General Information

Kenya is located on the eastern coast of Africa, right on the equator. It is a land of striking landscapes, ranging from snow-capped Mount Kenya to rich farmlands, barren deserts and tropical beaches. It borders Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan in the north, Uganda in the west, Tanzania in the south, and the Indian Ocean in the east. Kenya's capital city is Nairobi. Other major cities are Mombasa, the main port on the Indian Ocean and Kisumu on Lake Victoria. The eight provinces of Kenya range in geographical size from the small Nairobi Province to the much larger eastern and Rift Valley provinces. Kenya's national parks are wildlife, marine and botanical sanctuaries set aside to conserve their unique species and for educational and recreational enjoyment by Kenyans and tourists.

Time Zone

Kenya is GMT + 0200 hours and standard time +0300 UTC.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travelers over one year of age coming from countries where yellow fever may occur. Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru have been indicated as countries where yellow fever may occur, but no guarantees can be given that no certificates are required from other countries. Malaria risk exists throughout the year in Kenya, though there is little risk in Nairobi and the highlands.

Weather

Although Kenya lies astride the Equator, the Nairobi area and many other parts of the country enjoy a very pleasant and temperate climate throughout the year. Nairobi’s altitude is some 1,700 metres (5,450 feet) above sea level. The period of early May falls in the so-called “long rains” season in Nairobi. Rainfall is, however, generally confined to the evening hours, and the month average for May is approximately 200 mm (8 inches). It is pleasantly warm by day with sunny periods. Nights are cool. In May the average maximum temperature is 24°C and the average minimum temperature 16°C.

Electricity

240 Volts.

Official Language

The official languages of the Republic of Kenya are English and Kiswahili.

Currency

The official currency of the Republic of Kenya is the Kenya Shillings (Ksh). The current exchange rate vis-à-vis the US dollar stands at approximately Kshs.70.00 for one US dollar and Kshs. 90.00 for one Euro.

Credit cards

Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in the city.

Passport and Visas

All travellers arriving in Kenya must have a valid passport. Entry visas are required and participants are encouraged to obtain these from the Kenyan Embassies or High Commissions in their home countries prior to travelling to Kenya.   Delegates can also apply for visas on arrival into the country but will be required to show official evidence that they are attending the conference.  A fee of US$ 50 is charged for a visa.  Please note that visa fees cannot be waived for any individual.

Further information about Kenya Immigration Department requirements can be found on  www.immigration.go.ke.

In countries where there is no Kenyan Embassy or High Commission, the British Embassy or High Commission will generally represent Kenya, and be in a position to issue visas or give advice.
Download visa application form.
Information on visa requirements.