Travel to Kenya to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Kenya: table of content

INTRO ACTIVITIES STORIES ORGANIZATIONS SPOTLIGHT SEARCH TOPICS

Kenya

Intro

Backpacking in Kenya?
Traveling in Kenya?
Studying in Kenya?
Internships in Kenya?
Volunteering in Kenya?
Working in Kenya?
Working as a digital nomad in Kenya?
Living in Kenya?

Backpacking in Kenya?

In Kenya, one of the friendliest countries in Africa, you can expect a diverse and exciting experience. As a dream destination for many travelers, you will encounter many other backpackers, many wild animals, beautiful coral reefs, the Maasai and beautiful mountains.
Characteristics: friendly, stable, many backpackers, relatively easy to travel, the big 5 and a diversity of cultures. In Kenya, there is a lot to experience for anyone who has a week or a few months to spare.

Traveling in Kenya?

A trip through Kenya is a journey through an ancient culture with many modern influences. Enjoy nature on land and in the water and dance with the Maasai!
Spot cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Thika.
Spot activities: go on safari, enjoy relaxing beach holidays, climb the second highest mountain in Africa and visit local villages and communities. There are also beautiful golf courses and breathtaking balloon flights to experience.
Spot nature: climb Mt. Kenya, go on safari in Maasai Mara, Amboseli or Tsavo national park, spot flamingos in Lake Nakuru, go trekking in Hell's Gate National Park, take a canoe in Lake Victoria and dive or snorkel at Diani beach!
Spotting animals: over 1,000 bird species, the big five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), giraffe, wildebeest, hippos, baboons, Oryx and Grevy's zebra.

Studying in Kenya?

Education in Kenya: Kenya is home to some of the best universities in Africa. There are many educational institutions and courses to choose from.
Language: studies are offered in English.
Studies: there are a huge number of studies to choose from and popular study programs include sustainability, humanities, human rights, urbanization and social sciences.
Study cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret.
Language learning: English is widely spoken in Kenya. If you want to learn Swahili, you can do so at universities and language institutes or language centres.

Internships in Kenya?

Internships: Kenya has quickly become one of Africa's largest economic strongholds. The mix of total wilderness and a growing financial sector offers a variety of internship opportunities.
Internship cities: Nairobi, Mombasa,
Features: if you speak English well, there is no language barrier, one of the more accessible countries in Africa, opportunities in many different sectors and an international community.

Volunteering in Kenya?

Kenya is a popular country for volunteering in Africa. There is a particular need for volunteers in the areas of childcare, education, humanitarian aid, healthcare and conservation/restoration.
Wildlife/nature projects: in Kenya you will find coral protection projects, ecotourism projects, wildlife research projects and reforestation projects, all of which are open to volunteering.
Features: short and long-term volunteering is possible, but you often have to pay to do volunteer work.

Working in Kenya?

Jobs: there is work to be found in tourism, banking and IT, but also in NGOs and international development aid. If you are looking for temporary work, look at the tourism industry and nature research.
Work culture: in Kenya, your level of education is of great importance. Regardless of your work experience, your education is particularly taken into account. Titles and personal relationships are also very important. And something to get used to, and perhaps even to appreciate in Kenya - people take longer breaks and often start and end the working day later.
Characteristics: a lot of bureaucracy, an immersion in a completely different culture, important personal relationships and of course the “Swahili time”.

Working as a digital nomad in Kenya?

Favorite locations: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu
Characteristics: Kenya is becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads, there is good internet in the cities, less as soon as you go outside, sometimes power outages, a completely different culture and a cheap way of life.

Living in Kenya?

Language: Kenya has two national languages, Swahili and English.
Quality of life: In the big cities you will find many good facilities, but in rural areas the quality of life is considerably lower. Economic inequality remains a challenge and many Kenyans face poverty, food insecurity and access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
Characteristics: extremely bureaucratic, great diversity of living environments, significant climate differences per region, close-knit communities, varying access to health care and education.
Health care: in the cities you will find relatively good health care with modern facilities, in both public and private clinics. In rural areas there is (very) limited access to health centers and facilities. Make sure you understand your insurance, make sure it provides sufficient coverage for the right care and also repatriation in case of emergency.

Supporting content

Kenya Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Main content about Kenya on WorldSupporter

Kenya: Updates & Travel

What are typical Kenyan habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Kenya?

What are the customs in Kenya regarding food?

Because of the many different tribes and groups of people from Asia and Arab countries, among others, Kenya has a very diverse cuisine. For example, the Massai, pastoralists, eat a lot of meat and drink a lot of milk while the peoples living around Lake Queen Victoria eat mostly fish. Most meals in Kenya consist of ugali or potatoes accompanied by meat or fish and lots of vegetables.

What are the best recipes in Kenya?

Ugali which is a mixture of water, milk and corn flour.
Mandazi are a type of doughnut that many Kenyans absolutely love.
Kachumbari is spicy tomato sauce with meat.

What are the best drinks in Kenya?

Tea is served British-style with lots of sugar and milk.
Kenyans like warm beer.
Try to avoid locally distilled alcoholic beverages such as Busaa and Changaa. These drinks have caused a fair number of deaths due to the unsanitary conditions under which they are made.
Ginger Ale from Tangawizi is a locally brewed drink enjoyed by many Kenyans.

What are notable holidays and festivals in Kenya?

Kenyatta Day is on October 20. The holiday of Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta, is celebrated with parades throughout the country.
Jahmuri Day, or Independence Day, is celebrated on Dec. 12. In 1963 Kenya gained independence from England and in 1964 on this day Kenya became part of the Commonwealth. There are throughout the country, speeches, parades and celebrations with dancing and music.

What are the remarkable habits in Kenya?

Cultural customs: there are a huge number of cultures to be found in Kenya, and people identify strongly with their own ethnic group and its customs. Yet there is also a strong sense of national identity. General values found in Kenya are caring for neighbors and loved ones, strong family ties and modesty.
Social norms & mutual communication: greetings are important in both business and personal conversations, titles and formal forms of address are used to show respect, and non-verbal communication plays a big role!
Etiquettes & traditions: think politeness, respect, shaking hands with a slight head bow, hospitality towards guests, wearing traditional clothing on special occasions. Color and patterns may also be important here.
Eating and drinking habits: Meals are consumed together and it is polite to wait for the elder or host to start eating. Many Kenyans eat with their hands in the process.

