Kenya Manual

Kenyan Center General Information

IHF Kenya's orphanage is located in Nakuru town. Six other programs are operated in parallel to the children's home. These are: The Education Program (TEP), Class to Class sponsorship, Survival Program, Famine Feed, Medical Clinic and Peace Farm.

Nakuru is a cosmopolitan town situated in the Rift Valley running along Eastern and Central Kenya. It is one of the largest towns in Kenya and popular due to the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park which is known world-wide for its congregations of flamingos. The IHF centre is located only three kilometers from the city centre in a suburb called Githima. It is a short minibus ride of around 10 minutes.

The IHF orphanage moved to Nakuru from its original Pokot centre further north in mid-2007. From a volunteer point of view, the advantage of having a town so close to the centre is that all standard commodities are within easy reach, including western-style supermarkets, restaurants, banks and other shops.

Transport to the Center

Someone from the IHF will be meeting you on the other side of customs, holding a sign with your name and "IHF" on it. They will escort you outside for the taxi ride out (cost for which volunteers are responsible). A taxi from the airport to the bus station is 500 KES/person (9 USD). The journey from the capital city of Nairobi to Nakuru is two to three hours. You may leave on the same day as your arrival or on the following day depending on your arrival time and if we have to wait for the arrival of other volunteers. If you are to stay in Nairobi to leave the next day you will likely be staying in a YMCA in Nairobi costing approx 720 KES/room/night (12 USD). THE VOLUNTEER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR ALL THE HOTEL ROOMS AND MEALS. These are not western-style hotels. If you've stayed in youth hostels before, you'll pretty much know what to expect. The bathrooms employ a sink, toilet, and shower head which sprays water all over the bathroom when you shower (known around the world as a "wet" room). The bed will have a thin mattress, pillow, and mosquito net. Be sure to put on mosquito repellent before you go to bed, and bring water to drink and brush your teeth with.

The minibus that serves Nairobi-Nakuru is called 'Mololine' and costs 350 KES/person (7 USD). Depending on how much luggage you have you may have to pay for an extra seat. Once in Nakuru, the orphanage is a short minibus ride away costing only 25 KES/person (0.50 USD).

Work and Tasks at the Center

The experience in Kenya varies tremendously depending on your skills and experiences. People with specific skills are in desperate need: doctors, nurses, carpenters, engineers, plumbers, builders and electricians.

At least once a month we travel to Pokot for the famine feed, so if you are in Kenya during that time you would be involved with this ( i.e. assist in the distribution of food).

When you are not working on other tasks you will also help with the teaching of classes. The classes are held in the afternoons and the children are always very keen to come to classes - they even come on a public holidays for two hours - this shows how dedicated they are to learning! After each lesson you need to write a brief description of what has been taught so as to contribute to the Teaching Manual. This is also a good resource for seeing what the children have been taught and what standard they are at.

The volunteer will assist with these classes from Monday to Friday. During the times when the classes are not on, a lot of work needs to be done for both local and international IHF tasks. There is always something to do. You will be emailed weekly assignments from IHF's founder, Carol Sasaki. It is very important to keep her informed on the progress of these assignments in your weekly reports as well as to answer any questions she emails. She is a very active part of how all IHF Centers are run. You will also be trained and guided by the local Director. There are always other administrative tasks that need completing on a daily basis.

Your experience and stay at the centre will be heavily influenced and decided on how proactive and open-minded you are. It may take you a few days or even weeks to settle, but you will be expected to 'create' your own tasks and come up with different ways to keep yourself busy in ways that ultimately benefit the children.

At the end of each week the volunteer must email their worked hours and tasks done to ihfdonatedhours@ihfonline.org. This means sending a description of what has been accomplished by the volunteer each day of the week - Monday to Sunday. This should be sent preferably on Sunday.

There is also a 'Daily Report' that needs to be sent ihfdonatedhours@ihfonline.org briefly outlining your tasks during the day. Check previous reports for an idea of how to do it. Both the 'Weekly Report' and the volunteers 'Daily Reports' are best written in conversational prose rather than just listing what was done.

Internet costs at Nakuru vary from 0.50 KES (0.01 USD) to 1 KES (0.02 USD) per minute. There are three internet cafes at the Shopper's Paradise building on the main Park Avenue near the minibus stop.

