Kenya Embassy Washington D.C 2249 R ST NW WASHINGTON, DC 20008 Ambassador: Elkanah Odembo Tel: (202) 387 6101 Fax: (202) 462 3829 General Info - information@kenyaembassy.com Education - mailto:education@kenyaembassy.com Immigration/Consular -immigration@kenyaembassy.com Commerce/Tourism - commerce@kenyaembassy.com New York Consulate –mailto:newyorkconsulate@kenyaembassy.com We will be available: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday – with a lunch break of one hour between 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. (with the exception of Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) (Summer), 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (with the exception of Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) (Winter). Consular services will be provided from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. The Mission remains closed on Kenyan and U.S.A. national holidays. We maintain a 24 hour; seven days a week emergency line. Embassy of the United States Nairobi United Nations Avenue Nairobi P. O. Box 606 Village Market 00621 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: 254 20 363-600 Fax: 254 20 363-6501 Email: ircnairobi@state.gov AMBASSDOR: Robert F. Godec Robert F. Godec was nominated by President Obama on September 19, 2012 to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Kenya and sworn in by Secretary of State Clinton on January 16, 2013. Ambassador Godec was assigned as the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya in August 2012. PRESIDENT: Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta (born 26 October 1961) is the fourth and current President of Kenya, in office since 9 April 2013. He previously served in the Government of Kenya as Minister of Local Government from 2001 to 2002, and he was Leader of the Official Opposition from 2002 to 2007; subsequently he was Deputy Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. He served as the Member of Parliament for Gatundu South Constituency beginning in 2002. Kenyatta was also Chairman of Kenya African National Union (KANU), which was a part of the Party of National Unity (PNU). COUNTRY OVERVIEW: Kenya is a developing East African country known for its wildlife and national parks. The capital city is Nairobi. The second largest city is Mombasa, located on the southeast coast. Tourist facilities are widely available in Nairobi, the game parks, the reserves, and on the coast. English and Kiswahili are Kenya’s two official languages. HISTROY: KENYA (/ˈkɛnjə/ or /ˈkiːnjə/), officially the Republic of Kenya, is a sovereign state in East Africa. The capital and largest city is Nairobi. Kenya lies on the equator with the Indian Ocean to the southeast, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the north-west, Ethiopia to the north and Somalia to the north-east. Kenya covers 581,309 km2 (224,445 sq mi) and has a population of about 44 million in July 2012.[5] The country is named after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. The indigenous people originally referred to Mount Kenya as “Mt. Kirinyaga”. "Kirinyaga or Kerenyaga, meaning ‘mountain of whiteness’ because of its snow capped peak"; The name was subsequently changed to Mt. Kenya because of the inability of the British to pronounce "Kirinyaga" correctly.[6] Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA led Kenya from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when President Daniel MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982 when the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made itself the sole legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud, but were viewed as having generally reflected the will of the Kenyan people. President MOI stepped down in December 2002 following fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA and assumed the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption platform. KIBAKI's NARC coalition splintered in 2005 over a constitutional review process. Government defectors joined with KANU to form a new opposition coalition, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which defeated the government's draft constitution in a popular referendum in November 2005. KIBAKI's reelection in December 2007 brought charges of vote rigging from ODM candidate Raila ODINGA and unleashed two months of violence in which as many as 1,500 people died. African Union-sponsored mediation led by former UN Secretary General Kofi ANNAN in late February 2008 resulted in a power- sharing accord bringing ODINGA into the government in the restored position of prime minister. The power sharing accord included a broad reform agenda, the centerpiece of which was constitutional reform. In August 2010, Kenyans overwhelmingly adopted a new constitution in a national referendum. The new constitution introduced additional checks and balances to executive power and significant devolution of power and resources to 47 newly created counties. It also eliminated the position of prime minister following the first presidential election under the new constitution, which occurred on March 4, 2013. Uhuru KENYATTA, the son of founding president Jomo KENYATTA, won the March elections in the first round by a close margin and was sworn into office on 9 April 2013. CLIMATE Kenya's climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate inland to arid in the north and northeast parts of the country. The area receives a great deal of sunshine every month, and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. It is usually cool at night and early in the morning inland at higher elevations. The "long rains" season occurs from March/April to May/June. The "short rains" season occurs from October to November/December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The temperature remains high throughout these months of tropical rain. The hottest period is February and March, leading into the season of the long rains, and the coldest is in July and August. Add Temp chart VISA INFORMATION ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: A passport and visa are required for entry into Kenya. Visas may be obtained in advance, although airport visas are available for U.S. citizens. Travelers who opt to obtain an airport visa should expect delays upon arrival. Effective July 1, 2011, the fee is $50 for single-entry visas and $100 for multiple entry visas for each applicant, regardless of age and whether obtained in advance or at the airport. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested, and some travelers have been turned around at immigration for not having sufficient proof of immunization. Travelers to Kenya and neighboring African countries should ensure that the validity of their passports is at least six months beyond the end of their intended stay. Kenyan immigration authorities require a minimum of two blank (unstamped) visa pages in the passport to enter the country; some travelers have experienced difficulties when they arrive without the requisite blank pages. Travelers should make sure there are sufficient pages for visas and immigration stamps to enter into Kenya and other countries to be visited en route to Kenya or elsewhere in the region. More info VACCINATIONS/ HEALTH CDC - TB Control Strategic Efforts: Botswana - Global TB - TB Dengue in Kenya - Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual ... Polio in Somalia and Kenya - Alert - Level 2, Practice ... MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Adequate medical services are available in Nairobi. Frequent outbreaks of cholera and malaria are endemic in Kenya outside Nairobi. In addition, diseases such as Ebola, Rift Valley Fever, and anthrax from handling sheepskins occur periodically. Travelers, who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area, and up to one year after returning home, should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what anti-malarial drugs they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health web site. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Kenya. For further information, please consult the CDC's Information on TB. On May 17, the CDC issued a Travel Notice regarding an outbreak of dengue in Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city and a major tourist destination. Dengue is spread by mosquitoes, and travelers to Kenya’s coastal areas should plan to protect themselves from mosquito bites through covering exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, and using insect repellent as directed on the packaging. For more information on dengue, please visit the CDC web page on dengue. The CDC issued a Travel Notice on June 3, regarding the recent diagnosis of polio in Kenya. All travelers to Kenya and surrounding countries should be fully vaccinated against polio. In addition, adults previously vaccinated as children should receive a one-time booster dose of polio vaccine. For more information on polio, please visit these web pages: All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. Routine vaccines Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through Hepatitis A contaminated food or water in Kenya, regardless of where you are eating or staying. Polio Typhoid You may need a polio vaccine before your trip to Kenya. If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had an additional dose as an adult, you should get an additional dose. Adults need only one additional dose in their lives. If you were not vaccinated as a child, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. If visiting Kenya with children, it is especially important to make sure they are upto-date on their routine polio vaccinations. You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Kenya. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood Hepatitis B products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. Malaria Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Kenya. Meningitis is part of the “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa (see map). CDC (Meningoco Kenya recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit Kenya during the dry season ccal (December–June), when the disease is most common. disease) Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Kenya, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: Rabies Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites. People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers). People who are taking long trips or moving to Kenya Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck. Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Kenya, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas. Country entry requirement: The government of Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. Yellow Fever For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Kenya. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your plans for travel. HOSPITALS 1. Aga Khan University Hospital Is one of the most comprehensive University Hospitals, with leading specialists in every field of medicine. With dedicated staff, modern facilities, state-of-the-art tec, the Hospital has earned a reputation as a health care leader 3rd Parklands Avenue, Box 30270, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya Telephone: 020 366 2025 Fax: 020 374 6309 2. Nairobi Women Hospital Is recognized throughout East Africa and beyond as an advanced diagnostic and treatment facility staffed by highly qualified professionals. The staff are courteous, considerate and helpful. Patients’ privacy, dignity and confidentiality is highly respected. Hurligham Medicare Plaza, P. O. Box 10552 Argwings Kodhek Road Nairobi, Kenya (0)20 2726821 3. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Has grown tremendously over the last 90 years from a Native Cottage hospital to a National Referral Hospital. It is located in a rural setting of Western region of Kenya in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu district, North of Rift Valley province. It is about 320km North West of Nairobi. The hospital is located along the Nandi Road, East of Eldoret town. P.O.Box 3 30100 Nandi Road, Eldoret, Kenya Phone: 2545333471 4. Gertrude Gardens Children’s Hospital Is now able to offer a genuine one-stop pediatric center that can provide almost every available treatment that a child might need.It has won prestigious awards for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). P.O Box 42325 Muthaiga Road Nairobi, Kenya 5. Kenyatta National Hospital KNH has 50 wards, 22out-patient clinics, 24 theaters (16 specialized) and Accident & Emergency Department. Out of the total bed capacity of 1800, 209 beds are for the Private Wing. Hospital Road, P.O Box 20723, Hospital Road Nairobi, Kenya (0)20 2726450 (0) 20 3763474 Time Zone: Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +3 hours UTC/GMT Offset No daylight saving time in 2013 Time zone abbreviation: EAT - Eastern Africa Time Currency The Kenyan Shilling is the official currency of Kenya. The exchange rate as of 6/26/13 is 84.941 shilling to the US dollar. Kenyan shilling 20 shilling (1994), portrait of Daniel arap Moi 10 shilling coin ISO 4217 code KES Central bank Central Bank of Kenya Website www.centralbank.go.ke User(s) Inflation Source Subunit 1/100 Symbol Coins Freq. used Rarely used Banknotes Freq. used Rarely used Kenya 3.2% Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, as of June 2010. cent KSh 1, 5, 10 , 20 shillings 50-cent, 40 shillings 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings 10, 20 shillings TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS While in Kenya, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. One of the greatest threats to travelers in Kenya is road safety. The information below concerning Kenya is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. In Kenya, traffic circulates on the left side of the road, which can be very disorienting to those not accustomed to it. Excessive speed, unpredictable local driving habits and manners, poor vehicle maintenance, bumpy, potholed, and unpaved roads, and the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are daily hazards on Kenyan roads. When there is a heavy traffic jam, either due to rush hour or because of an accident, drivers will drive across the median strip and drive directly toward oncoming traffic. There are often fatal accidents involving long-distance, inter-city buses, or local buses called “matatus.” Matatus are known to be the greatest danger to other vehicles or pedestrians on the road. Many U.S. citizens have been killed or seriously injured in motor vehicle-related accidents. Inter-city night-time road travel should be avoided due to the poor road and street light conditions, and the threat of banditry throughout the country. During the rainy season, some unpaved roads are impassable even with four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance. Travelers are urged to consult with local officials regarding road conditions. Travel via passenger train in Kenya is considered unsafe, particularly during rainy seasons, because of the lack of routine maintenance and safety checks. The Kenya Railway service operates only two days a week. The service from Nairobi to Malaba is now only a cargo service and is no longer transports passengers. Please see our information on Customs Regulations. For specific information concerning Kenyan driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Kenyan National Tourist Organization offices in New York at telephone 212-486-1300 or in California at telephone 310-274-6635. Visitors contemplating adventure tours should contact the Kenya Tourist Board Offices in Minneapolis, Minnesota via the Internet or via telephone at 1-866-44-KENYA. THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY All travelers to Kenya should review the Department of State’s Travel Warning for Kenya that provides detailed information about security issues affecting the country. Though thousands of U.S. citizens visit Kenya safely each year, the U.S. government continues to receive information regarding potential terrorist threats aimed at U.S., Western, and Kenyan interests in Kenya. Terrorist acts could include suicide operations, bomb and grenade attacks, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Although there have been recent gains in the pursuit of those responsible for previous terrorist activities, many of those involved remain at large and continue to operate in the region. Travelers should consult the Worldwide Caution on the Travel.State.Gov website for further information and details. CRIME Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjacking’s, grenade attacks, home invasions and burglaries, and kidnappings can occur at any time and in any location. U.S. citizens, including U.S. Embassy employees, have been victims of such crimes within the past year. Crime is high in all regions of Kenya, particularly Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts. There are regular reports of attacks against tourists by groups of armed assailants. Pickpockets and thieves carry out "snatch and run" crimes on city streets and near crowds. Visitors have found it safer not to carry valuables, but rather to store them in hotel safety deposit boxes or safe rooms. However, there have been reports of safes being stolen from hotel rooms and hotel desk staff being forced to open safes. Walking alone or at night, especially in downtown areas, public parks, along footpaths, on beaches, and in poorly lit areas, is dangerous and discouraged. Nairobi averages about ten vehicle hijackings per day and Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter and investigate such acts. Matatus (public transportation) tend to be targeted since they carry up to 14 passengers. Although these attacks are often violent, victims are generally not injured if they do not resist. There is also a high incidence of residential break-ins and occupants should