AIESEC KENYA

RECEPTION BOOKLET

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Dear Intern,

Congratulations on being matched as a Trainee to AIESEC Kenya!!

On behalf of the AIESEC Kenya MC, NST and LC, we take this opportunity to

welcome you to Kenya and wish you all the best in your preparation.

AIESEC Kenya Reception Booklet acts as a short guide and information book, giving

you a brief introduction to Kenya and how to get around, thus familiarizing you

with your future hosting country.

As you prepare yourself for your exchange and arriving in Kenya, we once again

wish you all the best of luck and hope that you will have an unforgettable time in

Kenya.

Karibu Kenya!!

Wei Na

Member Committee Vice President

Incoming Exchange (iGCDP)

AIESEC Kenya

Elavisa Maureen

National Delivery & Reception Manager

National Support Team

AIESEC Kenya

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Kenya

1.1 History and location of Kenya

1.2 Governance

1.3 Language and culture

1.4 Climate and Weather

1.5 Currency /Exchange Rate

2. Getting Ready

2.1 Visa application

2.2 Vaccinations/ Immunizations

2.3 Booking of flights

2.4 Travel / Health Insurance

2.5 Accommodation

2.6 Buddy

3. Arrival

3.1 Pick up

3.2 Telephone

3.3 Currency Exchange/ Banks

4. Getting around

4.1 Transport system

4.2 Traffic

4.3 Staying safe

4.4 Restaurants

5. Cost of living

6. Places to visit

6.1 Inside Nairobi

6.2 Outside Nairobi

7. Things to do

8. Trainees Responsibilities

9. AIESEC Kenya Responsibilities

10. Exchange Stories

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The Map of Kenya showing major towns and neighbouring nations. Left lower corner: The map of Africa showing location of Kenya.

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Nairobi, the Capital City of Nairobi as seen from on the top of Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC)

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1. INTRODUCTION TO KENYA 1.1 HISTORY AND LOCATION OF KENYA The Republic of Kenya is a country located in East African Region of the African Continent. It is the 47th largest country in the world. Kenya is bordered with Uganda to the West, Tanzania to the South, Somalia to the East, Ethiopia to the North , South Sudan to the North West and the Indian Ocean to the South East. The time zone is GMT+3 and the country calling code is +254 .A former British colony, Kenya gained its independence in December 12th 1963 and its first president was Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. With over 42 different tribes, Kenya represents a diverse population, also comprising of Indians, Arabs, Europeans and Somalis. Kenya prides itself as the economic hub of the East African Region and a destination that offers stability and refugee to various neighbouring nations. Kenya is a signatory to a number of regional and multinational treaties and conventions. One of the United Nations Headquarters’ (United Nations Environmental Programme UNEP) is located within Nairobi. The Big Five animals (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant) of Africa can be found in Kenya and in particular at the Maasai Mara, which is deemed as the Eight Wonder of the World because of the great wildebeest migration. 1.2 GOVERNANCE The system of leadership in Kenya is by way of presidency. The president of Kenya is voted in after every 5 years, with the latest General Elections having been held in 2013. The current President of Kenya is Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, son of the First President. 1.3 LANGUAGE AND CULTURE The National Language of Kenya is Kiswahili, which is a mixture of Arabic, Bantu and some Portuguese language. The Official Language is English. It is worth noting that most Kenyans speak both English and Kiswahili inter changeably. Kenya has over 42 different tribes namely Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kalenjin, Kamba, Meru,Embu, Kisii,Mijikenda, Maasai, Samburu, Taita etc. Each tribe has a separate mother tongue thus even increasing the number of languages spoken and the diverse cultures. Within the urban areas and amongst the youth, there is a street language that is quickly on the rise, known as sheng’ which is a mixture of Kiswahili, English and various mother tongues. According to the 2009 Population Census, Kenya has a population of 39Million and a vast majority are Christians, with a record of 83%. 1.4 CLIMATE AND WEATHER Kenya is a country located on the Equator and thus it is mostly sunny. It is highly advised to carry sunscreen as the heat in countries located on the equator is quite high. Kenya’s climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperature inland to arid in the north and northeast parts of the country. Kenya receives a great deal amount of sunshine every month and summer clothes are worn through out the year. The Great Rift Valley is also located in Kenya cutting across from Ethiopia to Tanzania.