Accommodation and Facilities

We are in the process of restoring one of the buildings at the center specifically to provide shared accommodation to all our volunteers; they will have beds, mattresses as well as toilet and shower. Currently however, volunteers may sleep in the dorm with the children, or in a separate room. The rooms in all the buildings vary in size but none of them are private. Mattresses are not provided at the moment so you may need to purchase one from Nakuru town; they vary in price depending on their quality and thickness but expect to pay 700 1000 KES (15-20 USD). You may even wish to bring your own: foam, or even one of the compact inflatable ones. Do get specific details before you arrive though as you there may well be a bed and mattress free if members of staff are away or on holiday.

Some volunteers decide to stay in hostels or hotels in Nakuru town itself. Although this is very much your choice it does somewhat take away from the whole experience. Moreover since a lot of your work will be at the centre you will be needed to make the short journey back and forth. If however you prefer to stay in town all costs are covered by the volunteer. Hostels and hotels range from budget to expensive. However even mid-range hotels should not be expected to be of Western standards. In the mid-range we recommend the Carnation Hotel on Mosque Street opposite Flamco wholesalers. For a slightly cheaper option you can try the Park View Hotel on the main Kenyatta Avenue opposite Shopper's Paradise.

There are toilets at the centre but poor plumbing means that many of them have to be flushed manually. In any case, in this part of the world, you won't find many toilets to sit on. Even in town most bathroom facilities only offer squat toilets. There are also outside latrines at the centre which is basically a cement platform with a hole in it, and it is enclosed so you have privacy. Bringing or purchasing your own toilet paper and pre-moistened sanitary wipes is absolutely necessary.

As far as bathing, we have some showers which are temperamental (to say the least) so children and staff (as well as most of Africa!) usually prefer to stand on the bath and use a bucket and jug. The water can be heated if you ask one of the members of staff or cooks.

Internet access - not available at center. Internet access is in Nakuru town a short 10 minute ride.

Phone access - not available at center. There are several call centers in Nakuru town. You can also purchase long distance cards.

Cell phone Some of the staff have cell phones although these are used for working purposes only. If you are staying for some time and want to avoid roaming costs you may decide to purchase a Kenyan Sim Card. The major operators are Safaricom (a subsidiary of the European Vodaphone network ) and Celtel. Sim Cards cost no more than 200 KES (4 USD) and come already with 100 KES talk time. All operators work only on GSM phones.

Food

The food provided at the center is always local food. No exceptions are made as children, staff and volunteers all eat the same meals. However, vegetarians do not usually have problems as meat is eaten only on two occasions per week depending on budgetary allowances. Those with allergies should let us know in advance.

Our cooks boil the water they use or can even cook your portion with bottled water for you if you require. Don't be afraid to ask! As for drinking, the local water is heavily treated with chemicals and has a strange taste. We do not recommend volunteers to drink local water so you must buy bottled mineral water in town for your own consumption. You should also purchase enough water to brush your teeth.

The staple food in rural Kenya is ugali - a very thick (like super-thick mashed potatoes) foodstuff made from maize flour that is served with most meals. It's very filling, and is made from the same cornmeal IHF distributes at the famine feeds. To eat, a chunk is pulled off in the hand and squished and pressed into the fist, then dipped into sauce or used to scoop up kale, spinach or cabbage. It is supplemented by beans, meat, vegetables, eggs, etc. The food can be bland. It is a good idea to bring a bowl, spoon, and any foods you'd like to have (such as canned tuna), and perhaps eating breakfast and lunch on your own and dinner at orphanage.

Costs

The cost of room and board at the center in Nakuru is $50 USD per week, meals included. Please pay the amount due to your Center director upon arrival. $50 USD a week is to help cover the volunteers food costs so we do not use the children's donated money! It is income that is highly valued as it often adds that little extra to budgetary allowances. Any special foods, sightseeing trips, international calls, transport to Nairobi, minibus rides to and from Nakuru or any such form of transportation are not included in the $50 USD contribution. All the food that is provided at the centers is traditional local foods.

