So you're moving to Kenya...KARIBU! Safari Njema! Have a Good Journey!

Contents
Geography Wildlife History Media Language ReligionSafety Weather Telephones	Water Electricity Housing Furniture and Appliances Moving Domestic Staff Schools Clubs Embassy	Occasions Restaurants Hotels Vehicles Licences Destinations Currency Pets Corruption
More information about Kenya: Commonwealth Kenya | Africa on Line: Kenya

Congratulations and Welcome!
You are embarking on an unforgettable journey to one of the most exotic and exciting countries in the world. Your memories of this extraordinary country and its peoples will be vivid and with you for the rest of your life. Nothing is monochrome in this fabulous part of Africa where the colours of everyday life are both brilliant and sometimes very blue. Never boring, Kenya will richly reward the curious and can drive those seeking normalcy right up the wall.

The aim of this information is to make those moving to Kenya more aware of typical problems that can be encountered and overcome in day to day life and is perhaps more useful to those who will be residing in Nairobi. Let us presume that your company has already found you accommodation in an expatriate-type area and that it is ready for your occupation....

Geography
Kenya lies astride the equator. It extends from the Indian Ocean in the east to Uganda in the west and from Tanzania in the south to Ethiopia and Sudan in the north. On the east and north-east it borders Somalia. The country may be divided into four principal regions. The arid plain of the north-east is less than 600 m.. above sea level; the south-east region is similar but more fertile along the banks of the Tana river, in the coastal strip and in the Taita Hills, which rise to 2,100 m. above sea level. The north-west, much of which is low and arid includes Lake Turkana, 260 km. long and many mountains including Mount Nyiru at 2,800 m. high. The south-west quarter, a plateau rising to 3,000 m., includes Mount Kenya (5,200 m.), one of Africa's highest mountains, Mount Elgon and the Aberdares Range at around 4,000 m. The Great Rift Valley runs across the plateau from north to south, 50-65 km. wide and 600-1,000 m. deep. West of the Rift the plateau falls to Lake Victoria and eastwards the Tana and Athi rivers flow into the Indian Ocean. The Athi river changes its name to the Galana at Tsavo.

Wildlife
Kenya's wildlife is probably the most famous in the world. Wild mammals include wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, zebras, antelopes, gazelles, elephants, rhinoceroses, hippo's, baboons, and many species of monkeys. Reptiles include crocodiles and over 100 snake species. There is a rich variety of native bird-life and the country is visited by migrant birds from Europe.

History
Archeological evidence suggests that Kenya may be the birthplace of the human race, the Rift Valley having been the home of Homo Habilis some 3.25 million years ago. Little is known about Kenya's interior except that tribes from all over the African continent settled here. Arab merchants established trading posts on the coast during the 7th century. The Portuguese took control of coastal trading from the early 16th century and for the following 100 years was controlled by the Omanis. Around 1750, the Maasi nomadic cattle herders came from the north and extended as far as the coast at Mombasa. Cattle disease weakened the Maasi presence by the end of the 1800s. The British were invited to the coast by the Omani Mazuri Dynasty to help their local power struggle and by the middle of the century, Britain and Germany were competing for the coast and the hinterland.
A British protectorate was declared in 1895 over what is now Kenya and Uganda and settlement started by the Europeans at the start of the first world war. The railway from Mombasa to Kisumu on Lake Victoria was completed in 1901 and it was at this time that Nairobi became the headquarters of the British administration.
Ethnic demands for an independent Kenya fermented the guerrilla war for freedom and land resettlement from 1952-1956 by the nationalist Land Freedom Army, the so-called Mau Mau. From this savage war, a transitional constitution was introduced by 1960 allowing for political parties and gave Africans a majority on the Legislative Council. Kenya became a republic in December 1964 with Jomo Kenyatta as its first President. The country is presently ruled by Daniel Arap Moi.

Media
Three English-language daily newspapers are available: the Daily Nation, owned by the Aga Khan, the Kenya Times and the Standard owned by Lonrho until a recent management buy-out. Independent magazines have grown in number and daring since the advent of multi-party politics. Broadcasting services are provided by the parastatal Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and Kenya Television Network. Dishes can be installed locally for CNN, BBC etc. To keep up to date with the latest news, many residents take a short-wave radio with them that provide hourly newscasts emitted by the BBC, VOA, Radio Canada, RAI, RFI and others. Postal services to Europe takes around four days and the Nairobi GPO is open 24 hours.

