Nairobi Favorite Tips by greekcypriot Top 5 Page for this destination

WHY GO TO KENYA ??

Favorite thing: Many people wonder why Kenya is so interesting.
Have you ever counted the reasons that make you travel out there?

For me it was first a mission trip that I have always considered doing.
I wanted for years to have this opportunity and come here in Kenya and help the poor and orphans.

The environment with the many bird species like the beautiful flamingos. Its wildlife.The tribes which are so interesting.

The Great Migration which is considered to be one of the seven new wonders of the world.

To see how people live here and appreciate what we really have where we live.
Probably become better people after all these.

In all, Kenya is a beautiful country not to be missed.
For each one of us there might be different other reasons and we can end out to a great list.

Languages

Favorite thing: The language widely spoken here is English. There also another national language, Kiswahili. Both Languanges are taught throughout the country.

It's extremely useful for the traveller to have a working knowledge of Swahili, especially outside the urban areas and in remote parts of the country.

CLIMATE in Kenya

Favorite thing: July and August are the coolest months. Short rains between October and November.

The temperature reached the 23 degrees C while we were there and the locals felt cold which was something I could not believe!
Instead of rain there was drizzle in the mornings, and for me it was so beautiful.
For locals it was their winter!!

The 19 degrees C is the mean annual temperature in the capital of Kenya.
The seasons vary here and it is not actually the weather variations but the duration of rainfall that changes.

The long rains fall between April and June.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Favorite thing: In case you need some medical care you have to be aware that there is a possibility that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company.
In such cases you will have to pay cash after the treatment.
It is advisable to have cash with you, and in case of trouble I suggest that you get in touch with your county’s local representative or embassy.

To get compensation you have to be sure that you should contact a licensed medical person, so that you will get the proper documentation and receipts. Be sure before leaving your country that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers for repatriation to your home country.

Don't carry much money with you!

Favorite thing: When you are out especially to the Markets avoid having bank notes with you.

Carry the amount you think you will need, because you can very easily be robbed.

People in Kenya are in need of money and with the first opportunity they cannot resist.

Avoid driving at night!

Favorite thing: Roads in Kenya aren't very good. Potholes, road blocks, goats and people tend to get in the way of vehicles.

Avoid driving a car or riding a bus at night because potholes are difficult to see and so are other vehicles especially when they are missing their headlights, a fairly common occurrence.

If you are renting a car, keep the doors and windows locked while driving in the major cities. Car-jackings occur fairly regularly but may not end in violence as long as you comply with demands made.

Take time to meet ordinary local people !

Favorite thing: In general people are extremely friendly in Kenya and you will be humbled by their hospitality. But, there is real poverty in Kenya and you will soon realise that you are far richer and more fortunate than most local people you meet.

You will probably attract your fair share of souvenir hawkers and beggars, but try and take the time to meet ordinary people going about their day to day business too. The experience will be worth it. Don't be afraid to step out of that tour bus, just take some precautions.

Facts about Kenya

Favorite thing: Full name: The Republic of Kenya
Population: 39.8 million (UN, 2009)
Capital: Nairobi
Area: 582,646 sq km (224,961 sq miles)
Major languages: Swahili, English
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 54 years (men), 55 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Kenya shilling = 100 cents
Main exports: Tea, coffee, horticultural products, petroleum products
GNI per capita: US $770 (World Bank, 2008)
Internet domain: .ke
International dialling code: +254

Fondest memory: I had the pleasure to visit schools and talk with children, teachers and parents, and help some very poor families.

Welcoming Words

Favorite thing: Karibu Kenya! which means welcome to Kenya (this phrase will be used often especially when people are introduced to you by your host).

Locals normally shake hands and say JAMBO (this is a swahili word which means hello).

Kenyans are warm and friendly people and would go out of their way to make you feel welcome in their homes and its only kind to take with you a gift whenever you go to someones house for the first time.

They will appreciate anything!!

Salaries in Nairobi

Favorite thing: I give some examples below:
A salary of a primary school teacher in Nairobi starts on around $130 per month.

The government set minimum wage varies by location, age and skill level; the lowest urban minimum wage in 2008 was around 7,500 shillings ($93) per month, and the lowest agricultural minimum wage for unskilled employees was around 2,500 ($31) shillings per month, excluding housing allowance.

A normal office salary would be around 150 - 250 $ - more if someone works for an intternational company, considerably less for people doing unskilled labor. Of course, there is also a well off Kenyan middle upper class making a good deal of money.