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Though not sunny through out the year, there are different seasons to be anticipated. Whereas Kenya does not boast of spring, winter or summer, the weather does change and to most Kenyans, the season is cold, rainy or sunny. During the months of March to June it is usually the period of long rains; July and August is the cold season while as from October to December it is the short rains. However it is worth noting that the cold season in Kenya is not to be compared to the known winter seasons that snow and temperatures go below minus zero. During the cold season in Kenya, the temperatures never go below Five Degrees (5°), so it would be advisable to just carry warm clothes for the cold season. Winter coats are not that necessary. But do enjoy the summer and sunny weather 1.5 CURRENCY/EXCHANGE RATE The currency used in Kenya is the Kenya Shillings (KShs).

There are however local banks and foreign exchange bureaus that change foreign currency. It is mostly advised to carry money either in Dollars or Euros. The current exchange rate in Kenya is as follows: 1 US Dollar $ = KShs.86 1 Sterling Pound £ = KShs. 130 1 Euro € = KShs. 112 1 Norwegian Kroner = KShs. 15 1 Canadian Dollar = KShs. 83 100 Japanese Yen ¥ = KShs. 92 1 Chinese Yuan = KShs. 13 NB: These exchange rates are as given by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) as on March 7th 2013 and are subject to increase or decrease depending on the economy.

2. GETTING READY Now that you have been matched, there are a number of things that you should definitely prepare for your exchange to Kenya 2.1 Visa Applications Entry point to Kenya is mainly by air, with road being mostly used by neighbouring countries namely, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan. Entry by sea is also possible.

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If you are coming from Uganda and Tanzania, you will not require a visa as part of the East African Community Regulations. But for a large number of foreigners coming to Kenya, a visa is required. As a Trainee under AIESEC Kenya, it is advised that you apply or obtain a tourist visa which is valid for 3 months and can be extended at the Immigration Offices in Nairobi for approximately 20USD A Kenyan visa can either be obtained at the airport upon arrival or from the respective Kenyan embassies located in the Trainees home country. The visa fee is 50USD. As of July 2011, the new Visa rates are as follows: Single Journey Visa (SJV) - $50 Multiple Journey Visa (MJV) - $100 Transit Visa (TV) - $20 Referral Visa - $20 Citizens of the following countries need to have a visa prior to arrival in Kenya:

1. Afghanistan 2. Libya 3. Senegal 4. Azerbaijan 5. Lebanon 6. Somali 7. Armenia 8. Mali 9. Syria 10. Cameroon 11. North Korea 12. Tajikistan 13. Iraq 14. Eritrea 15. Stateless Persons

For those whose country does not appear in the list above, visas can be obtained at the Airport upon arrival. It is advisable to obtain the visa from the Kenyan Embassy/ High Commission in your country prior to departure.

***For more information http://www.immigration.co.ke 2.2 Vaccinations/ Immunizations For anyone travelling to Kenya (or if you plan to travel across East Africa) a yellow fever immunization is MANDATORY. The immunization is valid for 10 years and is to be presented at the airport upon arrival. Owing to the fact that Kenya has a tropical climate, the possibility of getting infected with Malaria is high. Thus, it is recommended that you start taking anti malaria tablets at least A MONTH before travelling. Even while in Kenya, it is recommended that you continue with the dosage especially if you intend to travel to the lake side and coastal regions.