What are some Kenian wisdoms and proverbs?

"Do not mistake a rained on lion for a cat."
- even if someone does not feel like hunting he can still kill
"Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it."
- wisdom is vast and collective; it requires the contributions of many to fully understand
"The strength of the crocodile is in the water."
- You are stronger in your environment than anywhere else
"One who is not disciplined by their mother will be disciplined by the world’
- If you are not taught at home, then you will learn it the hard way

Kenya: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters

Kenia: selectie van bijdragen van Wereldsupporters

Kenia: bijdragen over visumregels en visa aanvragen van Wereldsupporters

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Supporting content:

What are typical Kenyan habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Kenya?

What are the customs in Kenya regarding food?

Because of the many different tribes and groups of people from Asia and Arab countries, among others, Kenya has a very diverse cuisine. For example, the Massai, pastoralists, eat a lot of meat and drink a lot of milk while the peoples living around Lake Queen Victoria eat mostly fish. Most meals in Kenya consist of ugali or potatoes accompanied by meat or fish and lots of vegetables.

What are the best recipes in Kenya?

Ugali which is a mixture of water, milk and corn flour.
Mandazi are a type of doughnut that many Kenyans absolutely love.
Kachumbari is spicy tomato sauce with meat.

What are the best drinks in Kenya?

Tea is served British-style with lots of sugar and milk.
Kenyans like warm beer.
Try to avoid locally distilled alcoholic beverages such as Busaa and Changaa. These drinks have caused a fair number of deaths due to the unsanitary conditions under which they are made.
Ginger Ale from Tangawizi is a locally brewed drink enjoyed by many Kenyans.

What are notable holidays and festivals in Kenya?

Kenyatta Day is on October 20. The holiday of Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta, is celebrated with parades throughout the country.
Jahmuri Day, or Independence Day, is celebrated on Dec. 12. In 1963 Kenya gained independence from England and in 1964 on this day Kenya became part of the Commonwealth. There are throughout the country, speeches, parades and celebrations with dancing and music.

What are the remarkable habits in Kenya?

Cultural customs: there are a huge number of cultures to be found in Kenya, and people identify strongly with their own ethnic group and its customs. Yet there is also a strong sense of national identity. General values found in Kenya are caring for neighbors and loved ones, strong family ties and modesty.
Social norms & mutual communication: greetings are important in both business and personal conversations, titles and formal forms of address are used to show respect, and non-verbal communication plays a big role!
Etiquettes & traditions: think politeness, respect, shaking hands with a slight head bow, hospitality towards guests, wearing traditional clothing on special occasions. Color and patterns may also be important here.
Eating and drinking habits: Meals are consumed together and it is polite to wait for the elder or host to start eating. Many Kenyans eat with their hands in the process.

What are some Kenian wisdoms and proverbs?

"Do not mistake a rained on lion for a cat."
- even if someone does not feel like hunting he can still kill
"Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it."
- wisdom is vast and collective; it requires the contributions of many to fully understand
"The strength of the crocodile is in the water."
- You are stronger in your environment than anywhere else
"One who is not disciplined by their mother will be disciplined by the world’
- If you are not taught at home, then you will learn it the hard way

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Kenya: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters

Selected content about Kenya shared by WorldSupporters

Recipe: Kenyan chapati

Expat and emigration interviews: Living in Kenya to restore coral reefs - meet Peter Vodegel

Who is Peter?
What motivated you to emigrate to Kenya?
Covid...
Burn your bridges
Beautiful Kenya
Day to day life - a big challenge
Coral reef restoration project for and by local communities
Leaving...
A boost for my life - I would do it again in a heartbeat
Pole Pole - an easy misunderstanding
Happiness is made and not for sale
Word of thanks
Interested to help us?

Who is Peter?

Meet Peter. Peter is a biologist and nature conservationist who decided to dedicate the first few years of his career to saving coral reefs in Kenya.
He took a leap, gave up all his things in the Netherlands and left the country to find a new home.
Kenya warmed his heart, he set up a great project and after two years he returned home.
Read more about his story below in the interview below

What motivated you to emigrate to Kenya?

Several things motivated me to emigrate to Kenya. The main reason was what I was going to do there. I had been asked to help set up a coral reef restoration project. This did not come completely out of the blue because during my master's thesis in marine biology, I had already done research in Kenya on a similar project. So the request to help set up a second project came from the organization of that project, REEFolution. The choice was quickly made - and it helped that I already knew the country.

Covid...

In February 2020, three other marine biology graduates and I were supposed to go to Kenia to conduct a feasibility study for such a project at two sites. Then came covid... Our flights were canceled and we had no idea when we would be able to go again. The resorts that would house us for the study also closed and we could not go there. In September finally the moment came that we could tentatively fly again and the Swahili Beach Resort was willing to accommodate two marine biologists.

Burn your bridges

So... I left everything in the Netherlands, sold all my furniture, gave up rent, quit my job at Greenpeace and I got on the next flight. By burning my bridges there was no going back and I would do everything I could for the project.

Beautiful Kenya

Kenya is fantastic, the people are nice, it's warm, the beach is beautiful, the fruit is delicious. You can actually always be outside with monkeys and birds around you and you can always snorkel to see some beautiful sea life. It's a paradise. Unfortunately, it's also a paradise that is disappearing due to climate change and overfishing. So I had tremendous motivation to help preserve it.

Day to day life - a big challenge

In Kenya you really live from day to day, which is wonderful and peaceful on the one hand, but makes work sometimes difficult to plan. Because of this way of living, the mentality in Kenya is much more “why do it today if you can do it tomorrow,” which clashed tremendously with my own mentality of getting as much done in a day as possible. This was the biggest challenge for me, and in my opinion a big difference between the Dutch working mindset, and the Kenyan.

Coral reef restoration project for and by local communities

With Guido Paap and in collaboration with Swahili Beach Resort, Wageningen University, REEFolution and many volunteers, we set up Reefo divers Diani. A coral reef reclamation project and education dive base where we train local community members to become REEF Rangers. The REEF Rangers learn swimming, diving, giving presentations, ecology, coral reef restoration, coral and fish identification and even data collection. The intention is to eventually turn the project over to the local people.
On one of the photos you see me along with 4 locally trained REEF Rangers.

Leaving...

