and other non-verbal communicators Gestures are not advice able to be used as a way of communication in any foreign land including in the country Kenya. Due to the people of different cultures in that nation, foreigners are not likely to know the meaning of all the gestures and may end up communicating something obscene or equally offensive hence severing relationship (Njoh 78). The forms of non-verbal communication however seem to be universal and hence can be used without worry of the repercussions. The most subtle of the non-verbal communications that appears universal in meaning include: maintaining of eye contact, the facial expressions and even posture and hence can be easy to read from others as well correctly. Colors also seem to communicate the same universal meaning as that in the other countries of the world. For example white communicates peace and black somber mood while blue commands power and purple indicates royalty among other colors (Martin & Chaney 87). Dress and appearance The formal dress code of business meetings and work places is formal as people wear suits just like it is the case in the US. A foreigner cannot therefore have trouble fitting in. The informal wear is casual as people get to wear their jeans and t-shirts or just dresses. There is no much emphasis of people wearing traditional clothes as is the case with other western nations and hence fitting in is not a problem. The norm of every business where people are working in an office in the country is good grooming. The blue collared workers are the only one whose jobs do not mind their appearance unless they are in the managerial position where there are formal business meetings. The blue collared workers who work in the small scale industries are not concerned about body cleanliness and hence the reason for their dirty coveralls, long dirty fingernails among other unclean appearance. Their business attire is non-existent as long as they get to complete their work on time. I however disagree with the lack of protective clothing and gear for those working in factories and chemical industries as it is risky to their health (Hendrickson 112). Cultural attitudes and behavior What I like the most about the country is the cultural attitude and behavior towards family which is totally different from what is being seen and experienced in the western nations. The citizens of this nation places great emphasis on family and people spend a lot of time travelling to meet their family and spend time with them and not necessarily during the holidays only. Traditional marriage is honored more than even the white weddings. Majority of the people have actually undergone traditional marriages and ceremony more than they have the church weddings. Marital customs are also taken very seriously and especially when it comes to the children who are the basis of marriages more than even feelings (Zoma 51). The modernized times have however led to dating being considered a necessary step before marriage can take place which was not the case in the past. Kenyans are very religious based on the number of churches located almost everywhere including in estates where people reside (Knighton 215). Work Cited Hendrickson, Hildi. Clothing and Difference: Embodied Identities in Colonial and Post- colonial Africa. London: Duke University Press, 2006. Print. Knighton, Ben. Religion and Politics in Kenya. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009. Print. Martin, Jeanette & Lillian Chaney. Global Business Etiquette: A Guide to International Communication and Customs. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print. Njoh, Ambe. Tradition, Culture and Development in Africa: Historical Lessons for Modern Development Planning. New York: Ashgate Publishing Ltd., 2006. Print. Sobania, Neal. Culture and Customs of Kenya. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2003. Print. Zoma, Goretti. Ceremonies and Festivals: Marriage, Burial, Chieftaincy, and Annual Festivals in Uvwie-Urhobo, Nigeria. New York: Universal Publishers, 2003. Print. Read More