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Business Etiquette in Kenya

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Tamiya King
Tamiya King has been writing for over a decade, particularly in the areas of poetry and short stories. She also has extensive experience writing SEO and alternative health articles, and has written published interviews and other pieces for the "Atlanta Tribune" and Jolt Marketing. She possesses a Bachelor of Arts in English and is currently pursuing higher education to become a creative writing professor.
Kenya is known for its rich agricultural economy, and particularly for its sales of premium coffee to countries all around the world. As a professional, it's important to be aware of Kenyan business etiquette, to secure business deals and establish positive relationships. 1. Professional Greetings * The handshake is the professional greeting for businesspeople in Kenya. When meeting someone for the first time, a short handshake is customary; longer handshakes are given between colleagues who have formed a relationship. It is proper etiquette to lower your eyes when shaking hands with someone whose professional rank is higher or is older. In Kenya, professional men should not shake hands with a women unless she extends her hand first.
Business Cards And Titles * There is no formal method for exchanging business cards in Kenya; this can be done before or after the meeting. However, it is acceptable etiquette to accept and give business cards with both hands. Because Kenyan professionals speak English, it is also not necessary to translate one side of the business card into Swahili, the other official language of Kenya. When addressing someone in the business meeting, it is important to use the individual's title or honorific and surname. It is inappropriate to address a professional by his first name unless invited to do so.
Punctuality And Meeting Agenda * When doing business in the urban areas of Kenya, professionals are expected to show up on time. If a businessperson is going to be late

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