How Does Electricity & Plugs Work in Kenya?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Africa & Oceania
1The Quick Answer
Kenya uses Type G (British 3-pin square) plugs at 240V/50Hz — the same as the UK; US and European visitors need adapters.
2What You Need to Know
Kenya's electrical standard is 240V/50Hz using Type G three-pin square plugs, identical to the UK system. Visitors from the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia will need a Type G adapter — bring one from home as adapters are available in Nairobi but quality varies. Power cuts (load shedding) are possible in Nairobi and smaller towns, though less severe than in some other African countries. Safari lodges and camps in remote areas typically run on solar power or generators and often provide limited charging hours — charge all devices whenever you have access. A portable battery bank is highly recommended for safari days.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Bring a Type G (UK standard) adapter from home — they are available in Nairobi electronics shops but buying a quality one before departure is cheaper and more reliable
- 2At remote safari camps running on solar power, plug in all devices (phone, camera batteries, drone) immediately after returning from the evening game drive — charging windows are often limited to a few hours
- 3A high-capacity portable battery bank (20,000mAh or larger) is worth packing for multi-day safaris where vehicle charging points may be unavailable between drives
How does this compare?
Electricity & Plugs rules in nearby and similar countries:
South Africa uses Type M (large 3-pin round) plugs at 230V/50Hz — unique to South Africa and hard to find elsewhere; buy an adapter at the airport on arrival.
New Zealand uses Type I plugs (three flat angled pins, same as Australia) at 230V/50Hz — UK and US visitors need an adapter.
The Maldives uses 230V/50Hz — socket types are primarily Type D (Indian 3-pin) and Type G (British 3-pin), so bring an adapter.
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More About Kenya
Tip 10% at restaurants, USD 10–20 per day per safari guide, and USD 5–10 per day for lodge and camp staff.
Updated 2025-06
There is no reliable tourist-friendly public transport; use Uber or Little Cab in Nairobi, hotel taxis elsewhere, and internal flights for national parks.
Updated 2025-06
Use private hospitals in Nairobi (Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi Hospital); outside Nairobi healthcare is extremely limited and medical evacuation insurance is mandatory.
Updated 2025-06
Plastic bags are banned on entry; LGBTQ relationships are illegal; wildlife products (ivory) carry severe penalties; cannabis is illegal with zero tolerance.
Updated 2025-06
Police: 999 or 0800 720 999 (free); mobile emergency: 112; AMREF Flying Doctors safari evacuation: +254 20 6000 090.
Updated 2025-06
Dress conservatively in Muslim coastal areas; wear neutral safari colours in national parks; casual is fine in Nairobi; camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians.
Updated 2025-06
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