March 2013- A group of Racers were robbed in the middle of the day. Don’t take big bags with you and keep your valuables in a safe place. Stay in groups of three or more and make sure there is a male with you.
February 2013- Two women racers were robbed by 4 men. They had a gun and took their backpacks. They were walking back to the hostel on a well lit path.
There are not many issues if you are with your contact or have Kenyans with you. Be careful in the matatus and stay together while you are travelling.
Safety in Nairobi, Kenya What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Ministry Summary
If you are looking for specific ministry information, please click on the link under the Ministry Partner Info section to visit that page.
Ministry Summary in Nairobi, Kenya Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Lodging
If you are looking for specific ministry information, please click on the link under the Ministry Partner Info section to visit that page.
Lodging in Nairobi, Kenya Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
Do NOT stay at Mkenya Backpackers with Nduku… http://www.mkenyacamp.com/ Nduku +254700362976 +254722541654 +254733350223 info@mkenyacamp.com ndukumwangi@hotmail.com That’s her information just so you can recognize it, but don’t use it ;). My dad and I stayed with her when we returned to Kenya after my World Race experience, and she tried to scam us for thousands of dollars before the Holy Spirit stepped in and stopped it. She’s not a trustworthy person, although she comes off as one. Just… don’t get involved. Try your hardest to stay elsewhere, please!
Mennonite Guest House Website: http://www.mghkenya.comEmail: mennoguest@mghkenya.comPhone: +254 0723-161935Address: PO Box 14646-00800, Nairobi, KenyaGreat lodging option while in the local Nairobi area. Best for coaches and staff passing through Nairobi. Great food and decent accommodations.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Nairobi, Kenya What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Comment
Transportation
David Waweru – He is a pastor that also runs a transportation business on the side. Has buses large enough for entire squads.
Phone – +254 720 563 408
Email – waboro09@yahoo.com
Transportation in Nairobi, Kenya What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
If traveling from Nairobi to most places in Kenya, I recommend Easy Coach. They have set prices that are posted at the station, so you know you aren’t getting the runaround or being overcharged. The buses were like charter buses and your bags can be stored under the bus. They had good security, fair prices, and decent comfort. Compared to the horror stories of transportation in Africa, this was like riding in luxury.
Medical
Nairobi hospital and St. Mary’s are both good.
Medical in Nairobi, Kenya Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
Comment
Communication
Avoid using Airtel. There have been problems in the past with them not working well.
Safaricom and Orange are better. Make sure to get your SIM card registered before you leave the store.
For internet: Safaricom sticks are cheaper, but Orange has cheaper airtime. Supposedly you can use Orange airtime on Safaricom sticks, but that is not certain.
Communication in Nairobi, Kenya Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Nduku at Mkenya Backpackers recommended internet sticks from Orange, so I followed her advice. Here are the prices I was quoted… Data: 1000 shillings: unlimited data for one week. Add this to your stick purchase. Sticks: 2000 shillings: internet (one user at a time) with a little data. 4000 shillings: stick (one user at a time) with one WEEK unlimited data bundle. 7000 shillings: wifi hotspot (supports 8 users at once) with one MONTH unlimited data. I bought the hotspot for 7000 since you would have purchase data for the other sticks, and once you add that in, the prices are about the same. They said the 4000 shilling stick operates on a faster/better network, but the 7000 stick worked pretty much everywhere I went including our campsite outside the Masai Mara reserves; in Butere where the houses don’t every have electricity; and with contacts in Kitale and Eldoret. Right now only 3 cities including Nairobi have 3G speeds. Every other place mentioned above had 2G coverage which is enough to make decent Skype voice calls (depending where you stand), sync email, and browse the internet. Others that bought Safaricom sticks seemed to have good experiences as well.
Financial
Financial in Nairobi, Kenya Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Comment
Translators
If you are looking for specific ministry information, please click on the link under the Ministry Partner Info section to visit that page.
Translators in Nairobi, Kenya List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
Comment
Off Days / Fun Activities
Junction mall- has a movie theater, wifi
Galleria mall- no movie theater, wifi
Be careful on your off-days bringing a lot of stuff because you won’t necessarily have someone looking out for you like during ministry days.
Off Days / Fun Activities in Nairobi, Kenya What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Nairobi, Kenya Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
Comment
Tips
People’s Opinions
Comment
Additional Info
Additional Info in Nairobi, Kenya Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?