If you work in a Nairobi office, it’s important to find an appropriate dress that makes you feel comfortable and confident. 

Professionalism can be detected from the clothes you wear to work and also show that you fit and belong in your work environment.

You will be judged from your office appearance regardless of how much of a free spirit you are including how you dress for your office Christmas party.

How to dress appropriately in Kenya

When working in Kenya as a Kenyan woman or just landing a new job in Kenya from your home country,  you will immediately notice that the Kenyan office culture is no different from the generic family cultures in local homes.

 

Kenyans share a lot in common in their values and customs and perceptions around dress codes is one their sacred places. 

What should I wear to work in Kenya?

The general rule on how to dress in Kenya is to wear conservative clothing and this too applies to when selecting office wear in Kenya. 

The definition of conservative clothing may imply relativity to many reading this article but is as straightforward as the straight dress is required to be for working women or ladies in Kenya.

Dressing appropriately in a Kenyan office is simple but it is also a heavy task because it comes before your first day at work without a hint of what the workplace looks like.

Conservative clothing means  long, loose-fitting clothing to cover your shoulders, knees, cleavage and back. 

What not to wear to work or office in Kenya

Yes. You heard right. No bare back dresses to a Kenyan office. 

While it is possible to spot tight fitted, short dresses or skirts in some Nairobi offices, such dress code has always been associated with career climbers.

If you are the type that can put up with the stigma linked to short dresses, you can give it a shot and rock your body in your own world. 

#MyDressMyChoice is one campaign that is tackling gender discrimination and violence in Kenya and from the progress of events in recent days, it now sounds like My dress, my voice.

In the meantime, Kenya remains a conventional society slowly aping Western and American fashion icons and dress codes.

To steer clear of street drama, you should aim to dress more modestly and wear longer clothing in more conservative rural areas. 

While long clothing might sound extra too much, you will actually feel more comfortable as it protects you from sun burns and insects’ bites such as mosquitoes. 

You’ll also feel at home and in tune with your surroundings when you blend in with the locals and they’ll appreciate your efforts to respect their culture.

Read more about Dress Codes & What They Mean.