Plug adapter for Kenya from the United States
What travellers from the United States need to charge and power their devices in Kenya: plugs, voltage and frequency, with the rest of the trip basics below.
Plug adapter
Needed
Bring a Type G adapter.
Voltage
Higher: 240 V
The United States 120 V → Kenya 240 V. Devices made for 110–120 V only need a step-down converter.
Frequency
Different
60 Hz → 50 Hz. Chargers don't mind; mains-timed clocks and some motors may run fast or slow.
Your plug, their socket
does not fit
does not fit
Your devices in Kenya
Look for the “INPUT” line on the charger or label. A range such as 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz means the device adapts by itself and needs only a plug adapter.
| Device | Usually | In Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| Phone, tablet and laptop chargers | 100–240 V | Plug adapter only |
| Camera and power-bank chargers, e-readers | 100–240 V | Plug adapter only |
| Electric shavers, toothbrushes | often 100–240 V; check | Check the label: single-voltage ones need a converter |
| Hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons | single voltage | Will burn out on 240 V: buy a dual-voltage model or use the hotel's |
| Kettles, irons, travel cookers | single voltage, high power | Leave at home: converters for these are heavy and costly |
| Plug-in clocks, timers, some fans | 60 Hz | May run fast or slow on 50 Hz |
A plug adapter does not change voltage. Plugging a 120 V-only appliance into 240 V through an adapter will destroy it within seconds and can start a fire.
The rest of the trip basics
- Time
- Kenya is 8 h ahead of the United States right now (UTC+3 vs UTC−5, capitals).
- Money
- The Kenyan Shilling (KES). Everyday prices are about 35% of the United States'.
- Driving
- Switch sides: Kenya drives on the left (the United States drives on the right). Look right first when crossing.
- Advisories
- US: Level 3 Reconsider travel. UK: FCDO advises against all travel to parts of the country; advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country. Details
- Next holidays
- 12 Dec Jamhuri Day · 25 Dec Christmas Day · 26 Dec Boxing Day All 12
- Calling code
- +254