Additional personal costs could include travel insurance, vaccinations, visas, etc

Things to bring for the children at the centers

The children and centers will greatly appreciate anything you wish to bring. Always check with our In-Kind Donation team for supplies that are ready to bring to the center (make sure you are copying them on your email to the travel team ihfdonations@gmail.com). English as a second language CDs and DVDs would be great and very useful, as would any learning materials. Used or new clothing is so valued by the children. As in all the centers there are limited computers to work (for both staff and volunteers) and teach the children in the classes - it would be a great bonus if you have a possibility to organize a(second-hand) laptop and donate it to the center. The following is a list was formulated by previous volunteers of the most needed supplies:

Medicine and Nutritional Items Vitamins, Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, Amoxicillin (syrup or capsules), Enthormycin (syrup), Doxycycline (tablets or capsules), Oral rehydration salts, band-aids, bandage tape, calamine lotion, children's cold and cough syrup (*HIGH NEED ITEM), Neosporin, children's chewable multi-vitamins, ulcer medicine, children's headache medicine, iodine, protein powder (can be mixed with their porridge), Emergen-C packets (*HIGH NEED ITEM). Look below for a more detailed list of medical requirements

School Supplies - Pens, ruled paper, erasers, chalk, pencils, pencil sharpeners, notebooks, folders, small backpacks, globes, maps, and atlases, crayons, markers, tape

Health & Hygiene - Small bars of soap, dish soap (biodegradable), toothpaste (biodegradable), toothbrushes (kids' sizes), antibacterial hand gel, children's' clothing and shoes(ages 3-17), re-usable plastic bowls and dishes, sheets, blankets

Toys - Small toys that can't really break or get too dirty (stuffed animals are ruined in an hour), general sports equipment is really needed such as footballs (soccer), rugby balls, volleyballs, frisbees, skipping rope and board games.

Additional Medical Requirements for IHF Kenya Centre

AMOEBIC, Entamizole, Gabbroral, Fasygin, Flagyl

PNEUMONIA, Augumentin - Septrin, Amoxycillin, Duraceff, Suprapen

MALARIA Co-artem - Duo-cotexcin, Co-arinate - P-alaxin, Halfan - Alaxin, Cotecin, Metakelvin, Fansidar

ALLERGIES, Celestamine, Claritine, Polaramine, Prednisolone

FEVERS, Panadol, Ibubrofen, Aspirin, Dawanol

RINGWORM, Clotrimazole Cream, Whitefield Cream, Candid B Cream, Clozole B Cream, Bulkot B Cream

RASHES, Antihistamine Cream, Antihistamine Tablets

ANTISEPTIC, Betadine Cream, Betadine Solution, Savlon,Tinture of Iodine, Dettol Cream, Dettol Solution

TYPHOID, Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin

ULCERS, Antacid Suspensions - eg: Maalox, Relcer,, Tumbocid, Ranitidine Tablets eg Zantac, cemetidine, Famotidine, Omeprazole Tablets eg: Opraz, Losec-mups, Lansoprazole eg: Lan 30, Lans OD, Lasoprol

WORMS, Albendazole, Mebendazole, Levamisole

NUTRITION, Seven Seas, Scotts Emulsion, Multivitamin Tablets - Childrens ones, Shaped etc, not the ones that look like horse pills!

COLDS & FLU, Piriton Tablets, Piriton Syrup, Flugone, ColdCap, Cough expetorants/supressants

BURNS, Burncure (Sulphur Sulphadiazine), Burnmed, Burn Cream

WOUNDS & SMALL CUTS, Grabacin Powder (Fractures & Sprains) Elastoplast - Fabric one sticks better!, Grepe Bandage, Spirit, Farm Liniment, Deep Heat Cream, Deep Heat Spray, Surgical Spirit, Cotton Wool, Cotton Wool Buds, Needles, Scissors

ASTHMATIC, Franols, Ventolin

Documentation you will need upon arrival at the center

We ask that you bring a copy of the following:

• Your acceptance letter.
• A copy of your signed waiver.
• A copy of your signed MOU.
• A paragraph summary of your at-home tasks completed before arrival to the center, along with your tasks assigned by Carol Sasaki that are to be worked on during your stay at the center.

Contact information

Please always copy Carol Sasaki on any correspondence. You can take down the telephone numbers as you may need them upon arrival.

Joseph Wamoto Director: Administration and Public Relations

+254 722390089

dwamoto@gmail.com

Frederick Cheretei Director: Operations Management

frederick.cheretei@ihfonline .org

+254 727448437

James Tikonin Sponsor Coordinator

jamestikonin@yahoo.com

+254 722750309

Juma Kiplenge Lawyer and general advisor

jumaogola@yahoo.co.uk

Visa for Kenya

Visit www.travel.state.gov

The procedure for a Kenyan visa varies according to which country you are a national of. If your country of origin is NOT listed in the following list below, please use this link for further instruction: http://www.kenyaembassy.com /visa.html

If you are American, the following documents must be submitted to the LA Consulate of the Kenyan Embassy (PLEASE NOTE: as of December 2007 visas for all American visits are now USD 100).