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Other immunizations that are also necessary include:

- Typhoid - Hepatitis A - Hepatitis B

NB : Kindly be advised to consult your doctor as you prepare. 2.3 Booking of Flights As you book your flight, it is highly advised that you relay this information to the LC you have been matched to for purposes of planning for your pick ups. Even though AIESEC Kenya is responsible for Intern Pickups at the airport, it is strongly advised that you book a flight that land between 6am and 10pm. However, if your flight arrives between 10pm and 6am, you will still be picked up by the AIESEC Kenya Taxi Driver or a member of AIESEC Kenya as opposed to your Buddy or the LC ICX Team. But kindly note....you will be picked up. So relax!! The main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) which is located a few kilometres outside Nairobi. The other major airports include Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Eldoret. Wilson Airport located in Nairobi serves as an airport for small aircrafts. Major airlines that land at the airport include:

- Air Arabia - KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) - Kenya Airways (National Carrier of Kenya) - Emirates - Egypt Air - Qatar - Turkish Airlines - South African Airways - Ethiopian Airlines - Air France - Swiss Airlines

2.4 Travel/ Health Insurance It is strongly recommended that as you travel to Kenya; make sure you have travel/health insurance. Just in case an accident happens or an emergency occurs, a health insurance will be of help. The validity of travel/health insurances depends on your country as not all insurance companies are recognised in Kenya. Thus, kindly consult with the respective Kenyan Embassy to be guided effectively. 2.5 Accommodation AIESEC Kenya offers different accommodation options which greatly depend on the LC that you have been matched to.

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The three options available namely are

Intern House which ranges between KShs.15,000 to 17,000

Host Family which ranges between KShs. 5,000 to 8,000

Student Hostel Intern House is a house which accommodates up to 10 interns and offers you a chance to mingle with various cultures. Host Family as an accommodation option offers you a chance to live with a Kenyan Family, mostly with an AIESECer, or with the organization (TN taker) and to experience the Kenyan family setting. It is highly advised that if you intend to stay with a host family, such intentions should be communicated to the LC at least A MONTH before arrival for purposes of preparations. If you intend to stay with a host family, you will be expected to fill in an Expectation Form so that arrangements can be made to suit your preferences. With regards to Student Hostel, the charges are usually on a weekly basis or a monthly basis depending on the arrangements that the LC have with the hostel management. 2.6 Buddy AIESEC Kenya provides each Trainee with an AIESEC Buddy who is to be your main contact person at least TWO WEEKS before arrival. Your buddy is supposed to answer your questions and help you with your integration and introduction into the Kenyan culture and way of life. Upon your first days of arrival, your Buddy is expected to take you to your place of work and show you your way around until when you are confident to move around alone. At times, the Buddy might be unavailable to live up to the duties, so at times the Incoming Exchange Team (ICX) will assist where need be. If you still have not received an AIESEC Buddy, kindly relay this information to the LC you have been matched to.

3. ARRIVAL 3.1 Pick Up

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AIESEC Kenya, and as well the respective LC, is responsible for making sure that each Trainee that arrives in Kenya is duly picked up from the airport. Thus, do not be alarmed as you leave your home country. There will be someone at the other end to pick you up and welcome you into Kenya. It is usually the duty of the Buddy to pick up the Trainee at the airport Kindly remember to send your accurate flight details to your Buddy as well as the respective LC at least ONE WEEK in advance. To be on the safe side, do send a scanned copy of your travel itinerary to your buddy and the LC respectively. AIESEC Kenya shall not be held liable in instances where incorrect or inaccurate flight schedule are sent and the Trainee is failed to be picked up. Kindly note that Trainees are responsible for their airport pick up and the amount usually varies depending on the location of the intern house/ host family/ hostel. Usually the pick up fee ranges as from KShs. 1500 to 2000. AIESEC Kenya DOES NOT give free pick ups *** As you travel, you are kindly advised to AT LEAST have the contact of your Buddy or a member of the ICX Team from then LC which you have been matched to. *** For purposes of tracking and preparation for your pick ups and accommodation, kindly make sure you fill in this form AIESEC Kenya Intern Tracker Form https://docs.google.com/a/aiesec.net/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDQ1NjF1a2luMVJxQVBnOFhJUDhLNHc6MQ#gid=0 3.2 Telephone Upon being picked up at the airport, you will be expected to buy a local telephone card (SIM card) from the local mobile subscribers, namely Safaricom, Airtel, Yu and Orange. A SIM Card can cost up to KShs.200 and airtime of up to KShs.500 can even last two weeks depending on how much time you talk and the international calls you make. We strongly recommend that you come with a simple phone to Kenya and also you have the option of buying cheap phones in Nairobi.

