Important Information About Kenya

(A) General
Kenya is an east African country stretching some 582,646km² and inhibited by over 30 million people. It is the largest and most populated of the three key east African countries (Tanzania and Uganda).

(B) Airport – Nairobi: Jomo Kenyantta International Airport
Jomo Kenyantta International Airport is the main international airport in Nairobi; located approximately half an hour’s drive from Nairobi city center. There are numerous well marked taxises from the airport into Nairobi city. Fare may vary from taxi to taxi, it is, hence, advisable to check before you start the trip. Most hotels in Nairobi city have own airport-hotel transport services. Enquire with the hotel or at the information desk in the airport.
Note: For international departures, there is an airport tax of US $20 and Kshs 200 for internal flights. These taxes are normally included in the price of your air ticket.

(C) Currency
Kenya’s unit of currency is the “Shilling” (Kshs) (slang; Bob). One shilling is equal to 100 cents. There are copper coins of 50c and 1 Kshs; and silver copper coins of 5 Kshs, 10 Kshs and 20 Kshs. Bank notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 kshs.

(D) Banks and Banking Hours
You can find in Nairobi most of the international renown Banks. Banks in Nairobi and other large town open from 9am to 3pm; Monday to Friday and 9am to 11am on the first and last Saturday of each month.
24-hour access to your account can be facilitated by the many ATMs countrywide. Including at the airport.
Some Banks at the international airport open round the clock everyday as do the foreign exchange bureaux.

(E) Credit Cards
All the major international credit cards are acceptable in Kenya and most ATMs can accept any international VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards.
Standard Chartered Bank’s computer network allows access to over 60 “Monelink” ATMs situated at all its branches, major shopping malls, gas stations and other strategic locations countrywide. Holders of VISA cards can also link up to their home bank or credit card account through Moneylink ATMs around the clock.
Travelers’ cheques are also readily recognizable and acceptable at most hotels and other service providers.

(F) Voltage
All regions in Kenya are supplied with 240 volts AC. The plug in use throughout Kenya is of the 3-square pin, 13-amp type.

(G) Security
As in other countries, it is always advisable to hand in your passport, excess money and other valuables at the hotel reception or keep in your room safe (when available). When the valuables are handed over at the reception ensure to collect a receipt.
It is recommended and sensible precaution not to walk alone in isolated places and back roads, whether day or nighttime. Ask for advice from your hotel manager.

(H) Telephone Services
Telkom Kenya provides world class telecommunication services that include voice data, internet and multimedia, whilst cellular mobile services are provided by additional other mobile phone service providers – Safaricom (0772, 0721, 0720) and Celtel Communications (0733, 0734, 0735).
Faxes, telexes and emails can be sent from most hotels. International calls can be dialed directly or through operator assisted by dialing 0195 or 0196.
Public payphone located in most accessible public places are fully automated. Simply pick up the hand set and follow the digitalized prompts on the screen to make your call. Card and coin phones are available. Calling from you hotel would certainly be more convenient; but is usually it will cost you at least 100% more.
As from the 4th July 2003, all national area codes in Kenya changed, so if in doubt check with the operator.

(I) Hotel bill payment
Visitors to Kenya could pay hotel bills in any convertible foreign currency, such as US dollars. However, many hotels may require/accept payments in Kenya Shillings or credit cards.
Tipping: is not mandatory in Kenya, but not forbidden. Tipping is entirely at your discretion and most hotels and restaurants include a 10% services charge to the bill.

(J) Water
Unless advised to the contrary, tap water in most hotels would be 100% safe for drinking. However, if in doubt, a variety of bottled water is available in most places.
Most lodges and hotels in smaller towns keep filtered water in jars or flacks which is a direct warning that tap water in not safe, even for brushing teeth.

(K) Visa
Most foreign persons coming to Kenya, either for business or leisure, require a visa to get into Kenya. Please check with the Kenya High Commissioner offices in your country. If you can, it is advisable to obtain the visa from the Kenya High Commissioner offices in your country prior to traveling; otherwise, a visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport. Both single and multiple entry visas are available. A single entry visa costs 50 US Dollars.

(L) Public holidays in Kenya

Jan 1 New year’s day
May 1 Labour day
June 1 Madaraka (self rule) day
October 10 Moi day
October 20 Kenyatta day
December 12 Uhuru/Jamhuri day (Independence/Republic Day)
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 Boxing Day

Note: For public holidays falling on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as the official holiday.