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Safety
Precautions While in Kenya
The
Republic of Kenya is one of the most peacefull countries in the African
region and as much as it is, there are certain measures and limatations
as it is to everything.You are however safety guaranteed as long as
you observe some of the major factors that many fail or simply ignor
as much as it might seem usless but true facts.
A
small brief to make you comfortable in Kenya is hereby given to make
your stay more at home than a foreigner in our lovely contry, please
read on:-
Discipline in the Parks
While in the parks do not throw litter everywhere keep the park clean,
some driver guides provide small polythene papers for rubbish or empty
tins which should be put in a bin. It is not allowed to shout or make
noise to scare the animals, always take your photos quietly. Remember
the animals you encounter are not tame and as such it is advisable not
to get out of your vehicle
Photograph-It is not allowed to take
a photo of the president, the Airport, Parliament or local people before
seeking their permission.
Security
Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Kisumu are the Major towns in Kenya and
like any other cities in the World, security is a significant concern
although it is safe but it is advisable to check on the following:
As a tourist, do not carry a lot of money with you especially when you
are out on the streets, avoid walking alone or to un known streets,also
ensure that you take a taxi in the event you wish to carry your camera
or other visible equipment which could provok the idle locals. Do not
just put your monies or passport in your pocket ensure if you have to
carry it with you it is right against your skin around your waist were
no one can reach it unless undressing you! If not so keep your valuables
in a safe place at your hotel and obtain a receipt for the same. Leave
your jewelry in your room do not expose them while on the streets they
might be snatched away from you. Take extra precaution with things like
Cameras,Video,s etc. on the streets. Do not entertain the street children
on the streets begging, the best thing you can do is to buy them something
to eat than to give money because they end up buying glue to sniff if
not other adidctive stuff.
Theft/Robbery Cases
In an event of theft/robbery on the streets, be careful cause they always
walk in groups and you might not know where the next one is standing.
Such events should be immediately reported to the nearby police/station
and a report obtained. Un reported Matter did not happen to the eyes
of police and the government, and therefore would result into many more
before finally the police getting involved.
Money
All money transactions or changing of currency is done in banks, forex
bureaus(no commission) do not engage yourself with street dealers as
most of them are conmen. Banking hours in Kenya are from 9am to 3pm
with the exception of one at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport which
is 24 hours daily.
Transport/Taxis
Do not walk in dark areas or alone in unlit streets at night. Always
take a taxi whenever you want to go somewhere. For an alternative you
can take a matatu but avoid crowded ones because some passengers are
pickpockets. Recently introduced Shuttle Buses give’s the best
convenient public services around, mostly routes with this services
includes City center, Ngong road to Karen, BuruBuru, Lavington, Langata
Road, Airport, etc. Note the shuttle fares are slightly higher to others
but more comfortable otherwise.
Health Tips
Malaria is endemic in some parts of Kenya, so it is advisable to take
anti-malaria prophylactics two weeks before arriving in Kenya and throughout
your stay in Kenya. It is always advisable to seek Medical advice from
a doctor in case of any feverish persistence. Recommended Hospitals
around Nairobi Includes, Nairobi Hospital, Khan Hospital this two operates
both in Nairobi and Mombasa, Numbers can be found at the Kenya Postal
Directories or just dial 900 for operator assistance, it is always free
to inquire the Tel nos. of any corporate you know.
Beach Vendors/Nudity
While at Mombasa, avoid walking along the beaches at night as there
are cases of mugging. Also avoid beach boys who pretend to be friendly
but they also could be cornmen. Ensure to use a taxi always, if going
out at night. During the day time, beach wear is acceptable while in
the hotel or on the beach. Some establishments insist on evening wear
and your travel agent will advise you on this. Please do not walk away
from hotel or off the beach in your beach wear as doing so will offend
the cultural and religious sensibilities of the local people. Important
of all, Nudity is not allowed in Kenya, not on the beaches not anywhere
public. We want you to be comfortable and by doing so you are not only
doing good to the public but also making your holiday more relaxed. |
TRANSPORT
IN KENYA
HOSPITALS
FLYING
DOCTORS
AIRLINES
FOODS
OF KENYA
KENYAN
TRIBES
Shopping
When you want to buy things like souvenirs, go to curio shops as there
are many within the city center. For water or any other thing it is
good to buy in a shop or at the supermarket, try to avoid street hawkers
some of them cannot be trusted. Highly recommended supermarkets in town
includes Uchumi and Nakumatt Super market., At least within a distance
of less than 200m each corner of town a branch of either is available.
In Nairobi city we have some in the following streets, Kimathi street,
end of Koinange street, Opposite City market Muindi Mbingu Street, Next
to Electricity house, Next to Railway Stations, Mombasa Road, etc.Outside
Nairobi e.g. Kusumu, Nakuru, Naivasha, Mombasa etc they also have branches.
Stamps can be obtained in the Post office which are
almost each corner of town, and open from Monday toFriday from 8am till
5 pm respectively.
Weather
During the months of June-July it is usually very cold so it is advisable
to bring with you warm clothes, here we talk of 22 -23 degrees C, during
the day and from 19 degrees in the night. The rest of the months are
warm and some are hot like January, August and September so it is good
to have your sun cream, sun glasses and hats too to avoid sun burns.
We have long rains from the Month of end March through to May and June,
and short rains from October through to December, there is not a continous
days of rain though, but just intervals of heavy rians like 1,2, or
3 hrs in at most.. Normally the months of January are dry, and dusty
through to March mid. The short rains are nothing to rain, because nothing
is disrupted even with rains, there is usually intervals of hot sun
and there is not much of a change as in the weather.
Holidays
in Kenya Holiday
January
1st of January every year (New yr.)
April
1st, Fools day.
Good Friday,
Easter Monday, the date are subject to the year.
May
1st of May is Labourday.
June
1st of June is Madaraka day, (Kenya)
October
10 of October is Moi day (Kenya)
20th of October is Kenyatta day(Crown of 1st President-Hero day )
December
12th of Dec. Jamhuri day,(Independence day- Kenya)
25th Dec Christmas day 25th Dec. Christmas day
26th Dec. Boxing day 26th Dec. Boxing day.
Islamic holiday
The Islamic Holiday will is rotational
and depends on the site of the moon as each year will
depend. The most popular holidays includes the following:-
First Ramadhani, Eid al Fitr, Note
these days are subject to the sighting of the moon.
Hindu Holidays
The most popular ones are Diwali and Sri Krishna, etc
Electricity
Kenya Voltage is mesured as followed:-
100v 120v - 5A
200V - 240V - 3A Max.
50 - 60 Hz
Water
Use mineral water at all times while on safari, do not use tap water
this is only for bathing. You can buy from any of the supermarkets in
town which is cheaper than in National Parks and reserves.
Safari Booking
There are many tour operators in Nairobi and other towns who arrange
a safari for you so do not be cheated by street guides, though might
look very attractive but it is essential to think twice before getting
involved. Just incase you want to do a safari contact your travel agent
or the nearest tourist office. Outside dealings(eg with Beach boys,
Street vendors/brokers) are very difficult to handle/trace in the event
of one(Conned), this is because they normally have chains of people
involved before getting to the person involved, hence are only carried
out at owner’s risk. |