Finally with pain in my heart, I returned to the Netherlands after 2 years. My savings had run out and the promised funding was not forthcoming. We managed to raise some funds, but this covered training for the REEF Rangers and equipment. It didn't cover our own expenses. We also tried to generate income from the dive base with eco diving. But because of Covid, there was practically no tourism.
So eventually this led to the painful decision to move home for a more stable job.

A boost for my life - I would do it again in a heartbeat

I would do it again in a heartbeat and I recommend it to everyone. I learned more in these two years than during any course or study, and besides that, I had a fantastic time.

Pole Pole - an easy misunderstanding

Kenyans are super cheerful people and always up for a joke. A common misunderstanding came from the words “pole” meaning sorry and “pole pole” meaning calm down. Pole pole is therefore used quite often. But as a punctual and productivity-oriented Dutchman, I am more of the “araka raka” which means hurry up. So often when my Kenyan colleagues, the captain or REEF Rangers, said “pole pole” to me I would say “araka raka” in jest and they always had a good laugh about it. But one time the captain had made a mistake, so we couldn't dive that day and he said “pole pole pole” and I thought yeah hello nothing calm, I have to make up for the whole day now. So I said “araka raka” and then he looks at me funny and I him, until I realized that he said sorry 3x instead of calm down.

Happiness is made and not for sale

What inspired me enormously about Kenya is with how little people can be happy and how they still have time and a smile for you despite all the misery. Whereas in the Netherlands it is often a lot about individualism, money and consumption, in Kenya I saw how little that actually matters to be happy. At the same time, I saw in Kenya how they suffer from the consequences of our overconsumption and our search for “happiness” through money. Our consumption, CO2 emissions and mega-trawlers are endangering the future of their reefs. I wish I could impart that experience to every Westerner so that we can all live much happier and more sustainable lives.

Word of thanks

From the Netherlands I still support the project. In particular I would like to put Guido Paap in the spotlight, who has been volunteering most of his time to Reefo Divers Diani and educating local communities for over 4 years now. I would like to thank our Captain Ali and the REEF Rangers, the volunteers and our partners/sponsors.

Interested to help us?

Are you also interested in doing something for the ocean or do you want to learn how to restore coral reefs? You can learn this in Kenya, but we also have a partner in the Netherlands, Discovery Divers. They teach the same coral reef restoration course with which we train our REEF Rangers, and I usually help out one of the two course days. So this way I can still continue my work a little bit in the Netherlands.
Are you interested in the project, the course, or maybe you just have a question? Then contact me via linkedin.

Interview with Kenyan Nurse

This time something different than a traveldiary. Today I did an interview.

The lady left on the photo is Maya Koki Tabu. I've worked with her on the maternityward of Coptic Hospital for the past two weeks.
Maya is 24 years of age. This makes her almost the same age as me, because I'm 23!

Who is Maya?

As told above Maya is a lady of 24 years. She lives on her own in Nairobi. She is married since last year and she has a baby of nine months. She has three siblings. Two sisters, who are twins and a younger brother of 20 years. Her mother is still alive. She also lives in Nairobi. Her father past away 20 years ago, shortly after her brother was born. From that moment on her mother had to take care of her familiy on her own. Maya was the oldest of all the siblings, so inevitably a lot of the chores had to be done by Maya. She needed to help her mother raise her younger siblings. Sometimes Maya's mom stayed away during the day and the night, just to earn enough money for her and her children. This is also the reason Maya was able to participate in nursingschool. Maya's mom got a new boyfriend when Maya was 10 years, the man became her new stepdad. Maya told me her stepdad is an alcoholic and he used to hit her. Untill now he still drinks a lot of alcohol. This is the reason that Maya, at the age of eightteen, left her mother after High School. She started nursing school and finished it when she was 21 years.

Maya told me that nursing education takes about 3,5 years here in Kenya. If you want to aim for a bachelor degree, you have to study an additional 2,5 year. She works as a nurse for over three years now, of which 2,5 years she works here on the maternity ward of Coptic Hospital.

Funny fact! She delivered on the department she works. She choose to deliver here on purpose. The enviroment feels secure. She knows the nurses and knows what she can expect. Next to that, the hospital pays for the costs she makes while she is admitted. In here case an extra bonus.

Why did Maya choose to become a nurse?

Maya told me that she loves to work on the maternity ward. She choose to become a nurse, because as a nurse she can really mean something for the community. She tells me that is feels like a calling. 'God wants you to doe something good in your live as a mortal and I really felt attracted to this profession.' Being a nurse you have to be patient, loving, caring, quick and careful. These are words she can refer to as a person and to be honest I can refer to her as well reading these words. When I see Maya working, I see a hardworking, caring nurse with a passion for her profession. Other nurses told me they are very satisfied with the care she delivers. In Maya's family no one else chose to work as a nurse, this makes her unique.

What is the hardest part of being a nurse?

The nursing profession brings, unfortunatly, also in Kenia trouble. There are a few situations that Maya experiences as difficult. For example, a mother who is giving birth, is completely exhausted. This causes her to not participate. Maya tells me that in these situations she feels like she takes away the entire experience of delivering a baby. In these situations she needs to stand on a chair and push the baby out of the mother, litteraly! They call it 'fundal pressure'. A really nasty experience for the mother, but Maya tells me: 'For me as a nurse this is also a heavy experience, in case of giving fundal pressure you need use a lot of force.'

A different situation Maya experiences as emotional, is when she is busy for hours with a mother in labour. Than when the baby is born, the baby gives no signs of being alive. A score system they use in the hospital is APGAR. With this score you can score the color of the skin, the expression of the face and the awakeness of the baby. When this score is really low, it can happen that a baby needs to get extra oxygen and be stimulated in crying and breathing. In the worst case scenario a baby needs to be resassitated.

Maya tells me that this is the worst thing that can happen in her opinion. When a mother carries a child in her belly for 9 long months, you just can't imagine that it's dead with delivery. Maya told me she recently experienced this. When I ask her about this moment, tears start filling her eyes. I decided to stop the interview.

In closure, Maya tells me she can recommend this profession to everyone. There is a lot to experience and every day is different. When I hear her stories and compare them, I can really imagine this. The nursing profession here is so different from the Netherlands. They are trying their best and I know for sure, that they will be able to improve their health care massive if they keep doing what they are doing!

What do you think of your country health care system, what is special in your profession and what is your reason to keep performing your profession?

Making Kenyan Friends

So now I am back home after 10 weeks internship in Kenya. And I must say: what an experience!

