Tipping is not a city in China

 

Lets face it in Kenya tipping is not the order of the day.  Ok, so maybe we’ll give the security guy 20 bob for looking after our vehicle in town but generally for most services tipping or leaving a gratuity is never considered.   So then, does it mean that we will never receive good service if we don't pay "extra"?  Is this a practice connived to bribe service providers to give faster and better service to particular people and not to others? And if so what is the difference between a bribe and a tip? I think it’s as simple as this; a tip is usually a monetary thank you for a service provided in an exceptional manner. 

The tip in my opinion is not only a sign of appreciation for the services rendered to you but also has motivational connotation to it. Whether at a restaurant, a shoe shop, or the parking lot a show of reward for any service given to you should be offered. 

So when and where should it be done? And who receives the tip?  Well, any person who extends a service to you should receive a tip, be it at the local barber shop or salon, your friendly pub waiter or waitress, the dial-a-delivery guy, taxi driver, the list goes on.  The tip is offered immediately the service has been rendered and you have found it satisfactory. This is not to say that if it isn't then you shouldn't offer anything, by all means DO tip. The differentiation will be the amount given - more for exceptional service and less for service that is found wanting. 

Another point to note is that the percentages of your tips should not change because of the cost of the service. Let's take a hair dresser, for example. Of course, you can always tip on the lower end of 10 to 15%. (see the guide below). But if you are going to a more expensive salon, then it is assumed that you can still afford to tip the hairdresser at the desired percentage. Also tip those who serve you all year long or with whom you have a personal relationship at Christmas time.  

If wondering how much to tip here’s a rough and quick guide for typical services:

Hair dressers and barbers: 10 to 15 percent of the bill

Waiters 5 to 10 percent of the bill, 15 percent and above for excellent service.

Car wash attendants 10 to 15 percent of the cost

Security guards 30 to 50 shillings

Security guards at home or work (at Christmas) 2 weeks to one month’s pay

House help, domestic help, nanny, cook, gardener etc (at Christmas) 2 weeks to one month’s pay

Hotel concierge 300 to 1500 shillings either upon arrival or departure for any special services performed

Delivery person 30 to 50 shillings

Facial, spa treatment or any personal grooming service 10 to 15 percent of the bill unless instructed not to tip

Tour guide driver 400 to 1000 shillings per day

Golf caddies 15-20 percent of the greens fees for eighteen holes

Parking attendant 20-50 shillings 

Shoe shine attendant 20-50 shillings

Taxi driver 5 to 10 percent of the fare

Personal tutors, instructors, teachers, etc (at Christmas) a small gift

Porters at the airport, bus stage or railway 50 to 100 shillings per bag