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
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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:
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Rabies
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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.
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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
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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
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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