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Kenema, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
#1669
,
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kenema is one of the largest cities in Sierra Leone and serves as the capital of the Eastern Province. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 160,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 4-10 Mbps, depending on the service provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL). Current exchange is approximately 1 USD = 15,300 SLL. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply can be intermittent; standard voltage is 230V, 50Hz, and plugs are type G. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Africell, Airtel, and Lontoh, with prepaid SIM cards widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept international cards, but cash is preferred for transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb options can be found starting from $15 per night, and local guesthouses offer more budget-friendly options. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is the primary method of payment; mobile money is gaining popularity. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Local guesthouses and Airbnb rentals available; prices vary from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses like 2M guesthouse provide beds starting at $10. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center is recommended for tourist activities and accessibility. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Nearby suburbs like Dama and Tefay offer quieter residences with local amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Work Sierra Leone is among the few dedicated coworking spaces available, located in Freetown but offers online memberships. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Momo is a popular local cafe with good Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local community gatherings occur at venues like Kenema Youth Center; online platforms can connect you to expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social Meetups are organized via Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Sierra Leone'. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available, but apps like 'Freetown Taxi' for nearby cities could be helpful. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No established rental services; local bikes can be rented in Freetown area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Tokeh Beach is approximately a 3-hour drive from Kenema. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airline services connect to Freetown; local carriers like Air Sierra Leone operate regionally. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines servicing Sierra Leone include Air France and British Airways, with flights connecting to Freetown. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Kenema is accessible via the main road to Freetown and Makeni, improving connections to other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no formal train service; road transport is primarily used. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and taxis are prevalent; fares are usually negotiated at the start of the ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shared taxis and buses provide service to surrounding towns; Elles Taxi Service is recommended. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kenema Government Hospital is the primary medical facility, equipped for emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | There are limited wellness centers; fitness classes are sometimes held in local parks. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | There are small community gyms available; local sports facilities also host activities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found at local guesthouses and laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps are available; local restaurants provide takeout services directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice and groundnut stew are popular traditional dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables; limited dedicated vegetarian restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kenema Sugar Shop offers local sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kenema Market for extensive local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited but platforms such as Jumia provide some online shopping options within Sierra Leone. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No specific grocery delivery services available; local markets are favored. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is quieter, with local bars like Sports Café popular among locals. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Star Beer is a well-known local brand; brewery tours are limited. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; local drinks are more common. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors offer rice dishes, grilled meat, and pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few international restaurants; La Perla offers pizzas and pasta. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kenema's local landmarks include the Kenema City Park and the Sierra Leone National Railway. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited cultural sites; check for local exhibitions or art shows. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore colonial architecture in the town center. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. John’s Church and other religious sites can be found across the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kenema holds a local festival in August celebrating culture and heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center is a hub for cultural activities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local drama groups sometimes perform in community halls. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kenema Market offers a mix of crafts, food, and textiles. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music can be enjoyed at bars and community events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals can be found in various parts of the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Traditional cooking classes are occasionally offered by local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited formal galleries exist; art can be found during community events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Kenema has a range of colonial-era buildings worth exploring. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The rich cultural diversity of the Temne and Mende people is celebrated locally. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gola Rainforest National Park offers beautiful landscapes and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gola Rainforest National Park is the nearest major park, approximately 1-hour drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails around the city and nearby countryside. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hill overlooks near Kenema provide great views of the surrounding areas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Gola Rainforest is known for its biodiversity, including many bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Consider local community areas for designated bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops can repair basic electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at community centers and some schools. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English language tutoring is available; local schools and community teachers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited public libraries; some schools offer access to study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers are available for events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not commonly found; local youth engage more in outdoor activities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available; local entertainment revolves around community gatherings. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $30,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $20,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate applies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends is the current rate. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Sierra Leone operates on a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individuals earning above a certain threshold. |
| 🧾 VAT | VAT is set at 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not explicitly defined in local tax law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is based on annual rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The standard rate is 5% on property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Sierra Leone offers competitive rates, particularly for businesses focused on non-resident income. |