TRANSPORT IN KENYA . ..HOSPITALS.. AIRLINES...FOODS OF KENYA...SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...KENYAN TRIBES
Safety
Precautions While in Kenya
Safety is very essential anywhere even in your own country, how ever
in a foreign country things could be quite different due to difference in
ways of understanding, standards of living, the economy and the likes, therefore
very important to understand and to oblidge/observe the safety precaution
as hereby analyzed.
Many of incidents that you may have heard in the past could be easily prevented simply if only could not Ignor some of the safety tips as much as we might find or think them usless since they are true facts and all anlayzed from a kin study of the human nature. Howeveso, 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.
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 make use of it to be on the safe side:-
Security
Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Kisumu are the Major towns in Kenya
and like any town in the World, security is a significant concern. It is safe
but it is advisable to check on the following:
As a visitor, do not carry a lot of money with you especially when you are
on the streets, avoid walking alone . Just incase you want to take with you
things like passport or money the place to carry is in a pouch against your
skin around your waist. 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,Vedeo,s etc. on the streets.
In some towns there are street children who pretend to beg and borrow money
from visitors just incase you want to help him buy food for them but do not
give them money.
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.
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.
Photograph- It is not allowed to take a photo of the president, the Airport, Parliament or local people before seeking their permission.
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.
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.
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.
Weather
During the months of June-July it is usually very cold so it is advisable
to bring with you warm clothes. 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. 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 whether.
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.
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 are
only after conning you. Always use a taxi. 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.
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.
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
Holidays
in Kenya Holiday
January
1ST of January every year (New yr.)
April
1st, Fools day.
18, Good Friday,
21st Easter Monday, the date are subject to the period.
And of course my birthday!
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 holidays
Moon sighting This is a rotation depending on the site of the moon and each
year will
depend. It is a muslim holiday but at least one day is a public holiday for
the Eid. The most popular holidays are as 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.
Tel: (+254) (02)
Cell: (+254) 722 218862
Email: jehome@nbnet.co.ke