Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lamu is a historic coastal town and one of the oldest towns in Kenya, known for its Swahili architecture and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 25,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds range from 5 to 10 Mbps, with varying reliability. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KES ≈ 0.007 USD, 1 USD ≈ 140 KES. Major banks include KCB and Equity Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 240V with Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Safaricom and Airtel provide good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted, banking services available in major banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, boutique hotels, and self-catering apartments |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; mobile payments (Mpesa) are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include Lamu House and Baitil Aman guesthouse. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town area offers close access to historical sites and beaches. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Shela Beach is ideal with more rental options and fewer tourists. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nomad Hub Lamu is a popular spot providing reliable internet and a comfortable working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Majlis Restaurant serves great coffee and offers seaside views ideal for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Periodic gatherings by local expats in Shela and Lamu Town. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join Facebook groups like Lamu Networking and Community for regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No ride-sharing apps available; taxis can be hired directly. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops; scooters are rare. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shela Beach is highly rated for its beauty and tranquility. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Kenya provides flights between Lamu and Nairobi. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are major carriers to Lamu. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Lamu is accessible via road and ferry, with roads leading to major towns like Malindi. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lamu does not have a train station; travel is primarily by local boats or road. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited to matatus and motorboats. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries and boats provide transport to nearby islands and coastal towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Lamu County Referral Hospital for primary care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Lamu offers classes at different venues. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness options available at hotels, but no dedicated gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local guesthouses often provide laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sample the local seafood, particularly grilled fish and Swahili-style pilau. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Lamu has several vegetarian-friendly restaurants like the Backyard Cafe. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Red Pepper restaurant offers delicious local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Lamu Market sells local produce and goods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a popular online shopping option in Kenya. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; most groceries must be purchased locally. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Town features several bars and restaurants with a lively atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited local breweries; most beer is commercially produced. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local restaurants often serve a selection of wines, but wine bars are rare. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local street food near Lamu Square, offering fresh samosas and sugarcane juice. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer Italian and Mediterranean options, notably in Shela. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Lamu Fort. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Lamu Museum showcases the region's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the ruins of Takwa on Manda Island and the Swahili House Museum. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Riyadha Mosque is an important religious and historical site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Lamu Cultural Festival held in November celebrates local heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town is known for its rich cultural heritage and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; community events are often held in outdoor settings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Lamu Market offers fresh produce, crafts, and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events often occur in local bars and restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Lamu features vibrant murals and local art around the Old Town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at various hotels focus on Swahili cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Very few, but some local artisans display their work in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Lamu Old Town has many preserved buildings showcasing Swahili architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The cultural identity of the Swahili people is central to Lamu's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore Manda Island and the surrounding beaches. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Kiunga Marine National Reserve offers snorkeling and wildlife experiences. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Explore the coastal paths near Shela Beach. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset views from Shela Beach are particularly striking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Great birdwatching opportunities around Manda Island. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Shela Beach allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services available; international deliveries may be slower. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited, with few shops in Lamu; best to manage devices with local retailers. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | No dedicated spots; some guesthouses may have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited opportunities; local private tutors might be found. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few local libraries; the Lamu Museum offers reading materials. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community gatherings often occur in public spaces in the Old Town. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges; local cafes might have basic offerings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Lamu; local entertainment is focused on cultural experiences. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 2% applies. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Kenya offers incentive programs for foreign investors and some tax benefits. |