Language
The official language of Kenya is English and KiSwahili, as in Uganda. "up-country" Swahili is a greatly simplified tongue that is mostly understood across the country albeit that it is a second and sometimes third learned language for rural Kenyans. English is widely spoken in most business and tourist areas, but outside those places, try leaning some useful and much appreciated Swahili phrases. Your efforts will endear you to Kenyans and will elicit many a rewarding smile - albeit that they may not understand a word of what you are saying. Swahili language tapes are available in most of the better book shops in New York, L.A, London and Toronto. Alternatively, "Speak Swahili Perfectly in a Couple of Hours" type books are available in most book shops in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Nairobi
The name means "Place of Water" in Maasai. Nairobi is the seat of government, the major manufacturing center, the commercial hub, in fact, Nairobi dominates the business, social and political scenes. Once a pleasant small city, Nairobi has changed very dramatically during the past couple of decades and now suffers a bad dose over-population, under-employment with the resultant sickness of crime and corruption. A number of towering sky scrapers sprinkle the skyline while residential property prices challenge those in London and New York City. Not as bad as some of Africa's capitals, it is still possible to enjoy a good quality of life in Nairobi if you take life expeditiously and use common sense.

Religion
About 54% traditional religions. Christianity has expanded rapidly from about 25% to 40% in recent years. Around 6% of the population is Muslim.

Safety
Kenya is generally a safe country. However special precautions should be taken in Nairobi at night. Like all other African countries, the burgeoning rural population encourages the young to throng the pavements of gold and unemployment has become has become unacceptably high for both the work-hungry and those who are not. Muggings, car-jackings and purse snatching are becoming more frequent so it is essential, for example, not to wear a visible watch while driving in the not-so-friendly parts of town or walk around anywhere but the commercial part of town during the day: remember, that watch could feed a snatch-and-grabber for a month or two. And the same goes for jewelry. Keep well clear of the northern frontier districts where skirmishes can still erupt from time to time with the "Shifta" from Somalia.

Weather
The coastal areas of Kenya are invariably hot and humid. North of Mount Kenya, the NFD is constantly hot and arid while the mountainous regions of Mount Kenya and the Abadares are cool and rainy for much of the year. Nairobi enjoys one of the finest climates in the world, never too hot and providing enough rain to ensure splendid gardens and greenery. In other words, take everything from your umbrella to your swimming gear. It's a wonderfully diverse and accessible climate.

Telephones
Telephone services, furnished by the Kenya Post and Telecommunication Corporation (KPTC) are improving but you will still be subjected to many frustrations. To put it bluntly, it is a real challenge to have a phone installed if you don't know the ropes. Your colleagues will give you the latest low-down on the best way to arrange a quick (= slow) installation of a phone that works; be patient, these things take time and perseverance. International telephone charges are high and it may be worthwhile your securing an AT&T or similar charge-back card so that your overseas calls from Kenya can be charged back to your phone at home, in Europe or north America. IDD is available from overseas: code 254.

Water
Some houses are connected to the grid water system and some of those pipes have water in them most of the time. It is sensible to have a large water storage tank. As rainfall is more reliable than the water department, many people connect their rainwater gutters to storage tanks as a back-up. If mains water is not available, your tanks will have to be replenished by water tankers. All water should be boiled before drinking (bottled mineral water is available in all supermarkets).

Electricity
Nairobi enjoys fairly reliable electrical supply (supplied by the KPLC) but the reliability factor has worsened recently. It is quite normal to have "shedding" (black-or-brown-outs) in most cities including Nairobi and Mombasa. It's mostly an on and occasionally off subject across the country. Supply is meant to be 220/240 volts AC 50 cycles but it can vary quite considerably. Voltage still fluctuates wildly from 60 to 600 volts so voltage stabilizers are absolutely vital for TVs, stereos, computers and recommended for fridges. Power plugs/sockets are mostly of the square three-pin British type and light bulb fittings are generally of the bayonet type.