I have learned and saw so much and I also have made many many friends. One of them is a girl Mildred, she is 22 years old, almost my age but her life is so completely different!

We worked together for a few days in the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and she asked how my weekend was. I was very excited and told her about all the fun things I did and then of course I asked her how her weekend was, if it was nice and what she did. And then she shocked me.

I talked with her about her life before, she works 6 days a week in the hospital from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening. Then after travelling 2 long hours back home she cooks (if she can afford some food) and after it goes directly to bed because she has to wake up in the morning very early.

I really hoped that she at least has some fun and relaxing in the weekend but I was wrong..

After finishing her shift on Saturday she travels all the way to her parents’ house where her mother has 5 other children. Her mum is sick and she can’t really take care of the kids anymore so Mildred takes over in the weekend. She cooks, cleans the house, does the dishes, wash the clothes and everything. Also she bathes the kids and helps them with their homework. When she is done she is so tired and goes to bed early. It is a really short night because the kids wake her up early in the morning and she has lots of work to do. The rest of the Sunday she stays in church from 11am up to 4pm, praying for a better life I guess. And after that the work continues. She finishes everything in the house and on Monday everything starts again. No fun, no joy nothing!

She is such a sweet girl and asked me all the time if I enjoyed my stay in Kenya. It’s heartbreaking that she is so nice to others and doesn’t care about her own life at all.

Then you understand how lucky you are growing up in a country like Holland, I am free to do whatever I want. I do have to work hard but I earn enough money to do some nice things as well and I only work 36 hours in a week instead off 54 hours.

At the day we were leaving I gave her some old clothes of mine and her reaction was priceless. She was so happy and thankful, she blessed me and my whole family and she said I would be the best nurse with a beautiful life and it made me so proud that I went to Kenya for an internship.

Travel diary of volunteering in Kenya - Arrival

“BEEP!” “BEEP!” The alarm pierces through my shallow sleep. Its face flashes a young hour and, having put my head to rest only 3 hours earlier, a little too soon for my liking. But admittedly I cannot pretend to care the slightest. Right now, rolling over and dosing off is not an option. My flight to Kenya is later this afternoon and I have a to-do list that would intimidate even the richest in time. Although I packed most of my luggage the night before, I still have considerable ways to go in stuffing my carryall. In the end everything comes together and Hein, Sibel & I make our way to Schiphol just in time for our Kenya-bound flight. My flicht schedule shows Amsterdam-Amman-Nairoibi, during which we are also joined by Maaike, a fellow volunteer who seems great fun. The first leg of the journey, a 5hr flight to Jordan’s capital, is comfortable, but largely spent deciphering the Arabic symbols on the seat in front of me. Amman’s airport, a dull whitewashed building, with tear-shaped window frames and scarfed airport saleswomen, turns out a short but boring wait. Part II of the flight, I’m told, will last approximately 5.5 hours. With the collection of African literature carried along and the private multi-media screen lodged in front of me, I don’t mind too much. I am placed next to a paunchy jolly Indian guy who has actually grown up in Kenya, but is now following his studies in the UK. We exchange some friendly jokes and I prod for some valuable pointers into the African ways. The conversation quickly turns to one of the things Kenya is best known for: safari. He quickly remarks: “You should check out the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania! It’s this huge crater with a watering hole smack in the middle, so all the animals inside are basically fucking trapped! So you’ll probably see, like, every animal in the world there!” I had been to the crater two years earlier, and his assertions were pretty accurate… Besides the crater I had seen most of East Africa’s well know safari parks. The only one still on my list was Tsavo West, not too far from Malindi, the coastal town that will be hosting us the coming weeks. Tsavo West is known for its “Man Eater’s Junction”. This too-appropriate of a name refers to a section of the Kenya-Uganda Railway, which was coined during its construction in 1898. According to the tale, up to 140 of the Indian workers were snatched and devoured by a legendary lion duo (given the names ghost and darkness), having found a strong liking for human flesh. As the legend has it, catching the two was not the easiest task and included several failed attempts at human bait, before the project manager himself, Lt. Col. J.H. Patterson, took down both beasts with a cage and four shots each. Tsavo is said to still contain these ‘man-eaters’, all with a testosterone overdose, little mane hair and an aggressive disposition. We will have to see if the trip allows for a visit! We arrive in East Africa’s flight hub, Jomo Kenyatta Airport, at the dodgy time of 3:00 AM. After the usual problematic visa arrangements and already having to buy off two airport employers we move on to the final flight, a small air-hop to Mombasa. After a short hour flight, with a small jerk of the tiny propellered bush plane and a huge jolt in my excitement, we start our descent towards the tiny airstrip below. My customized Africa iPod playlist on full blast, I stare out through the small oval window pane. Slowly the plump-bellied clouds disperse and reveal the African landscape, quickly materializing before my eyes. Below me, the seemingly enormous Kenyan coastal metropolis of Mombasa stretches out. As we decrease in altitude, the rough aerial view starts transforming into a detailed landscape, revealing the brick-red dirt roads, the open-roofed shantytowns and the countless tiny African figures bristling about below. My expected image of an Africa city has again been confirmed. Having retrieved my gorilla-sized duffel bag, stripped off most of my layered winter clothing and taken a small DEET shower, we delve head-first into the African scenery. As we walk out of the airport and are greeted by the bright sub-Saharan sun, we are approached by Everlyne, a young and friendly Kenyan woman. She turns out to be the one temporarily in charge of Kenya Xperience!, the guiding organization for the different volunteers. We follow her and the driver across the parking lot, until they come to a halt, point their fingers and say “jump in”. Before us stands a large bus. The vehicle looks magnificent, as if it drove here straight from a modern-day Livingstone expedition. A pseudo-colonial, fern-green and beige, open-flanked safari bus. Our mode of transport up to Kilifi, a coastal town, half-way up to our destination (Malindi), where we will undergo a one day training in Swahili and African customs. As we set off through the downtown area of Mombasa I am enraptured by what’s around, and eagerly take in these encounters with East Africa. The roads are bumpy and heavily pitted with potholes, the houses made of timber and clay or rough slabs of concrete. A sense of liveliness can be felt all around. Construction work seems ubiquitous and continuously ongoing on these roads. Sweaty bare-backed toilers are swinging picks at the road surface or sawing up big tablets of wood on the street-side. The roads themselves are crowded by matatus (the small local taxi-busses), jeeps, trolleys and rickety bikes, their hind rack stacked high with 2m piles of hay bales or bundles of firewood. Along the walkway, countless pedestrians can be seen, sauntering ahead in a comfortable tempo. Many of the women, wrapped in their kangas, balance immense barrels on their head, using their free hands to wave at familiar faces. On both sides of the long dirt road I am faced by endless rows of tiny shops, their colorful painted walls flaunting names of phone-companies and the products sold within. It surprises me that having driven for 40 minutes, I have not been able to spot a single white person among the crowds. This close to the airport, in the second biggest city of one of Africa’s biggest tourist destinations, not a single Westerner in sight. I figure that a white person is a lot more uncommon in these corners than I initially had thought. This theory is only confirmed by the scores of staring faces on the sidewalk, each face marked with either a puzzled blank expression or a big ear-to-ear smile and an arm stretched out before them. “Mzungu! Mzungu!” – “White man”, or, more literally, “one who wanders around aimlessly”. ————————————————————————————————- Kilifi is a nice town. The sun is fierce, but the people not so. The town’s pitted roads are bristling with Kenyans, all eyeing us curiously, but with a friendly demeanor. Having no tall buildings, Kilifi has no skyline, making it difficult to navigate without a map. Everlyne checks us into the local Peacock Hotel, leaving us for a short powernap before the scheduled ‘introductory/cultural training’. The eventual short crash course in Kiswahili and Kenyan manners is slightly wasted on my previous visits, but a half descent way to get back into the Kenyan way of things. We finish the short day with a walk around the town’s centre, a short visit to the local beach and a fantastic African dinner on top of one of the beautiful coastal cliffs, Tuskers, ugali and two hours of waiting included. Afterwards we head back to our hotel for some early rest before our journey up to our place of destination, our children’s orphanage in Malindi…

