Coming home from abroad is exciting, but it can get quite hectic. We take a look at the experience of Moses, who came to Kenya from abroad. Here are some tips from him on how to cope:

For the past two summers, I’ve visited Kenya. First,to  mainly visit old friends and family; and on the second occasion, to explore a business idea. On both instances,  I’ve found that my stay could have been more efficient and convenient had I taken time to get the following done before I departed.

1. Find Local bank accounts:

Given the amount of money that the Kenyan diaspora remits back home every year, it is only given that any financial institution worth their salt would be interested in tapping into that market. And Kenyan banks seem to have done that, almost to the last man.

Most Kenyan banks offer banking services specifically tailored for the diaspora. You can apply for a bank account online. Equity bank even has agents in the diaspora.

Like most banks, you can do the application online for Chase Bank. You can have the account in Kenya shillings or in any major foreign currency.

Banks offer Mastercard and Visa affiliated cards which can be used at any ATM in Kenya and when paying at merchants affiliated with the two.

The NIC Bank diaspora account is available in ten major currencies.  You can send money to anyone in Kenya through MPesa, conduct same day transfers to any bank in Kenya and SWIFT transfer to any bank worldwide, according to the bank’s website.

Most of the banks require that you attach a passport size photo, a copy of your passport, and,  in Equity’s case, to sign an email indemnity form

Most of the banks allow you to conduct online transactions, offer debit cards, give loans after banking with them over a certain period and promise a dedicatedcustomer service team.

Cards are available the moment your account is activated. In most cases, this means when you deposit money in the account. They can picked from a bank branch of your choice or the banks’ agents abroad. In tht is not possible, you can pick them from the bank when you get to the country. It should be able to be done in a day.

Other banks that offer diaspora banking accounts include KCB group, I&M Bank. CBA group, Family Bank, ABC bank.

2. Find a place to stay: short term rentals

Staying with friends and family is all fun but sometimes you want your own space. Especially if you have to move between different cities or if you are visiting people that you haven’t see for a long time or looking to get some work done during your stay.

Apart from hotels, you can get very affordable accommodation in the city if you are willing to consider alternative arrangements. That includes furnished apartments, and having a local host through Airbnb.

Airbnb is not as widespread as in the Western capitals, but there is a vibrant and growing community. You can check online for options but most of the people who have used the service in Nairobi have had positive experiences. Prices can be as low as $20 and go up to$80, a night.

Furnished apartments have been around for a while, and there are quite a number in the city. It is quite rare for one to miss one, even on short notice. They normally come fully furnished and there is an inhouse cook to cater for your culinary needs. alternatively, you can opt to prepare your own meals. Prices range from $50 upwards depending on location, size and the level of services that come with the apartment.

They are mostly located in upmarket areas and close to shopping malls, hospitals and recreational joints. Some of these areas are served with public transport, but if you are not sure about finding your way around, it is advisable you use taxis. They are abundant as we will be able to see in a bit.

Staying in alternative accommodation gives you flexibility, affords you interaction with the locals, you get to experience more as compared to staying in the hotel, and it comes with a friend/local host, sometimes. You get to experience hospitality similar to that in hotels but at  lower rates and more nuanced.

3. Transport

You will need to move around, you will need a reliable mode of transportation.

The most common means of transport in Nairobi is public transport, but it is not advisable to use it unless you understand your way around the city well, or you are up for adventure.

Nairobi is well served with semi private transport; either in form of taxis, either by companies or individual drivers, car hire companies and Uber.

You can hire a car which you can use throughout your stay. The rates start at $20 a day depending on the size of the car and the geographical location where you are going to use it. Drives out of town cost more. Most travel and tours companies provide car hire services, or they can organize one for you. So, if your travel was organized by an agent, it is advisable to ask them to arrange for a car for you if you need one.

There are companies that solely deal with car hire services. A simple online search can yield you impressive results. But as all things sold online, it is advisable to look at what other people have to say about the particular companies. They ask for a deposit of the total payment and copies of your documents as part of terms of giving out a car. You can make arrangements for the car for various time periods. Most dealers are open to lengthy as well as short car hire periods.

Taxi companies are a dime a dozen. You can also find individual taxi drivers with their cars parked at several locations in the city, and outside entertainment and recreation joints and shopping malls. Prices vary but they averagely start at $1 a kilometre. They could slightly higher during rush hour, but prices are sometimes negotiable. Airport transfers  cost higher than the normal rates. For instance, if you are moving from Karen to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your cab fare should be around the conines of $30.

You should note that to some extent, taxi services in Nairobi operate around referrals and using somebody you are familiar with. If you are out and you require the services of a taxi, it s advisable to ask your local contact, if you have one, to recommend someone.

Uber also operates in Nairobi. So do other taxi hailing companies like Easy taxi and Maramoja Transport.

4. Investment Opportunity

While at home, you will want to know what are some of the opportunities you can pursue or even invest in.

KenInvest is a good place to start. It is a state parastatal charged with the task of promoting investments in Kenya. They have a depth of knowledge in the investments trends in the country and are in a position to advise you on how to go around investing in Kenya. Some of the services they offer include providing information around the  the business climate, operating rules,investment opportunities and sources of capital.

On top of that, they assist investors in navigating the legal structures in the country. They will help you get licences and approvals even those directly not handled by them.

Banks and investment companies also provide information around investments opportunities in the country. However, it is always advisable to check out the nature of some of these entities with the relevant government bodies before engaging them.

On top of that, there are a number of online platforms, such as TasKwetu, and regular meetups in the city where investments opportunities are discussed.

5. Let someone else do it

You will only be around for a short time, do not waste that precious time running errands you shouldn’t. Far too many Nairobians have cars. That translates to almost crippling traffic gridlocks. It limits movements, which means it makes economic sense to have else who knows how to quickly navigate the city handle your errands.

There are local companies that run errands, depending on your needs.  TasKwetu stands out because of the spectrum of issues they handle on behalf of customers; This ranges from the usual parcel deliveries to complex matters like getting birth certificates and pupil pass, business registration on behalf of the owners, renewals and follow ups of passports, driving license, insurance, work permits , shopping,cleaning, collections of school certificates and managing projects that include land acquisition and securing it and handling of investments and construction projects on behalf of Kenyans in the diaspora.

Credits:   Tap Magazine & Taskwetu