← All countries§ 01 · Power in Kenya

🇰🇪Power in Kenya.

Kenya uses the British-style Type G plug with three rectangular pins, the same chunky three-prong outlet found in the UK. At 240V/50Hz, the voltage is double what Americans are used to, so check your charger labels before plugging in.

Safari lodges and Masai Mara camps often run on generators or solar panels with limited power hours, while Nairobi and Mombasa hotels offer reliable 24/7 electricity. Power outages (locally called 'blackouts') happen regularly outside major cities.

Kenya is also one of the most mobile-connected countries in Africa, with M-Pesa mobile payments used everywhere, making a charged phone essential for daily life and travel.

§ Compatibility check

Do I need an adapter?

§ 04 · More about Kenya

Things worth knowing before you go.

Quick facts to keep in your back pocket — currency, language, the time difference, which side of the road they drive on.

Capital
Nairobi
Currency
KES – Kenyan Shilling
Language
Swahili, English
Time zone
UTC+3
Driving
Left
Tap water
Not Safe
Emergency
Save this before you fly. Police, ambulance, fire — all on 999.
999
§ Travel essentials

What every traveler should pack — and why.

Four picks for any international trip — what they actually do, and the moments where they pay for themselves.

Stay secureFrom $3.09/mo
NordVPN

Hotel and airport WiFi in Kenya is open and shared. NordVPN encrypts everything you do — banking, email, streaming — so no one on the same network can snoop.

When it pays off
  • Banking from a café in Nairobi
  • Streaming your usual subscriptions abroad
  • Working from co-working spots without trust issues
NordVPNTry NordVPN
Stay connected — extended stayFrom $4.50
Yesim eSIM

For longer trips to Kenya, Yesim's regional plans and 30-day validity windows fit better than per-week eSIM packages — pick a plan, top up if you need to, no contract.

When it pays off
  • Multi-week stays in Kenya
  • Slow-travel and digital-nomad routes
  • Refillable plans without leaving the app
YesimYesim for Kenya
Cover the unexpectedFrom $0.99/day
Ekta Insurance

One unplanned hospital visit abroad can wipe out a year of vacation budget. Ekta covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage — the three things that actually go wrong on real trips — for less than a coffee a day.

When it pays off
  • Got food poisoning on day 3 of 10
  • Bag never showed up at baggage claim
  • Flight cancelled, hotel non-refundable
Ekta Travel InsuranceGet Ekta
Soft landingFixed price
Welcome Pickups

Land in Kenya jet-lagged and skip the taxi-line negotiation. Welcome Pickups books an English-speaking driver who waits for you at arrivals with your name on a sign — fixed price, no surprises.

When it pays off
  • First-time visiting and not sure how the airport works
  • Arriving late at night with kids, gear, or both
  • Tired of explaining your hotel address to a cab driver
Welcome PickupsBook a pickup

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§ The PlugHopper shop

Everything we'd actually pack.

Curated Amazon lists, organized by what you actually need at each phase of the trip — from packing the suitcase to landing in a new country.

Available on Amazon
Browse the full PlugHopper storefront
Visit storefront

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§ 02 · Plan with Pluggy
Pluggy AI · Online

Pack for Kenya in about a minute.

Tell Pluggy where you're going and your dates. We handle weather, packing, the right adapter, eSIM, transport from the airport — all in one conversation.

Plan my Kenya trip — free
Weather
10-day forecast
Packing
Tailored list
Power
Type G ready
Food
Local picks
Transport
Airport → city
Tips
From real travellers
§ 06 · Type G plugs
G

The plug used in Kenya.

Most urban areas in Kenya have reliable electricity, but rural regions may experience frequent outages or voltage fluctuations that can damage sensitive electronics. Nairobi and Mombasa generally maintain stable power, while upcountry locations often rely on backup generators during peak demand periods.

Full Type G guide →
§ 08 · Common questions
What type of power plug is used in Kenya?+

Kenya uses Type G power plugs and electrical outlets. The standard voltage is 240V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Do I need a travel adapter for Kenya?+

Yes, travelers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries using Type A/B plugs will need a travel adapter for Kenya. The Type G outlets are not compatible with American flat-blade plugs.

Do I need a voltage converter for Kenya?+

Kenya uses 240V. Dual-voltage electronics (smartphones, laptops, cameras) labeled "100-240V" work fine with just a plug adapter. Single-voltage appliances from a different voltage zone (hair dryers, curling irons, kettles) must NOT be plugged in directly — they can be damaged or dangerous. Check every device label before plugging in.

Can I charge my iPhone or Android phone in Kenya?+

Yes. All modern smartphone chargers (including iPhone and Android USB chargers) are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work in Kenya. You only need a plug adapter to fit the Type G outlets.

Can I use my laptop charger in Kenya?+

Yes. Laptop chargers from Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other major brands are universal (100-240V). You only need a Type G plug adapter for Kenya.

What is the emergency phone number in Kenya?+

The emergency phone number in Kenya is 999. Save this number in your phone before your trip.

§ 09 · Ready to go

Plan your Kenya trip with Pluggy.

Get my packing list — free
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