3.3 Currency Exchange / Banks With a Visa Card or a Mater Card, you can access your bank account at any local ATMs that accept visa or master card.

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International Banks located in Kenya, but especially within Nairobi include Barclays Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Citi Bank and HSBC. Once you have withdrawn or exchanged the amount of money that you will need, it is advised that you avoid walking around with huge amounts of money.

4. GETTING AROUND 4.1 Transport System In Kenya, most of the public transport system is privately owned by individuals, thus the Government does not control the transport system. The most common form of transport system is “matatu”, a word which traces its history from the colonial era which means “thirty cents”. However, this reality has changed and the transport costs are even higher. Matatus are basically small minivans that have a sitting capacity of up to 14 people, while some larger matatus have a sitting capacity of 23 people. Matatus are deemed as being “small clubs/discos” as they are usually playing loud music, both local and international music.

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Other common form of transport system is buses, with the main bus companies being Kenya Bus Services (KBS), Citi Hoppa, Double M and City Shuttle. The bus companies, notably Citi Hoppa, have introduced the Beba Card System which allows a passenger to pay their transport by way of a card instead of cash. Taxis are also common but usually used late nights for purposes of security as the public transport system in Kenya does not operate for 24 hours. Most of the public transport systems are recognised by a yellow line striking through in the middle. According to the Kenyan traffic rules, we have the driver and conductor who take the transport money (fare) and issue you with a ticket (common in the buses). With regards to fare, the amount varies depending on the route thus there is no standard charge. The fares also increase or decrease and therefore are never constant. The common nature is for the buses/matatus to wait for all seats to be full before it can depart, thus, no matatu/bus ever leaves the stage even when one seat is empty.

In Kenya and in most parts of the cities and towns, there is no central bus station but each station serves different routes. Buses and matatus are recognised according to their numbers which indicate their route/ path for example: No.11 - South B No.46 – Hurlingham No.48 – Kileleshwa No. 12 – South C No.32 – Kibera It might seem confusing at the moment, but once you find your way and learn the city, it will all seem easy and understandable. There are also major bus companies and shuttles that daily travel outside Nairobi to other various towns. The price will usually vary depending on the season and the route/destination. Major bus companies that are recommended for travelling long distances include:

- Easy Coach - Queens Coach - Modern Coast/ Oxygen - Coast Bus/ Air - Mash Auto - Horizon - The Guardian - Tahmeed Coach - Spanish Coach

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As opposed to the European nature of cycling along streets, in Kenya most people prefer to use buses or matatus or their personal vehicles as opposed to cycling. You are invited to cycle in the streets but strongly advised to keep alert as the driving system in Kenya is keeping left and may lead to some confusion....especially for you as an intern. Motorbikes are also used as public form of transportation, commonly referred to as boda boda. Tuk tuks (three wheeled vehicles) are also common within most towns. 4.2 Traffic The traffic in urban areas can be quite annoying so be prepared of sitting still on the same spot for as long as over an hour. But you can be guaranteed of entertainment due to the local radio stations and music usually played. The traffic is usually worse during the rush hour times, just like any other urban city. In Kenya, we follow the British system of driving thus drivers drive on the right hand side and keep left. Generally, Kenyan motorists rarely follow traffic rules or traffic lights. So if a car actually stops at a traffic light and lets you cross....be thankful. Most of the traffic is controlled by traffic police who try to bring sanity to the roads. Most pedestrians are not strict observers of traffic rules and will usually cross whenever there is no car passing. It can be quite chaotic in the city and towns, so take heed of the “Look Right, Look Left and Look Right again” rule taught in school. Even though you will not get arrested in Kenya for “j-walking”, be cautious not to cross the roads while talking on your mobile phone as the city council officers are usually sharp eyed waiting to grab the law breaker. 4.3 Staying Safe Just like any other urban city, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and most towns are prone with crime and poverty. Such crimes, although some happen any time of the day, are more often at night. It is common for wallets to get stolen and phones snatched while in the matatu.....so be alert!! Avoid walking with a lot of money in your wallet and carrying your ATM card. Do carry a copy of your passport and Kenyan visa and leave your passport at home. If you decide to go out to party or stay out late night, it is highly advised you take a taxi. 4.4 Restaurants Nairobi offers a variety of restaurants with reflect the cultural diversity of Kenya itself. Most Kenyan restaurants also offer a variety of dished ranging from different ethnic tribes and also Somali and Ethiopian cuisines. Kenyans love a lot of meat so in most Kenyan restaurants it is typical to find meat. Notable restaurants found in Nairobi include:

