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SIM KENYA DRESS CODE

July 2004

As representatives of Christ, we are always to “live above reproach, criticism and accusation.” While we live “in the world,” we are not to be “of the world, worldly” and our basis then becomes the Scriptures.

Our scriptural principle is recognized that by subjecting our own standards to those (not the world’s standards) of the people we are reaching is the Lord’s way of winning them ( 1Cor 9:19 -23, 10:31 -33). Further, to those who are weaker in the faith, we are not to become a stumbling block (Rom 14:13 -21). Also, we are not to be conformed to the pattern of this world any longer (Rom 12:2).

The following guidelines form our dress code for Kenya.

Women:

• Bare arms - A woman’s shirt/blouse/top should cover her shoulders. When working and/or living in rural areas, especially among Muslims, covering arms, and often times wearing a head covering, can be essential.
• Neckline - Use discretion so as not to expose a bare chest/breasts with a low-cut neckline when standing in an upright position or when bending over.
• Legs - A good guide line for the length of a skirt is if you are sitting, your skirt/dress must cover your knees. Slits that come above the knee are taboo. Many of our ladies have found innovative ways of using coordinating fabric with the slit to maintain the style of the skirt and allow for taking a full stride while walking.
• Midriff - A shirt/blouse/top should not expose a bare midriff. Neither should it be so tight as to outline and draw attention to one’s shape and form, or be made of transparent material.
• Trousers - The term “pants” refers to undergarments in this culture. Tight fitting/stretch jeans that clearly define your shape are not appropriate. In rural areas trousers in any style are not appropriate and to many are viewed as men’s clothes, not suitable for women.

Men:

Men should wear a necktie when visiting church officials, the African Inland Church (AIC) administrative and government offices.

Men and Women:

• Shoes - Generally, Kenyans do pride themselves on wearing clean shoes at all times. Care should be taken to keep your shoes clean and in good condition. For going to church, plan to have a pair of dress/casual shoes or sandals other than those that have been worn for every day use. Flip-flops are considered house slippers.


• Shorts and Swim wear - It is acceptable to wear shorts having a modest length in the privacy of your own home. However, it is advisable to keep some kind of wrap or “kanga” available to cover your shorts and bare legs when answering the door. Sitting out in the sun in shorts in a private area on the compound is not a problem. However, it is essential to keep your wrap close by. If you are on holiday at the beach, shorts and swim wear are expected and acceptable. However, using discretion as to your choice of swim wear is essential. You are still a missionary in Mombasa! A modest one-piece or two-piece suit is advisable and use your wrap there also. Wearing shorts on safari or at the beach is no problem, but remember that even in that setting it is better to err on the side of modesty and to be above reproach.


• Church - Many churches in the West have gone to a very casual look in clothing and this style of dress, while acceptable there, can be viewed by nationals as being careless and dishonoring to the Lord. Here in Kenya people dress “smart” in their “Sunday Best” for church, weddings, funerals. Some of the younger Kenyans who attend Youth Services, especially in Nairobi, are wearing more casual clothing, so observing the fashion for this is very important. Women should wear a skirt/dress the first time you attend the church of one of our Kenyan staff, or when you are in a rural area.

Thank you for being sensitive to the culture of Kenya and submissive to the dress code of SIM Kenya as we are guests in this culture representing the Lord Jesus.