The Kenyan and East African community in Germany
A smaller community — but well-connected
The Kenyan community in Germany numbers in the thousands, concentrated in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and university cities. It is smaller than the Nigerian or Ghanaian communities but is well-organized, with Kenyan student associations at several German universities and active WhatsApp/Telegram groups coordinating events, accommodation tips, and peer support. East African communities (Kenyan, Ugandan, Tanzanian, Rwandan) often overlap and support each other, creating a broader East African network. African student associations and African churches provide additional community access.
Practical first steps after arriving in Germany
- Anmeldung — register your address at the Einwohnermeldeamt within 14 days. Bring passport, visa, and your landlord's Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form. The Meldebescheinigung certificate you receive is needed for everything that follows.
- Open a German bank account — DKB, N26, or Commerzbank. You'll need your Meldebescheinigung.
- Enrol in statutory health insurance — TK or Barmer; apply online before your semester begins.
- Apply for student residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde while your national visa is still valid.
- Collect your Studentenausweis (student ID) and Semesterticket from the university.
- Buy warm winter clothing before the cold months (November–February) — budget €150–€300.
Food and familiar tastes
Finding East African ingredients in Germany
Most large German cities have African food shops or international supermarkets stocking Kenyan and East African staples: unga (maize flour), rice, beans, lentils, plantains, and some Kenyan spices. In Berlin, the Neukölln and Wedding districts have good African grocery options. Hamburg has an established African market. In smaller university cities, Asian and African grocery stores exist but selection is more limited — stock up on key ingredients when visiting a larger city. Online ordering via Amazon or specialist shops (Afromarket.de, africanmarket.de) is an alternative.
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