-
Conversation generally takes place at arms length after shaking hands. However, it is common to see men who know each other well, walking and talking whilst remaining hand in hand. This is accepted and in no way seen as strange or homosexual behavior (homosexuality is illegal
). It is less common to see men and women/couples hand in hand or displaying any affection in public.
-
Touching when speaking is kept to a minimum for business contacts and is usually reserved for close friendships. Good friends, including those of the same sex, will converse with an intimate amount of touching, hugging, stroking – mostly in a nonsexual way but with great affection for the other person.
-
Kenya is an extremely open and friendly society, so if you know someone well, touching a shoulder or arm in conversation is common, as is plenty of laughter.
-
Many Kenyans, particularly those from the village, grow up in often crowded households and have very few personal possessions – everything is shared – so they don’t necessarily have concern for another person’s belongings or space.
|
|
