RPS Partnership back in Kenya and giving you top tips for travel there.
21 July 2016 - RPS Partnership
RPS Partnership has just returned from Kenya, where our Head of Training ran medical and security training for journalists going on assignment to Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. We are supporting the International Womens's Media Foundation in their African Great Lakes Reporting Initiative.
Here RPS Parntership provides you with security advice for travel to Kenya and gives you some ideas for what to do and what not to do.
Contact us on [email protected] for information on travel to Kenya and our training programmes.
Our consultant writes....
Arrival in Nairobi
On arrival at Nairobi airport, there are often long queues for customs. In terminal 3 these are divided up into 6 lines, 3 for E visa, 2 for locals; and 1 sign posted visa. This last one is not for Visa holders; it is the queue in which you need to be if you need to still get a visa. See photo
E visa can be applied for and paid for online before you leave. It is a simple process, and normally visas are approved within 24 hours of application. This is only for single entry, multiply entry must still be applied for through your local Kenyan embassy.
The E visa can be accessed through evisa.go.ke and costs $50 per person.
Top Tip
You must print off the approved form and take with you......do not do what I saw one young American lady do, and try to show the customs guy a copy on your Ipad, ......he wanted to keep the Ipad ....they have no facility to scan electronic copies !!
Personal Protective Equipment
A work colleague of mine was bringing into Kenya a large amount of medical equipment and some personal body armour as he was travelling onto other areas of Africa to support some students working in high risk areas. He was questioned at length about his equipment as he had no paperwork to back it up ...he was lucky he managed to keep all of his equipment. It is important to carry the paperwork to justify carrying certain equipment into or whilst transiting through certain airports.
Leaving the airport
On exiting the airport, there is an organised arrivals area, where people meeting you are not allowed to surge across a given line. This gives you space and time to have a good look around and see if you can recognise your driver / sponsor.
Top Tip
Do not be tempted to light a cigarette in this area. There are no clear signs for no smoking, but the young soldiers who monitor this area, are clearly after making a fast buck. I saw them challenge a young Canadian lady who started smoking and they asked her for a 2000 Kenyan Shilling fine (£14 or US$20). When she asked where the signs were, they told her if she did not pay then they would put her in jail. Since it was Saturday, she would have had a 2 night stay as there are no administration people available until the Monday morning !! We think that it was easier just not to smoke!
Local markets
Going to the local market on Sunday is always a must to soak up the culture. Be aware that you will attract attention in areas that are off the beaten track. If approached by locals, try and use body language and tone of voice to move away and always be polite. People are often just being inquisitive as they are not used to seeing foreigners especially those with pale skin and blonde hair.
Top Tip
Do not answer abruptly and with "attitude", as it just creates more hostility. Think about your own awareness and conflict management.
When asked by a young guy, if he could help them and show them around, a traveller claimed they were fine as she lived there, and yet they did not know the name of the area / market they were visiting... It annoyed the local man as he knew they were lying. Think about your behaviour.
Westgate Shopping Mall
Since the terrorist attack in 2013, they have done a good repair job, and there are no outward signs of the shootings of three years ago. Indeed the Mall itself is a lot smaller than it appeared on the TV.
Security has been increased and there are armed soldiers and guards outside with AK47s. There are airport type of screening booths to walk through, and a coveyorbelt system for your bags / belongings etc. However, once inside the Mall, there are at least 4 armed guards per floor (3 stories ). Great you make think, BUT you can still buy (and we did) a machete in the hardware store and proceed to carry it around the mall unchallenged.
Top Tip
Be ready to open your bags and be cooperative with the security. They are there to protect you.
Village Market
Next we went to the Village Market, a more westernised shopping mall frequented by foreigners and the food mall definately catered for the western taste.
On entry to this car park, security was a lot tighter than at the Westgate Mall. Cars were checked by armed guards with under car mirrors, and there was a bay where everyone is required to stop and the guards open all the car doors, and look inside. However they did not see our newly acquired machete on the front passenger seat floor, even though it was not hidden!!
Trunks and boots are also checked. Pedestrians are also checked on entry to the Mall. So their security is getting better, but as a deterrent rather than actually finding / stopping culprits....still be on your guard!
Road Accidents
We only travelled on the roads on a sunday, so traffic was light however we still saw two vehicles that had had accidents. See attached photo. The roads are in poor condition and full of pot holes, often not wide, and poorly lit.
Top Tip
Try and travel during the daytime only.
Medical Facilities
Do check local medical facilities before you leave - where is your nearest help and what can they provide. The medical faciltiy in the photo was the nearest medical centre closest to where we were working!
Top Tip
Make sure you have adequate medical insurance for your travel. If on business don't be tempted to get tourist cover ensure you have cover for business travel.
Weather
Some of students felt very cold during their stay. It is important not only to look at the temperature of where you are travelling but also the altitude, and this is what caught out our students. They looked at Nairobi city weather guide, and didn't take into account that they were staying at altitude.
Top Tip
The wrong clothing may impede your ability to do your job and carry out any assignments or projects. Ensure you carry out your research properly. Prior planning enables successful work!
Contact [email protected] for more information on training and travel to Kenya.
Photos: RPS Partnership Kenya