Once again this year we are approaching the high season which, starting in December and with the good weather expected to arrive, will bring many tourists, especially to the Kenyan coast.
For them, we have prepared a short decalogue of tips, information and behavioural rules that it would be best to observe to avoid misunderstandings and problems in a foreign country that has its own customs, traditions and laws.

1. Remember that Kenya is in Sub-Saharan Africa, it is a young republic on the African continent with a history, laws, customs and culture very different from ours and also from other dream tourist destinations such as Thailand, the Caribbean and the Maldives. Especially its coastline and even resorts like Watamu or Diani were not 'built' just to accommodate you, nor to please you. Although tourism remains a great asset of these destinations.

2. Despite the good number of compatriots who live in or frequent Malindi and Watamu, never think, even for a minute, that you are in Costa Smeralda, Formentera, Rimini or Lignano Sabbiadoro. Even the fact that the guys on the beach speak Italian better than some Italian MPs or your coach builder, does not mean that you can relate as if you were in an Italian town. 

3. Always carry your passport, not just a photocopy. If you are going to drive, besides being aware that in Kenya there is left-hand drive like in England, you must have an international driving licence. Seatbelts in Kenya are also compulsory for back seat passengers. 

4. Always respect people and be polite to them. Language can be a source of misunderstanding. This does not mean that you can blindly trust Italian speakers. In Italy you would hardly become friends with a foreigner you have known for half a day, just because he speaks your language. Apply the same rule in Kenya too, especially as the foreigners are you and often those who speak Italian, especially if they are 'beach boys', do so for a living. Be friendly but naturally wary, guided by common sense, rather than by the enthusiasm that tells you that 'everything is nice on holiday'. Always ask for a receipt for every purchase you make, especially if you pay in advance or give a deposit for safaris, rental cars, flats or anything else.

5. On the Kenyan coast there is a significant Muslim minority, so morality in dress is advisable. Toplessness on the beach or while bathing is absolutely forbidden. Excessive effusions, even 'petting' may be punishable by law.

6. Always find out what your rights and also your duties are, without imitating what Kenyans do who may not be punished or supervised by those who are supposed to enforce the law: for example, if you see three people on a motorbike and also without helmets, it does not automatically mean that you can do it too without incurring an offence.

7. In Kenya, it is forbidden to collect shells, corals and any other kind of fossils, carapace or anything else from the sea or shoreline, and it is absolutely forbidden to possess ivory or objects made from animals of any kind. There are some shops and stalls licensed to sell objects made from animals from land or sea, and also shells. If they do, they must issue you with a receipt bearing the name or stamp of the dealer. If you buy shells or even fruit, in order to be able to travel back with these items, you must have a receipt from the local Health Office that has checked the goods.

8. Carefully avoid telling anyone the exact date of your departure. It is a good rule (as recommended by the Kilifi County Prefecture) not to give too many details to people you have just met about your whereabouts and the date and manner of your return. Most robberies and burglaries that occur during the high season (fortunately not many, but there are some) happen just before departure and often the perpetrators are people you have given this kind of confidence to.

9. In the case of an encounter with a person with whom you have an emotional or sexual relationship, try to be clear from the first time that it is a casual encounter. Should the encounters continue during the course of the holiday, in addition to following the advice given in point 6, avoid having any illusions. Prostitution is legal in Kenya because there is no direct exploitation of the commodity of the body. There are no 'pimps' but people are free to manage their profession. This is why they often do not present themselves as such, but as possible friends and companions. This may be disconcerting for those accustomed to the figure of the prostitute or gigolo in European culture.

10. Kenya is a beautiful country, but also one of the world's countries with the highest level of corruption. Should you be the victim of a demand for 'bribes' for something you did not commit or for a situation where you are certain you are not guilty, do not panic.
Have yourself quietly taken to the police station if this is the 'threat' and know that by law you are entitled to the presence of a legal representative before you are possibly imprisoned. Always carry with you the telephone number of a contact person on site who can help or assist you before the police. The Italian Honorary Consulate in Malindi and the consular assistant in Watamu are always available to help you.
If you are in breach of the law, be aware that Kenyan law requires you to appear before a judge to state your case, and there is always an alternative fine to detention, as well as bail.