Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Malindi is a coastal town located in Kilifi County, known for its beautiful beaches and rich historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps, with some locations offering up to 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 135 KES. Major banks include Equity Bank and KCB, and ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended for consumption. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity voltage is 240V, 50Hz, with type G sockets (same as UK). |
| 📶 SIM Card | Safaricom and Airtel are popular providers, offering reliable mobile data services. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks included in the region, and services like Revolut and TransferWise are also accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beach hotels to residential apartments available on Airbnb and local real estate platforms. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile money services like M-Pesa are widely used, and card payments are accepted in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers a variety of short-term rental options from budget to luxury. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Malindi Backpackers provide affordable lodging options for travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Malindi Beach area is highly recommended for its proximity to the coastline and tourist activities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Casuarina area, known for its quiet environment and proximity to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Coworking Space Malindi offers comfortable working spaces with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Old Man and the Sea Cafe provides a relaxed atmosphere and good coffee for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local events may be found through Facebook groups like 'Malindi Networking Hub' for expatriates and tech meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various community gatherings are regularly organized through platforms like Meetup and Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the region, alongside local taxi services available via calls or on the street. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services are available at popular beaches like Watamu beach. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Silversands Beach is the closest and popular choice for both locals and tourists. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Kenya offers flights to major cities and national parks. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Kenya Airways operates international flights connecting Malindi to Nairobi and other major destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Malindi is accessible via the Malindi-Lamu highway, providing good connection to larger cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The nearest major train station is in Mombasa, which is about 120 km away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local matatus (mini buses) are available for public transport at affordable rates; no formal passes are required. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and matatus regularly connect Malindi to nearby towns like Kilifi and Mombasa. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Malindi Sub-County Hospital provides essential healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Places like Ocean Wellness offer yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness gym facilities including Malindi Gym are available for workout enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found at many hotels and local laundromats throughout the town. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers a wide range of local and international dining options for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sukuma wiki (collard greens) and grilled seafood, especially fish and prawns, are must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bamboo Restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian dishes and fresh juices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kahawa Cafe is renowned for its homemade pastries and gelato. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Malindi Market is a great place to shop for fresh produce and local delicacies at budget prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a popular online marketplace offering a range of products including groceries. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Fresh Provisions offers grocery delivery services throughout Malindi. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Malindi town center, including bars like The Nightclub, is the vibrant nightlife hub. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Malindi doesn’t have large breweries but local breweries produce popular beers like Tusker. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Some reputable restaurants in Malindi serve a variety of wines, available at Malindi House Restaurant. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls around Malindi Beach offer local street food including samosas and grilled fish. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like La Gelateria serve Italian ice cream, while eateries across the town offer a mix of cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Swahili Cultural Center and historical sites like Jumba la Mtwana ruins are not to miss. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Malindi Museum houses artifacts relating to the coastal heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Portuguese Church is an essential historical location worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Numerous mosques and churches can be found, reflecting the region's diversity. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Malindi Festival celebrates local culture and traditions each August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area represents the cultural heritage of the coastal Swahili people. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theatrical offerings exist; local community theaters host occasional performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Malindi Craft Market for handmade souvenirs and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Clubs and bars often feature local live music, especially during the weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some buildings in town show vibrant street art reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes to teach traditional Swahili recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries display contemporary art; Villa Rosa is one noted example. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Port area has several colonial-era buildings, reminders of its busy trading past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The blending of African and Arab cultures is reflected in architecture, food, and language. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Malindi Marine National Park offers stunning coral reefs and marine life. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is a nearby escape with many bird species and biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the coastline and through resorts provide great cycling and walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the Malindi Lighthouse offers picturesque views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Arabuko Sokoke is one of the top birdwatching destinations in Kenya. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many of the beaches allow bonfires, especially around Watamu. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services offer parcel delivery both locally and internationally. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops at Malindi Town provide basic electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes for Swahili can be found at several community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library offers quiet study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers in Malindi hold various cultural events and activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes offer gaming facilities for consoles and PCs. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited gaming facilities are available, primarily in Mombasa. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate in Kenya. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax on dividends is 10% for residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on residence; residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard Value Added Tax rate in Kenya is 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Kenya has CFC rules, but favorable clauses apply to certain companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on a fixed rate of 1% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transfer tax is 2% for residential properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Non-residents and tourists pay no income tax provided they do not engage in local employment. |