If you want to visit Kenya and partake in the famous Rusinga Festival, make sure that you’re familiar with the country’s different etiquettes. This is to ensure that you avoid avoiding locals on their home turf which can cause trouble.
Thankfully though, the locals of Kenya are so friendly and they won’t mind if tourists are unfamiliar with their ways. However, it would still be wise to equip yourself with the knowledge to make sure that everything in your trip goes smoothly. You’ll also get the bonus benefit of getting on the good side of the locals.
If you’re eager to learn more, here are some of the most important etiquette tips that you should know brought to you by the good people here at the Rusinga Festival.
When eating
Before you indulge yourself in some of the delicious local delicacies of Kenya, make sure that you know their common practices about dining. One of the things that you need to know is that locals of Kenya take sharing food with other people extremely important.
Another important thing that you need to take note of is that sometimes, you’re better of using your hands to eat some of their local dishes. When this situation presents itself, you have to make sure to wash your hands first because of sanitary purposes and it’s a form of common courtesy as well.
You’ll also notice that locals will never throw away water and food which is why you should avoid having leftovers. As much as possible, only take food that you know you can finish.
When visiting
Kenyans also have a specific way when they visit other people’s homes. Firstly, Sunday is considered the best time to visit friends and loved ones. However, some visits aren’t that long as they only want to have small talks over some tea.
As a host, you need to be prepared because some short visits are unannounced. On the other hand, if the guest wants to stay for a long time, they should always inform the host beforehand.
You’ll also be surprised to know that being late is the norm in Kenya. Arriving earlier than the agreed time may make the host feel uncomfortable. Instead, it would be better to arrive 30 minutes after the designated time.
When gift-giving
The gift-giving culture in Kenya is serious and it’s one of the best things about the country. For example, if you’re invited to someone’s home, it would be best not to come empty-handed. Bring a small gift that you know would be of great value to the host. It doesn’t have to be anything grandiose. It can be as simple as a homemade meal that you can eat together during your visit. If you’re unsure what to get for locals, two of the best options are tea leaves and flowers.