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Zet je in voor duurzame visserij als communicatie adviseur of beleidsmedewerker bij deze Afrikaanse maritieme duurzaamheid organisatie

Zet je in voor duurzame visserij als communicatie adviseur of beleidsmedewerker bij deze van origine Afrikaanse maritieme duurzaamheid organisatie.

Go on a tour or book an accommodation with a fair trade travel agent in Mombasa

Wordt vrijwilliger bij één van de vele korte projecten, zoals constructie van gebouwen, lesgeven, natuurbehoud, administratie en AIDS voorlichting geven.

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In het National Museum in Nairobi kwam ik na het bekijken van de collectie uit in het museumwinkeltje. Er werden verschillende souvenirs en ook kaarten verkocht. Een van de kaartenvakjes bestond uit kaarten gemaakt door Keniaanse vrouwen en meisjes die door middel van het verkopen van hun zelfgemaak...

So now I am back home after 10 weeks internship in Kenya. And I must say: what an experience! I have learned and saw so much and I also have made many many friends. One of them is a girl Mildred, she is 22 years old, almost my age but her life is so completely different! We worked togeth...

Hieronder is mijn tweede blogbericht te lezen, geschreven tijdens mijn verblijf in Kenia. Zo krijg je een betere indruk van mijn belevenissen en gedachten daar! Hier alweer het tweede berichtje vanuit Nairobi. Vanochtend zijn we om 6 uur opgestaan, ‘ lekker’ koud gedoucht en na een stevi...

Hallo allemaal, Dit zal mijn laatste blog zijn in kenia ! Vanavond vertrek ik om 22.40 naar Amsterdam. Ik zal dan vroeg in de ochtend om 05.10 landen op Schiphol. Vorige week woensdag zijn we in de avond vertrokken naar Mombasa. We hadden wat vertraging maar na 45 minuten vliegen waren we in h...

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The Oliver Ridley Project is a charity that focusses on protecting sea turtles. on four project locations they educate local people, rescue injured turtles, cleaning the ocean from fishing nets, and do scientific research to better understand the life and needs of healthy sea turtle populations...

Tracking Traces is a travel agent that operates on Fairtrade base, and is situated in Mombasa, Kenya.

Doingoood is een stichting die vrijwilligerswerk, stages en reizen in Afrika organiseert voor jong en oud. De stichting heeft projecten in verschillende landen en biedt daarnaast ook begeleiding voor en tijdens je avontuur.

Fair2 bestaat uit Fair2travel, Fair2do, Fair2work en Fair2biz. Gezamenlijk focust de organisatie zich op duurzaam reizen, vrijwilligerswerk en sociaal ondernemen.

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SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

SPOTLIGHT

On our group tour through Kenya and Tanzania we had a local cook, driver and guide. I can tell you their stories about how they had to wait for sunbathing lions under the van, a zebra kill next to their tents or the fear they felt when they heard a lion roar for the first time. But it was much more ...

This time something different than a traveldiary. Today I did an interview. The lady left on the photo is Maya Koki Tabu. I've worked with her on the maternityward of Coptic Hospital for the past two weeks. Maya is 24 years of age. This makes her almost the same age as me, because I'm 23! Who is May...

FAVORITES

Add the flower, salt and if wanted 2 tablespoons of sugar to a big mixing bowl
Stir the dry ingredients
Add a fair amount, say 200 milliliters of the water to the bowl
Mix the water and the dry ingredients with hand of with doughmixer
Mix and add water un...

Mijn eerste ervaring in Kenia! 3 maanden lang ben ik met twee andere studie genoten naar dit prachtige afrikaanse land geweest. Bekijk mijn profiel om mijn ervaringen te lezen en mijn foto's te bekijken.

Safety and insurances in Kenya

How does the healthcare system work in Kenya, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the health and healthcare system work in Kenya?
How does the public healthcare system work in Kenya?
How does the private healthcare system work in Kenya?
How is the general practitioner arranged in Kenya?
How is the dentist arranged in Kenya?
How is the pregnancy care arranged in Kenya?
How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Kenya?
Which work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Kenya?
What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Kenya if you are going to live there for a while?

How does the health and healthcare system work in Kenya?

Kenya's healthcare system is evolving, and while the quality of care in urban areas is reasonable, challenges remain in rural areas. For many emigrants, care is not of sufficient quality.
As an emigrant, you can access both public, and private healthcare options.
The best care can be found at private institutions, especially in large cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa.
For some treatments, expats go abroad (for example, to South Africa). To cover this type of medical evacuation, good private health insurance is very important.
KEMSA (Kenya Medical Supplies Authority) is the government organization that runs pharmacies throughout the country. You can go to these kinds of pharmacies for basic care, which is often given by nurses.
Can't the nurses help you? Then you are referred to a medical center. And again, can't they help you there? Then you go to the hospital. Usually, however, foreigners do not use this public system because they can get better and faster care at private clinics.
In Kenya, you have to be careful with fake medication. It's better to go to a large pharmacy affiliated with a hospital, rather than one of the many cheaper pharmacies you see all along the road.
Call 999 for emergency services in Kenya

How does the public healthcare system work in Kenya?