Housing
Adequate expatriate housing in 1996/7 is a little more plentiful and less expensive than before. Many new rental houses have come onto the market recently and local real estate agents will be pleased to show you a good selection, provide you have a car to do it in. There are four parameters that govern house or apartment hunting in Kenya and they are:

• Location and Commute
• Electricity and constant Water Supply
• Security
• Telephone

As a rule of thumb, suitable houses range from US$ 1,000 - 2,000 per month. Remember that these prices do not generally include furniture, a working telephone, appliances, electricity costs and most-times, security guards. If the premises boasts a working telephone, it is a major advantage. It is essential to have security guards as pilferage and theft is endemic. Security alarm companies enjoy great success in Kenya but they should only be an addition to your own guards in most cases. Landlords frequently demand three and sometimes six months rent in advance. It is important to try to pay as little in advance as possible which might encourage the lessor to undertake repairs should anything go wrong during the term of the lease. In Mombasa, it may be a good idea to discuss with the landlord some kind of discount off your rent if you include some mildew-proof exterior paint in your household effects as you can be sure that any painting done prior to your occupancy will deteriorate badly within a short period.

Furniture and Appliances
Most normal furniture is available in Nairobi. Neither design nor quality of locally manufactured furnishings are remarkable, but good strong hardwood pieces are available. If you enjoy watching your favorite videos, it may be worth bringing your PAL system television and VCR with a 220V converter. Local television is somewhat amateur. 220V appliances are available, quite expensive, mostly, of lower quality and of questionable origin. Remember that in many cases, large refrigerators and stoves do not fit into the niches provided in some kitchens and washer/dryers are a mixed blessing.

Moving to KENYA
Choose a quality mover for your relocation to Kenya. Worldwide Movers is the leading professional international moving company in the country and we have seen all sorts of insufficiently packed shipments arrive by air and sea. Select a moving company that specializes in overseas moves: they know how to pack and they know how to load your possessions to prevent damages. We would suggest that you designate and international mover that belongs to the Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux (F.I.D.I.): membership manifests competency. Don't worry about customs clearance and delivery, we do it every day. If you need any special information, call our Canadian based director, Val Prinsep in Toronto on (416)920-0537. He knows East Africa well and will be pleased to help.

Domestic Staff
It is common to employ house staff, cooks, gardeners and security guards. Salaries are extremely reasonable and they add greatly to the quality of life overseas. -So think twice about taking the washer and dryer. Those expatriates who are leaving Kenya always try to find good employment for their reliable staff after their departure and you should have no problem finding recommended help with good references; look on you embassy or High Commission's notice board for starters. Nannies are wonderful with children.

Schools
The French, Germans and Swedes offer community venture education with their own schools in Nairobi. There are three good schools running north-American Curricula and several offering the British curriculum and "common entrance curricula for the UK public (private) schools. Fees vary from $1,500 per term for junior level up to $4,000 to $6,000 for senior level, again, per term. Here is a short list of leading schools in the Nairobi area:

North American Curriculum: 2 terms, August to December and January to June: co-educational: International School of Kenya. Rossylin Academy, junior and senior, Rift Valley Academy, senior.
British Curriculum: 3 terms, September to December, January to March and late April to July: co-educational: Banda School, junior and senior, Braeburn School, Pre-school, junior and senior, Cavina School, junior, Hillcrest School, junior and senior, and Kenton College, junior.
United States International University is also in Nairobi and offers interaction with North American universities and colleges.

Clubs
>From the days of the Raj, British settlers introduced sporting clubs to their colonies. The legacy remains strong today and Kenya has a wide selection of Clubs for individuals and families to join and enjoy. Most clubs offer standard facilities such as swimming pools, squash and badminton courts and some kind of sports field. In addition, you will also generally find recreational bars and restaurants. Other clubs offer golf, cricket, rugby, field hockey, tennis, flying or sailing. The less enthusiastic of the sporting community can polish their skills at snooker, pool, billiards and darts. Being a member of a Nairobi club, you can normally enjoy reciprocal membership at other clubs in major towns throughout East Africa. Some clubs offer residential facilities and so such reciprocation can be very handy. Club membership costs vary according to the prestige and facilities offered.

Embassy Registration
It's always a good idea to register with your Embassy or High Commission as soon as you arrive in Uganda. Not only is it appreciated by the mission, but also a good way to meet other nationals at the drink parties that are held from time to time. Most of the diplomatic missions are fairly laid-back in Kampala and are much more helpful than in other larger countries.