- Trattoria , Italian Restaurant - Rayans Restaurant , Somali Restaurant - Campina and Asmara Restaurant , Ethiopian/Eritrean Restaurant - Fogo Caucho, Brazilian Restaurant - Carnivore, Kenyan Restaurant

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5. COST OF LIVING The cost of living can be expensive or as cheap as you want it to be. This booklet tries it best to break down an average cost of living which is dependant on the circumstances in Kenya as at the moment of writing. Transport - 2USD = KSH.200 (on a daily basis) Meals – 5USD =Ksh.500 Beers – 2USD = Ksh.200 Sodas/ Water – 1USD = Ksh.100 On average, a total of 130USD = Ksh.10,000 can be good to last a month. This cost of living however does not include safaris, hikes or party life which raises the cost of living.

6. PLACES TO VISIT 6.1 Inside Nairobi Within Nairobi, there are a number of sight seeing areas that are quite breathtaking and relaxing. The Nairobi night life is also energetic and Westlands, located in Nairobi, is deemed the clubbing area. Generally, Wednesday to Saturday are labelled as the best party nights and this mostly depends on the club and the DJ playing, who in most cases attracts the crowd. Beers and drinks are also usually on offers and one can buy a shot for as low as Ksh. 100 (1USD) and 2 Beers for the price of one. There is no entrance fee or gate charge in Kenyan clubs. However, if there is a special event or a live performance by a band, entry charges may be incurred. Places to visit within Nairobi will include:

- Nairobi National Park - Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC). Get a spectacular view of Nairobi from the top of KICC - The Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park - David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage - Giraffe Centre - Uhuru Park/ Central Park - Ostrich Farm

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6.2 Outside Nairobi When it comes to areas outside of Nairobi, the list is endless. Most of the places will include national parks as Kenya has over 60 national parks and the coastal region of Kenya which borders the Indian Ocean and has white sandy beaches and warm salty water. The places to visit outside Nairobi will include:

- Fourteen Falls located in Thika - Paradise Lost located in Kiambu - Great Rift Valley View Point - Mt. Longonot National Park, located in Naivasha - Mt. Kenya National Park, located in Central Province - Hells Gate National Park, located in Naivasha - Mt.Kilimanjaro, at the border between Kenya and Tanzania - Maasai Mara Game Reserve - River Sagana , famous for water rafting, bungee jumping and kayaking. - Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha National Park - Coastal beaches which include Mombasa, Diani, Lamu, Malindi and Watamu.

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A map showing the names and locations of national parks and game reserves.

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7. THINGS TO DO Nairobi prides itself as a centre of entertainment and events that attract performances from around the world and has a variety of upcoming and talented musicians. In Nairobi, social events are a common thing and such platforms give you a chance to interact with other Kenyans outside AIESEC and also sample how events go down in Nairobi. Notable events that happen in Nairobi all year round include:

- Blankets and Wine - Concours d’Élégance - Nairobi Fashion Market - Thursday Night Live - The Heineken Mingle

But in case you would like to get a feel of a normal daily life, there are activities that are mostly indoors and include:

- Cinemas for example IMAX, Century Cineplex and Starflix Cinemas - Bowling and miniature golf at the Village Market - Ice skating at the Panari Sky Centre - Paintball located along Ngong Road and Parklands

*** AIESEC Kenya mostly arranges events for interns and is usually posted on the Facebook Group. So kindly join the Facebook Group “Trainees in AIESEC Kenya” http://www.facebook.com/groups/aieseckenyatrainees/ and connect with other interns already in the country and arrange for things to do outside work and check out local events that give you opportunities to interact with the society.