Public healthcare is largely administered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), to which residents (including emigrants with work visas) pay a contribution.
For NHIF participants, basic care is inexpensive or even free. However, for more complex treatments, patients sometimes have to pay extra or switch to private care.
Quality in public hospitals varies. In urban areas such as Nairobi, there are reasonable facilities, but rural areas can lack basic services and medicines.
English is often the language of communication in public hospitals.

How does the private healthcare system work in Kenya?

Private healthcare in Kenya is generally of high quality and popular among people moving to Kenya. Private clinics and hospitals such as Aga Khan University Hospital and Nairobi Hospital offer advanced treatments and shorter waiting times.
Private care is significantly more expensive than public care, so proper insurance is very important.
Expats often choose private care because of better facilities, reliability and faster treatment.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Kenya?

There are general practitioners in Kenya, but not many. The best chance you have is with private medical facilities.
Be aware that there are also many doctors who are focused on money - which can lead to unnecessary tests and procedures and avoiding referring patients when it is actually medically necessary.

How is the dentist arranged in Kenya?

Dental care is offered mainly through private practices, although public hospitals sometimes provide basic services.
Dental care in Kenya is generally of good quality, especially in urban private clinics.

How is the pregnancy care arranged in Kenya?

Most expectant mothers opt for private health care with English-speaking doctors. Your best bet is to talk to other expats, or check forums to find a good doctor for your pregnancy.
You will generally find the best doctors and facilities in Nairobi.
In private hospitals and clinics, prenatal care is comparable to the West. In public institutions, facilities and care are often limited.
Most deliveries take place in hospitals. Home births occur in rural areas, but this often carries more risks.
Cesarean sections are fairly common in private hospitals in Kenya. So discuss your wishes carefully with your doctor.
Although maternal and infant mortality rates are declining in urban areas, they remain high in remote areas because of limited access to care.
Breastfeeding is the norm in Kenya and it happens everywhere in public.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Kenya?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Kenya?

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common in urban areas.
Violent crime is common, especially in certain neighborhoods of Nairobi and Mombasa. So don't walk the streets alone in remote areas.
Not even in daylight!
Be vigilant with your belongings, avoid using cabs on the streets (use apps like Bolt or Uber), and don't go out alone after sunset.
Political protests and election periods can lead to unrest. So be careful during these types of events and keep an eye on the security advisories!
There is also a chance of terrorist attacks, including at tourist and entertainment spots.
Kidnapping with a terrorist motive also occurs, especially on the border with Somalia and in coastal areas.
Beware of scams involving fake police officers or security guards. This makes it easy for them to steal your belongings.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Kenya?

There are several diseases that pose health risks, including malaria, dengue and yellow fever.
In higher altitude areas, such as Mount Kenya, you are also at risk of altitude sickness. In addition, heat can be a problem.
It is better to avoid tap water.

What should you pay attention to in terms of traffic in Kenya?

In urban areas, roads are reasonably well maintained, but in rural areas they can be poor, especially during the rainy season.
Traffic in Kenya can be chaotic, with little respect for traffic rules. Driving after sunset is not recommended due to poorly lit roads and robberies. There is also a higher risk of car robberies on Airport South Road and Jogoo Road, among others.
Matatu (minivans) and boda-bodas (motorcycle cabs) are popular but notoriously unsafe.
Rather, use cab apps or private drivers.
Domestic flights are an efficient and safe way to travel longer distances.

Which work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Kenya?

Is the trip to Kenya and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Kenya if you are going to live there for a while?

While it is not mandatory to have your own health insurance, it is highly recommended. Medical costs can be high because it can be almost as expensive as in the West and sometimes emergency care or medical evacuation is required. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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Supporting Content:

Kenia: selectie van bijdragen van Wereldsupporters

Selectie van bijdragen van Wereldsupporters over en uit Kenia

Recept: Keniaanse Samosa's recept

Recept: Chapati!!

Volunteering Kenya

Back to Kenya!<3

Kwahri Kenya!

Hallo allemaal,

Dit zal mijn laatste blog zijn in kenia ! Vanavond vertrek ik om 22.40 naar Amsterdam. Ik zal dan vroeg in de ochtend om 05.10 landen op Schiphol.

Vorige week woensdag zijn we in de avond vertrokken naar Mombasa. We hadden wat vertraging maar na 45 minuten vliegen waren we in het heerlijke kustplaatsje. Meteen bij het uitstappen van het vliegtuig merkte je de temperatuur verschil duidelijk. In Mombasa is het een stuk warmer dan in Nairobi. De temperatuur ligt zo een 10 graden hoger. Het was lekker tropisch warm. We namen de city shuttle naar het centrum van Mombasa in een hotel , hier hadden we afgesproken met de nicht van Diana die ons zou komen ophalen. Bij haar familie zouden we onze eerste nacht in Mombasa spenderen. Aangekomen bij het hotel moesten we even wachten en na ongeveer 30 min kwam de nicht genaamd Esther het hotel binnen lopen. Ze was met haar vader met de auto gekomen om ons op te halen. Ze waren allebei erg aardig en super gastvrij. Het was al donker toen wij bij het huis aankwamen. We kwamen binnen in een klein appartement. Het zag er oud uit maar ze hebben het leuk aangekleed. Een beetje oudbollig naar mijn smaak maar goed. De een na de ander stelde zich voor in totaal waren we nu met 12 mensen in het huis. En toen begon ik mij toch een beetje af te vragen waar deze mensen allemaal sliepen. Zou er nog een groot slaapdeel aan het appartement zitten ? of heb ik een paar kamers over het hoofd gezien? Na het eten bonen met rijst werden we naar onze slaapkamer gebracht. Oh dacht ik dot valt wel mee ! Er stonden 4 bedden waarvan 1 stapelbed het was erg krap maar goed. Dus we konden allemaal in een eigen bed slapen heerlijk dacht ik. Nou dit bleek dus niet zo te zijn. Alle vrouwen sliepen op een kamer! We sliepen met 6 vrouwen op 1 kleine, klamme,warme en vol met muggen kamer. Ik heb denk ik in mijn hele leven niet zo een vreselijke nacht gehad. We gingen redelijk laat slapen rond een uurtje of 00.30 en om 04.30 begon de man des huizes zich lekker te wassen en alles is super gehorig. En rond 05.00 begon de moskee te jammeren en gingen er allerlei wekkers in de kamer af. Ik kon wel janken, de hitte en de muggen waren nog het minste probleem. Na ongeveer een nacht rust op planken van 4 a 5 uur was ik helemaal gesloopt. Er is geen stromend water in het huis dus het hele huis staat vol met water tonnen het wc was een gat in de grond en de keuken was nog ranziger dan her toilet. Ik moest en zal hier zo snel mogelijk weg komen. Dus we gingen naar het strand. We gingen naar een private beach in Mombasa en dit was echt prachtig het maakte alles goed. Het prachtig witte strand met blauwe heldere zee was super om te zien. Het hele strand was voor ons zelf. Hier hebben we de hele dag doorgenomen. Ook een cocosnoot sap besteld, dit zou wel even duren wat hij moest nog uit de boom gehaald worden. Hoe vers wil je het hebben. De man klom in de boom en met een hakmes hakte hij de cocosnoot open en genoten we van het heerlijke verse sap. Het is echt prachtig in Mombasa alleen is erg geen toerist te vinden alle hotels en resorts zijn bijna helemaal leeg. Dit komt door de aanslagen die er een tijd geleden zijn geweest niemand wil hier meer heen. Gelukkig heb ik er niks van gemerkt en hadden we lekker het strand voor ons zelf.