1. Form V (http://www.kenyaembassy.com /laconsulate.html)
2. Valid Passport - to be submitted with the application
3. Completed (filled in) application form (in duplicate in case of multiple journey visas)
4. Copy of Round Trip Ticket or copy of Itinerary
5. Two passport size pictures (full face showing both ears)
6. Visa Fee of USD 100.00 for Single Entry (Tourist/Business) valid for 3 months.
7. A self addressed stamped envelope for the return of your passport (s). The envelope should have enough postage for: Express Mail, Certified Mail or Priority Mail with delivery confirmation.

PLEASE NOTE:

Visas are usually issued valid for three months from the date of issue. Renewal of visas is up to three months more.

Visas are issued within 7-10 working days from date of application and 10-14 working days during the peak Season.

Multiple journey visas are normally issued for a period of 6 or 12 months.

You may obtain one on arrival at the cost of USD 50 (USD 100 for citizens of the USA).

ALTHOUGH THE ABOVE PROCEDURE COMES DIRECTLY FROM THE KENYAN EMBASSY it IS possible to purchase a visa at the airport in Nairobi. Be advised that this is not recommended however as the line can move very slowly. If you approach the line and it's very long, keep walking the direction you've been going (remember it's a circular terminal) and there's another immigration desk around the corner. This may have a shorter line. If you decide to buy a visa on arrival, this is payable in USD cash only. There are stories of a sudden $10 "handling fee". This is incorrect; although short of arguing with people with badges, it is difficult to say what you can do besides just pay it. If you choose to argue, we recommend the line "I spoke with the Kenyan embassy in (the capital of your country), and they said it was $50/$100 with no handling fee".

Travel to Kenya

The following are a few of the major carriers into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi (NBO): Kenya Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, South African Airways, Swiss International Air and Qatar Airways.

Major domestic US Airways like United, US Airways, Delta, and American Airlines all belong to "alliance networks" that will allow you to use them to book all legs of your flight and earn miles. The IHF Travel Coordinating Task Team has special/consolidators fares that they may be available to volunteers. Check with the task team director for information on our consolidated fares with Kenya Airways and/or Virgin Atlantic.

If you travel from USA you will always have to connect somewhere in Europe before arriving in Africa. If you are travelling from Europe you can almost always get a direct flight to Nairobi. If you are travelling from Asia, many routes take you via Dubai, Qatar or south through Johannesburg.

If you are carrying supplies for the center and will have excess baggage it is advisable to check with the airlines as to how much they will charge for excess baggage and/or if they can make special exceptions for volunteers carrying donations. Airlines vary greatly on how flexible they are with extra baggage so be sure to have this sorted out before getting to the check-in desk as you may end up being surprised at how much you have to pay. Always remember that if you have to pay very high fees for extra baggage you may be better off bringing the money and buying materials in Kenya for much cheaper.

Currency

The currency unit in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling (KES), comprising 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c and 1 and 5 shillings (two different coins are in circulation for the 1 KES: large silver and smaller gold). Bank notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings. Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival. The importation and exportation of Kenyan currency, however, is illegal. In preparation for your journey, you may want to calculate the exchange rate from the US dollar or EUR to local currencies. There are several websites that offer a conversion engine, we recommend www.xe.com

Money Matters

We suggest you exchange money after leaving the airport as the rates there are usually pretty poor. We recommend bringing cash or travelers checks as back-up but using the ATM to get Kenyan Shillings. Most banks accept Visa, Maestro and even Visa Electron.

Changing money is best done at a bank since you get good rates and are assuredly safe; however depending on your flight arrival time you may not have time to visit a Nairobi bank or money changing station. Banks in Nairobi and Nakuru open from 9.00am - 3.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am - 10.00am on the first and last Saturday of each month. The rates for cash are slightly better but remember, traveler's cheques can be replaced if they are stolen or lost - while cash is gone forever if you lose it. Always ask if there is an extra commission to be paid for cashing cash or cheques. It is advisable to carry notes in small denominations to exchange. Away from the tourist areas changing money can be more of a hassle. Always count your money before you leave the premises. ATM cards can be used and it is best to check with your home bank what the fees are for withdrawing money from foreign ATM's.