Special Occasions
Many a time one hears ?I wish I brought that with me from home!?. Invariably, its food items that were forgotten, so if you enjoy pumpkin pie, haggis or confit of goose, take it with you in cans. Out-of-the-ordinary goods are simply not available anywhere in Kenya. Your friends will enjoy the additions too.

Restaurants
Nairobi is not one of the world's prime destination for gourmets. The good news is that new restaurants are appearing and now offer honest Italian, Chinese, Indo/Pakistani and International cuisines. Prices by north American standards are reasonable and downright inexpensive with a European purse.

Hotels
With its burgeoning tourist industry, there is no shortage of hotels throughout Kenya. Nairobi boasts some good quality hotels of the international-chain variety as well as some home-grown type that offer both high quality and local color. The Intercontinental and the Hilton, along with the Norfolk, Grand Regency, Serena, Nairobi Safari Park and Landmark, are available for the high spenders and luxury lovers. If you prefer the countryside atmosphere on the outskirts of Nairobi, the Safari Park and the Winsdsor Golf and Country Club boast magnificent grounds. In the mid-range, The Fairview, Holiday Inn, the New Stanley and the Boulevard offer good service at reasonable prices. Some hotels offer Casinos. Prices range from about $100 to $180 for the mid-to-high-end hotels and prices vary according to the season. Payment can be made in Kenya Shillings or foreign currency. Mombasa offers a dearth of beautiful beach hotels that sport innumerable tongues, but predominantly German and Italian.

Vehicles
If you do not have the use of a company vehicle, it may be worthwhile considering importing one with your household goods. Automobiles are expensive new (twice that in the US). Reliable second hand cars are very rare and costly. Most Japanese models are available and spares are not a problem. If you do import a vehicle, install a quality anti-theft device. In most cases, returning foreigners sell their vehicles after paying the appropriate sales taxes.

Driving Licenses
You can drive with an International License (available from your local Automobile Club) for a period of 12 months in Kenya after which you have to take a driving proficiency test. Only Commonwealth Licenses are transferable without a driving test.

Popular Destinations
Kenya boasts some of the most beautiful countryside and best game parks in the world. Make sure you visit the Maasai Mara National Park, the Samburu National Park, the Abadares region as well as the magnificent beaches of the coastal region. In reality, the opportunities appear to be endless and the biggest problem you will have is to make the time to visit all these extraordinary destinations.

Currency Exchange
The Kenyan shilling is now a floating currency meaning that it is worth what the market is willing to pay for it, though the government does have some measure of control over exchange rates through supply.. Until recently, Bureaux de Changes were the prime money changers with the rates altering daily according to demand. Inflation runs at around 12% officially and 25% in reality. International and local credit cards are accepted at several hotels and better restaurants but few other establishments.

Pets
Some expatriates bring their pets with them. Long haired dogs are particularly unsuitable for Kenya where temperatures and ticks are big.. A good barker is one of the most effective thief deterrents and a pet adds to the continuity of family life in this new and exotic land. For dogs, ticks are big! Ensure your pets have been vaccinated against tick fever. Don't buy an African Gray parrot (the best speakers available) unless you are willing to surrender it to friends or colleagues when you leave. Your home Ministry of Agriculture with either quarantine the bird or ask for it to be returned to its home. Don't rush out an buy ivory either as it's both illegal in Kenya and in most countries belonging to the World Society for the Protection of Endangered Species.

Corruption
Whatever your personal view of corruption, it is common in Kenya. It is certainly possible to live outside the ugliness of corruption, but it surely makes life almost impossible. Kenyans and long time expatriates ignore the ethics of the issue and merely play the game: they simply regard corruption in small doses as a nuisance but an effective alternative to universal tax collection. A policeman in Nairobi simply cannot keep his family on the official salary: neither can a telephone engineer.

And Finally....

Confess that you live in Kenya and people immediately conjure up a picture of Karen Blixen's Kenya. Well, in the most part, the country hasn't changed much; the bush is the magic adventure and the cities are, well, just brash cities. The secret to enjoying Kenya is to be patient, very patient. With a little good humour, all the peculiarities can be amusing. There is so much else that is intriguing about the country that you can be kept engrossed indefinitely. Adventure and kindness are the hallmark of lifetime memories for all who live and work in this beautiful country.