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Kenyan attitudes towards foreigners

hkdman

Hi! I am going to go to Kenya (Nairobi and Mombasa) later in September. The reason I picked Kenya for my first African country to visit is based on the widespread use of the English language. I have also heard that Kenyans are generally friendly to Americans. Question, though - what is their attitude toward asians? I am asian - although my dad was caucasian (blond hair / blue eyes) and my mom is Korean. I have completely taken my mom's features, so most people (other than hearing my name - Bryan) would never think I am 1/2 caucasian. That being said, notwithstanding my mom's heritage, I really am a white dude in an asian body :-) Anyway - I had heard that Kenyans may have issues with asians - more specifically Chinese - due to the Chinese workers coming over and working in Kenya. Just curious what your thoughts are, or if I am just overthinking this.


Thanks!


Bryan

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lisbethnafula

Hello Bryan


You're very welcome to Kenya. We love tourists!



Kind regards,

Lisbeth W.

Patkabura10

@hkdman

As an American I would advise you that Kenyans are very friendly. I'm not Asian but I would be surprised if you encountered any widespread hostility. Personally, I don't think your appearance will affect your enjoyment of the people or country.

El_Jost

I'll ask a lady freind of mine who is Kenyan, what Kenyans generally think about people who look like Chinese. In the past I have heard slightly negative comments about Chinese.

hkdman

Thanks!

El_Jost

Sorry, I did ask her but she was very non-commital.

Her answer was: "I don't have much about them, what I know is that they're the ones constructing roads.


I would suggest, depending on your age, to dress "as American" as possible. Interpret that as you will. It mustn't necessarily mean a MAGA hat of your head LOL

Modesty97

@lisbethnafula

Thats great. Have you talked with many tourists during the years?

Longonot62

Hi, I dont think you should be too concerned about being accepted in Kenya based on your physical appearance. Kenyans tend to be extremely welcoming. irrespective away from or how you look. Im not sure how dressing like in American is really going to help you one way or another.


Kenya has quite close links with China and there are plenty of Chinese people particularly in Nairobi.

Amazing Sceneries

@hkdman

Kenya is a friendly country, moreso very welcoming from to people from all walks of life. You can reach out for good places to stay during your stay, we have lovely cottages spread throughout Nairobi and Mombasa. You can WhatsApp me through+254706514552.


Regards

Sunggook

Hi, I'm a Korean living in Kenya. Id like to share what Ive experienced personally, along with what Ive heard from other Koreans here. Of course, these accounts can't be generalized to all Kenyan people, but I hope the information proves helpful.


Generally, Kenyans are kind and friendly. That said, its not unusual to hear people say ching cheng chong on the street. Its unpleasant, but when I asked them directly, many didnt realize it was offensivethey thought it was just a playful way to say hi to Asians. Some did mean it disrespectfully, but not all.


I havent really felt that I was treated differently for being Asian. Nairobi is quite international, with lots of foreigners and global organizations. Outside Nairobi, things can be different, but within the city, being Asian doesnt make you stand out much.


I hope you enjoy your time in Kenya :)

FrankLancs

Kenyans are fantastic people, they don't judge people based on there country, Most are always happy to meet people from all countries.

I have been here 5 years it's a great country with great people.