take additional security measures to protect their property. Thieves and con artists have been known to impersonate police officers, thus U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to ask for identification if approached by individuals identifying themselves as police officials, uniformed or not. U.S. citizens have fallen victim to such crimes within the past year. U.S. citizens in Kenya should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal security, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. U.S. citizens should also remain alert in residential areas, at schools, and at outdoor recreational events. Thieves routinely snatch jewelry and other objects from open vehicle windows while motorists are either stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic. Vehicle windows should be up and doors locked regardless of the time of day or weather. Thieves on matatus, buses, and trains may steal valuables from inattentive passengers. U.S. citizens should guard their backpacks or hand luggage and ensure these items are not left unattended. Purchasing items from street vendors is strongly discouraged – visitors should only use reputable stores or businesses. Many scams, perpetrated against unsuspecting tourists, are prevalent in and around the city of Nairobi. Many of these involve people impersonating police officers and using fake police ID badges and other credentials. Nevertheless, police checkpoints are common in Kenya and all vehicles are required to stop if directed to do so. Highway banditry is common in much of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, and northern Tana River counties, as well as Turkana county. These areas are remote and sparsely populated. Incidents also occur occasionally on Kenya's main highways, particularly after dark. Due to increased bandit activity, air travel is the recommended means of transportation when visiting any of the coastal resorts north of Malindi. Travelers to North Eastern Kenya and the North Rift Valley Region should travel with police escorts or convoys organized by the government of Kenya. There have been reports of armed banditry in or near many of Kenya's national parks and game reserves, particularly the Samburu, Leshaba, and Masai Mara game reserves. In response, the Kenya Wildlife Service and police have taken steps to strengthen security in the affected areas, but the problem has not been eliminated. Travelers who do not use the services of reputable travel firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are especially at risk. Safaris are best undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so that there is a backup in case of mechanical failure or other emergency. Camping alone is always risky. The Kenyan mail system can be unreliable and monetary instruments (credit cards, checks, etc.) are frequently stolen. International couriers provide the safest means of shipping envelopes and packages, although anything of value should be insured. Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. Electricity The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50hz. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical advice, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate. Communication Telecommunications - Kenya has a good network of telephone, cellular and satellite connections. Work is under way to expand this network and introduce fiber optic cables. Most hotels and lodges offer International telephone and fax services. In larger towns, private telecommunication centers also offer international services. If you have a mobile phone with a roaming connection, then you can make use of Kenya’s excellent cellular networks, which covers most larger towns and tourist areas. When calling Kenya, the International code is +254. Internet - Kenya has good Internet Service Providers. Many hotels and lodges offer email and Internet services. In most towns, there are plenty of private business centers and cyber cafes offering email and internet access. Postal Service - Kenya has a good postal service for both local and international post. There are post offices and post boxes in most towns. Many shops in tourist lodges and hotels sell stamps. There are different rates for letters by weight, air letters, and postcards by size. Parcel services are available from larger post offices. There are post restante services in Nairobi and Mombasa. Media - Kenya has several English language newspapers. The most popular are the Daily Nation and the East African Standard. The East African is a weekly newspaper sold throughout Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. There are two separate Swahili newspapers, Taifa Leo and Kenya Leo. There is also locally produced television and radio media. International newspapers and magazines are widely available in Kenya. Digital Satellite Television has become widespread throughout Kenya. Many hotels provide this South African based service, offering a range of channels. HOTELS There are plenty of options for accommodation in Kenya that will suit any budget. The most popular and convenient hotels are listed below. http://www.houseofwaine.com/ http://www.fairviewkenya.com www.theboma.co.ke/ http://www.sankara.com/ http://www.sarovahotels.com/stanley/ UNIVESITIES Kenya has plenty of world-class universities that could be an advantage for resources, personnel and equipment. Below are the top universities in the Kenya http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/ http://www.strathmore.edu/ http://www.jkuat.ac.ke/ http://www.ku.ac.ke/ http://www.usiu.ac.ke/ METEOROLOGY ORGANIZATIONS http://www.environment.go.ke/archives/31 https://www.facebook.com/TheKenyaMeteorologicalDepartment http://www.buoyweather.com http://meteorology.uonbi.ac.ke/ SHIPPING INFORMATION Shipping Agent Seajet Express Inc 24 Cokesbury rd, suite 20 Lebanon NJ 0883 Contact: Mike Casely Phone Office: 908-236-2259 Cell: 908-512-7286 Fax: 908-236-6592 Email: mc@seajet.com Frequency Allocation To be added