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8. TRAINEES RESPONSIBILITIES As a Trainee preparing to come for exchange with AIESEC Kenya, there are a number of responsibilities that are placed on you which are largely drawn from the Exchange Program Policies (XPPs) which were drawn during the AIESEC International Presidents Meeting held in Mexico in 2011. The Trainee has a duty to:

1. Send all the relevant information required to the Hosting LC to finalize the match 2. Inform himself/herself about all the information related to the life conditions in the Hosting Country, either

by independent research or asking questions to the Hosting LC. 3. Keep the Hosting LC updated at least 1 WEEK about confirmation of flight details and visa process. 4. Attend a Cultural Preparation Seminar (CPS) or Outgoing Preparation Seminar (OPS) in his/her home country

that will serve as a platform for preparation. 5. Attend Trainee Preparation Seminar (TPS) in Kenya as the Hosting Entity.

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6. Perform all duties and responsibilities required under the respective Job Description and going to work faithfully.

7. Fulfil the internship duration (with the minimum duration being 6 weeks) 8. Duly express any grievances, challenges and complaints to the Hosting LC during the internship.(Kindly check

the NCB on the last page) NOTE:: As you pack....it will be great if you could bring something from your country e.g. flag, souvenirs, merchandise, drinks, food, music etc or anything that showcases your culture and you can present during one of the LC weekly meetings

9. AIESEC Kenya RESPONSIBILITIES The Hosting LC, an entity under AIESEC Kenya, has the duty to:

1. Provide the Intern with a Job Description that corresponds with the TN uploaded on myaiesec.net 2. Provide the Intern with a job that does not put the life of the Intern at risk 3. Send all relevant and necessary information and documents to the Intern to finalize the match and also

prepare the Intern for the exchange 4. Carry out the Intern Services which include Pick up, Accommodation provision, Kiswahili classes, Integration

into the country, allocating a buddy to the Intern and Integration of the Intern into AIESEC through hangouts and activities, either in or out of town.

5. Support and guide the Intern during the internship period 6. Keep in communication with the Intern and duly passing any relevant information to the Intern before and

during the internship. 7. Provide an avenue where the Intern can voice any complaints or grievances with regards to the internship

or any other matter related to the Hosting LC (Kindly check on the NCB on the last page )

Kiswahili Classes

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10. EXCHANGE STORIES AIESEC Kenya offers you an opportunity to interact with diverse cultures and a pool of numerous interns from different countries and background. AIESEC Kenya also offers you a platform to interact with the community at hands on and personal interaction.

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Below are a few exchange stories and pictures from our Interns. Get to read more stories of Interns from AIESEC Kenya in Africa in Me http://africainme.org/category/Kenya/

Loma from India

Claudia from Malta Nora from Germany

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Interns working in the same project Usama from Pakistan

Manasvini from Canada

Valentina from Venezuela Jochem from Netherlands

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Jen from China, Lauriane from France and Jascha from Switzerland

Jeanette from Netherlands and Luca from Italy

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Christina from Germany Lorenzo from Italy

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Yomna from Egypt

Arianne from Brazil Mesay from Ethiopia

Martha from Colombia

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If you have any complaints or facing any challenges with regards to any aspect of your internship/exchange, kindly send your complaints to the National

Control Board ncb.aieseckenya@gmail.com and you will receive a reply within 36 hours upon the Board receiving your complaint.

Such complaints and challenges shall be handled in utmost confidentiality and

the NCB shall seek to resolve the matter expeditiously and amicably.

For more information, kindly check out this wiki located in myaiesec.net http://www.myaiesec.net/content/viewwiki.do?contentid=10255824#show

Karibu Kenya!!

Welcome to Kenya!!!

Elavisa Maureen

National Reception & Delivery Coordinator

National Support Team (AIESEC Kenya)

Email: m.elavisa@aiesec.net Tel : + 254 711 510 531

Skype : maureen.elavisa

Facebook : Elavisa Maureen Ela