Credit cards (VISA and MASTERCARD) are accepted in Nakuru and Nairobi at major grocery stores or hotels, but it can be quite a hassle to use one. Check with your credit card company to see what extra charges you will have if you use your card in foreign countries; some credit cards companies add a surcharge.

Miscellaneous Information

Kenya Time - Kenya Time Zone is GMT + 3 hours.

Electricity - Electricity is 220-240 volt, 50 cycles. Outlets may be two or three pronged. If you must bring electrical appliances, bring an adapter.

Tipping - Unlike in the USA or most of Europe, tips in Kenya are considered a gift; they are not part of wages or payment. They are considered a bonus and are not expected or required. Tipping is not mandatory but not forbidden as in some other African countries. Tipping is entirely at your discretion and most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge to the bill. The average wage for Kenya is about $2 a day. Try to tip within reason but not with flair; again you are doing more harm than good. The point of visiting a country is to be a guest, as a guest try to respect the way things are done and not step outside of the social ways.

Getting Around

Please refer to 'Transport to the Centre' section for information regarding transport from/to airport and the IHF centre.

From the IHF centre in Githima to Nakuru town centre you can get a minibus at a cost of 15 KES (0.25 USD). Going from Nakuru to the centre however, the cost is 25 KES (0.50 USD). These costs are not covered by your $50 USD/week contribution.

If you wish to make a visit to Nairobi we recommend the Mololine minibus (the same one you will be using with IHF staff on your trip from Nairobi). The fare is 350 KES (7 USD each way per person).

If you plan to extend your trip and travel around Kenya on your own, check out this link for transportation possibilities: http://goafrica.about.com/od /kenya/a/kenyaessentials_2.htm

There are many bus companies that can take you around East Africa, amongst these are: EasyCoach, Akamba, ElDoret Express, Dar Express, Scandinavia, Spider and many more.

Driving

This is what the US State Department has to say about driving in Kenya:

"While in a foreign country, [visitors] may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in their home countries. 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, one drives 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. They are typically driven too fast and erratically. Since early 2003, several visitors have been killed or seriously injured in motor vehicle-related accidents. Also, vehicle travel outside major cities at night should be avoided due to the poor road and street light conditions, and the threat of banditry. During the rainy season, many unpaved roads are impassable even with four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance. Severe storms and heavy rains in late 1997 and early 1998 led to extensive flooding and critical damage to roads and bridges, making travel and communications difficult in many parts of the country. Kenya appears to be experiencing similar weather patterns in 2006, which have resulted in large scale flooding and infrastructure damage. Although the government repairs many of the damaged roads and bridges, some remain impassable. For specific information concerning Kenyan driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Kenyan Embassy or Consulate in your own country of residence.'

Clothing

Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Kenya's hot weather. Don't over-pack here. You'll wear the same clothes many days in a row, or at least over and over again. You can wash your clothes at the centre like the locals do: with bucket and soap. You don't need anything formal. Kenyans in around the area are used to wearing jeans, shirts, t-shirt etc, although shorts are quite uncommon. Women wear trousers or skirts but again, short skirts are very uncommon amongst Africans and we would discourage women to wear clothing that is too lose or revealing.

Here are some recommendations:

Men, boxers are highly suggested. You can feel better wearing the same pair over and over, and in the heat, they are more comfortable. Most locals wear sandals, but it's important to protect your feet if think you will be walking a lot instead of using minibuses. Sandals for around the orphanage. Cargo pants pockets are handy. Pants are most comfortable in the mornings when mosquitoes are most prevalent and it is cooler. In the summer a hat is recommended preferably one that keeps the sun off your face and your neck, although these are easily available in Nauru town.

You will find that the Equatorial sun can be quite deceiving. Days can be very hot but mornings and evenings surprisingly chilly; so we would recommend bringing something a little warmer for these times.

When going to Pokot on Famine Feeds you will find that the climate changes significantly. It is generally hotter and drier. We recommend wearing airy clothes and hats or scarves to protect you from the heat as well as sunglasses. Also bring a cheap pair of flip-flops for the 'make-shift' shower.