In de avond zou Diana aankomen in Mombasa om deze week verder met ons te spenderen, nu wisten wij wel waarom ze een dag later kwam, die dacht vast no way dat ik in dat huis ga slapen. Wij wilde alleen zo snel mogelijk weg uit dat huis dus bij terug komst zeiden we dat we om 17.00 zouden opgehaald worden bij het hotel. Esther wees ons de weg en wij waren om 17.00 bij het hotel. Alleen zou Diana pas om 20.30 landen wij hebben dus zo een 4 uur in de lobby van het hotel gezeten omdat we dat huis niet meer in wilde. Achja de tijd ging erg langzaam maar alles beter dan in dat huis zitten zweten.

In de avond toen Diana aangekomen was zijn we eest ergens gaan eten en daarna naar een vriendin van Diana gegaan. Beth de vriendin van Diana woont net een stukje uit Mombasa. Diana wilde niks vertellen over het verblijf wat ik erg vervelend vond want ik wilde graag een keer goed slapen. Bij aankomst kon ik niet stoppen met lachen Beth verhuurt het appartement naast haar appartement en het was prachtig in mijn ogen. Huiskamertje, keukentje wc, douche en eigen slaapkamer. Hannah en Stephanie deelde een kamer en ik had er een voor mijzelf. Heerlijk heb ik die nacht geslapen met een ventilatortje op me hoofd. Er was alleen geen stromend water maar hier kon ik wel mee leven. Dit is blijkbaar een probleem die in heel Mombasa afspeelt.

De volgende dag had ik ontzettend veel pijn over me hele lichaam duidelijk verbrand. Ik heb me wel 5 keer ingesmeerd gister maar die zon hier is gewoon te vel. Vandaag was dus een bh loze dag want het deed veel te veel pijn die bandjes. Diana kon er wel om lachen nou ik wat minder. We hadden een reis naar malindi geplant. Dit is aan de noordkust van kenia en zo een 3!uur in de matatu. Dit was echt slopend. We zouden spullen gaan doneren aan kinderen daar van een basisschool ik was erg blij om de gezichten van de kinderen te zien toen ze hoorde dat ze allemaal spullen kregen. De kinderen hadden een dans voor ons gerepeteerd en dit was erg leuk om te zien. De school is gebouwd op een soort binnenplaats. De klas lokalen zijn van houten planken gemaakt en als het regend zijn alle kinderen nat want alles is gewoon open. 90% van de kinderen op deze school zijn wees. En wonen bij familie of vrienden dit was erg zielig om te horen maar waren we blij dat we iets voor ze konden betekenen. We zijn ongeveer 1.5 u in Malindi geweest en toen weer terug naar Mombasa gegaan. De matatu begin ik steeds minder te waarderen, ik verlang naar de conexxion bussen.

In de avond zijn we naar een halloween party geweest en in tijde ben ik niet naar zo een leuk kinder feestje geweest. Het bleek gericht te zijn op kinderen en was echt vreselijk. Een meevaller was dat een halve liter bier maar 1.80€ was... Kom maar door met dat bier dan. Na dat we bijna twee uur daar hebben gezeten vertelde we Diana dat dit echt niet ons soort feestje was. Diana overlegde met Beth en haar vriendinnen en we besloten naar een andere tent te gaan. Dit was veel leuker. De draaide op zich wel ok muziek en het was gewoon een leuke club. Hier hebben we nog een drankje gedaan maar uiteindelijk zijn we rond 02.00 op huis aan gegaan. We hadden een erg lange dag achter de boeg gehad.

Op zaterdag zijn we naar het strand gegaan met Diana ook dit was een heerlijks strand. Een paar jongens wilde graag met ons op de foto na veel aandringen hebben Stephanie en ik een paar kiekjes met ze gemaakt. Hiervoor wilde ze ons graag wat aanbieden een ritje op een kameel. Er lopen hier op het strand mensen met kamelen rond en dan kan je een kamelen ritje maken. Dit vonden Stephanie en ik wel een goed plan. Wij gingen hoppa op de kameel zitten en Diana maakte wat foto's. Ondertussen waren de jongens flink aan het onderhandelen over de prijs en konden ze niet op een goed bedrag komen. Ik kon daar wel op lachen, we stapte de kameel af en liepen terug. Toch op een kameel gezeten hahaha! Na nog een paar dipjes in het water zijn we weer terug naar het appartement gegaan. Het was een heerlijke dag en de hebben de dag op het strand in de schaduw doorgebracht. Dit was een erg verstandige keuze dacht ik zo. Morgen vroeg zouden we naar de zuid kust reizen naar shimoni en oversteken naar Wasini eiland.