Climate

Seasons in Africa are reverse of those in the Northern hemisphere. Nakuru is quite dusty, especially during the dry spell of the season. The mean annual maximum temperature is about 30C (86F) in the north, rising occasionally to over 35 C (95 F). The hottest months are from January to March. Nakuru temperatures tend to be moderate in the summer, ranging between 25C and 35. In East Pokot temperatures tend to be very hot, usually around 40C-45C.

Rainfall varies from 1,000 to 1,500mm in the highlands to 600mm in the lowlands in the north-eastern part of the district.

Etiquette

Visitors should not walk in towns or public areas in their swim-wear as this is against African culture and offends a large section of the community. Nude bathing is not allowed. Kenyans appreciate decent behavior devoid of immoral tendencies. Visitors are therefore advised to show respect to the local people, their culture and traditions. Visitors are expected to show respect to the Head of State and other leaders or uniformed officials of the Public Service. Tearing or burning the President's portrait is an offence. Avoid infringing the laws especially traffic regulations and the laws against prostitution, sexual abuse and taking or trafficking in drugs.

Eating as most people eat with their hands (even in town cafes) it will be expected of you to always wash your hands before a meal. Eating with your hands in smarter or more expensive restaurants however is frowned upon.

Greetings greeting people and addressing them by their name or title is very customary. This is especially true outside of major towns and districts. Even in Nakuru town you may find people you don't know greeting you on the streets. Although some will be sellers most are simply being polite in acknowledging you.

General behavior Kenyans are generally friendly and outspoken. You may find many talk and shout loudly on the streets making large exaggerated gestures. This is usually true outside markets and minibus stations. Most of the time there is no need to become worried, although we would recommend spending as little time in these places as possible if you are on your own as many pickpockets operate in these areas.

Shopping

Nakuru is one of the largest towns in Kenya and offers all western style shops and supermarkets for your shopping pleasure. If you wish to do a little shopping for souvenirs try the small street market on main the Kenyatta avenue, opposite Standard Chartered bank and the Post Office; you will find number of wood carvings, kangas and musical instruments.

Passport Loss

Always keep a copy of your passport and driver's license somewhere separate. This way you can prove who you are to your Consulate in the event of theft. If you do lose your documents then go to the police who make out a report for your consulate and insurance company. A great idea is to scan your passport and put it in a secure location online so you can download a copy to show the embassy if needed.

Health Concerns

No immunizations are required by law to enter Kenya if you are travelling directly from Europe or the US. If you are travelling from a country where Yellow Fever is present you will need to prove you have had the inoculation.

Several vaccinations are highly recommended, they include: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Diphtheria. It is also recommended that you are up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccinations. Contact a travel clinic at least 3 months before you plan to travel. There's a risk of catching malaria pretty much everywhere you travel in Africa, fortunately the Rift Valley region has a relatively low malaria spread and incidence that many other parts. This area and other highlands are generally low-risk areas, but even there you have to be careful and take precautions. Kenya is home to the chloroquine-resistant strain of malaria as well as several others. Make sure your doctor or travel clinic knows you are traveling to Kenya (don't just say Africa) so s/he can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication.

For legal reasons the IHF can't recommend what do or not to do, here are a few options and former volunteer's comments:

"The most common malaria prevention/treatment is Larium or Malarone. Do your own research on them and talk to a doctor. Neem is a common herb taken by Indian culture. It's said to have blood purifying qualities and the scent of it supposedly chases mosquitoes away. DEET repellant is a must. Rub it on after your sunblock has soaked in. I brought a 30% concentration for regular use, and a 100% spray for occasional use. I would spray the 100% on my feet in the mornings before I put my sandals on, for example."

'Malaria prevention for travelers who are to spend a long time in risk areas (3+ months) is difficult to prescribe and advice on. I found it very difficult to get a straight answer even from doctors. Some recommended the normal Malarone, some others said that taking it for a long time could have bad side-effects. After delving deeper into the subject I found that many long term travelers simply get used to always being careful: spraying high DEET concentration sprays for the body and another for clothes and covers, always using mosquito nets as well as wearing long sleeves and trousers in the mornings and nights'

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance : 999

Fire : 999

Police : 999

Directory Information : 991

Operator: 900

International : 0196

Nairobi Hospital: +254 2722160

Search & Rescue (KCAA): +254 20 82710

Emergency Medical Evacuation (AMREF Flying Doctors Service Control) +254 25065214/733628422

Red Cross : +254 603593/608681/722206958 /0733333040