Helaas was zondag een enorm regenachtige dag. Het waren flinke tropische regen buien en het ging maar door. Daarom zijn we pas in de middag vertrokken naar Shimoni. Alle straten waren onder gelopen met water. We moesten onze schoenen uitdoen want het water kwam tot aan je enkels. Koffers de lucht in dus. Toen gingen we met de ferry naar de overkant van Mombasa. Mombasa is een soort van eilandje en daarom moesten we met een enorme pont. Hier kunnen ook allemaal auto's op. Toen we eenmaal over gestoken waren stapte we een bus in. Voor 250 shilling zo een 2.30€ zat je 3 uur in de bus naar Shimoni. Shimoni ligt vlak aan de grens van Tanzania en het is hier ontzettend mooi. Helaas kwamen wij aan op een regenachtige dag dus van al dat pracht en praal was weinig te zien. Eenmaal in shimoni namen we een klein kano bootje MET motor dat gelukkig wel. Gepropt met 6 andere staken we het water over naar het eiland. De regen begon weer dus we waren helemaal zeik nat toen we an de overkant aankwamen. We moesten nog een stuk lopen over het strand en door het drop om bij het huis aan te komen. En het huis wat ik eigenlijk wel verwacht had was ook erg primitief. Op ze een eiland geen stomend water en weinig ligt. Ik sliep met Diana samen in een bed. Voor ik ging slapen zag ik al een enorme spin en was ik doodsbang. Stiekem was ik dus wel blij met Diana naast me. Het matras was weer eens flinterdun dus helaas geen goede nachtrust de regen hield aan tot in de ochtend. En omdat de mensen hier daken hebben van metaal hoor je de regen erg goed. Het was een enorm kabaal!

Volgende dag (maandag) voelde ik me weer eens ontzettend belabberd. Gelukkig was de regen gestopt. We gingen ontbijten en voor dat je je bed uit was liep het zweet al over je rug. Ik snap niet hoe mensen in dit klimaat kunnen wonen zonder airco of ventilator. Vandaag zouden we gaan snorkelen en hier had ik me erg op verheugd. Echt prachtig is het water/ strand hier. Het water is zo helder dat je de bodem gewoon kan zien al is het 10 meter diep! We hebben mooie vissen gezien en krabbelen van alle formaten. De natuur hier is echt onvoorstelbaar een soort van paradijs! We gingen terug voor de lunch en hebben heerlijk gegeten. Na de lunch waren we allemaal best moe. Ik heb wel een uur geslapen ondanks de hitte. Aan het eind van de middag hebben we met onze personal guard/ gids een strand wandeling gemaakt. Deze meneer was altijd bij ons en deed alles wat wij wilde doen. In het begin was het een beetje vreemd maar uiteindelijk ook wel prettig iemand die je alle slaat zien. We hebben een stuk van het dorp gezien en langs de kust gelopen hier hebben we vissers mannetjes gezien en de zon onder zien gaan echt prachtig op zo een eiland.

Diana was vandaag weggegaan zou nu had ik een bed voor mij alleen. Alleen hoorde ik wat in mijn kamer lopen en mijn lichaam verstijfde ik dacht oh god oh nee wat nou weer. Na een paar minuten had ik de moet verzameld om Stephanie te roepen. Alle kamers zijn niet afgesloten van elkaar dus je je hoort elkaar overal. Stephanie kwam haar bed uit gestrompeld en vroeg wat er aan de hand was. Ik vroeg of ze het licht aan wilde doen en zag toen een enorme ! Kakkerlak gatverdamme wat vies. Gelukkig heeft Stephanie hem voor mij weggehaald. Hiervoor ben ik haar eeuwig dankbaar!!

Op dinsdag zijn we een wandeling gaan maken. We gingen van het ene uiterste naar het ander uiterste van het eiland lopen. Het was een erg mooie wandeling langs een mangrovebos echt prachtig. Het enige waar ik mij ontzettend aan stoorde en wat ik echt vreselijk vind is de hoeveelheid plastic er overal wel niet ligt. Langs de gehele kustlijn van het eiland ligt een ongelofelijke hoeveelheid plastic. Niemand die hier wat om geeft of die het opruimt. Ze gooien er gewoon nog wat plastic bij en geven er totaal niet om.

Halverwege de wandeling is onze gids in een boom geklommen om hier wat cocosnoten uit te halen. Die hebben we in het volgende dorp open gemaakt en opgedronken. Aan het eind van de wandeling waren we kapot door de hete zon er is hier gewoon niet tegen op te smeren. Onze gids belde naar de andere kant van het eiland en er kwam een bootje ons ophalen. Weer hadden we een heerlijke lunch gehad. In de middag zijn we nog even naar het strand gelopen om een duik te nemen. Het was gewoon te warm om ook nog maar iets te doen. Er waren veel kinderen aan het zwemmen die ons graag wilde aanraken en even met ons wilde kletsen. Even is het wel leuk maar op een geven moment word het irritant. Na een uurtje ofzo zijn we terug gegaan en hebben we avond gegeten. Mijn rug is bu behoorlijk aan het vervellen en heeft een heel mooi kleuren patroon van licht naar donker op het moment. Door het verbranden laat me vel nu los. Beetje jammer maar gelukkig alleen mij rug.

We zij vroeg naar bed gegaan omdat we de volgende dag vroeg op moeten. We moesten voor 07.00 aan de overkant bij Shimoni zijn om de bus te halen. We hadden een vlucht om 11.25 vanuit Mombasa dus we moesten snel zijn.

Volgende dag hebben we dus snel alle spullen ingepakt en met de kano terug gevaren. Bij de matatu namen we afscheid van de mensen. We hebben weer 3 uur in de bus gezeten en waren as om 09.30 in Mombasa. Weer moesten we met die pont over en het duurde wel een eeuwigheid. We stapte in de tuctuc richting het hotel en namen daar een taxi. Het ging erom spannen want we hadden nog maar 10 min voor dat de balie dicht ging om in te checken. We waren net op het nippertje op tijd. En konden zo het vliegtuig in lopen. Binnen een uurtje waren we weer in Nairbi en hier was het heeerlijk koel.

Gister avond zijn we nog uiteten gegaan met onze host mama en Charlene ons zusje. Het was erg gezellig maar vandaag gaan we toch echt naar huis. Alle spullen zijn ingepakt en ik kan niet wachten om weer lekker thuis te zijn. Alleen het heerlijke weer hier ga ik toch echt wel missen.

Voor nu was dit mijn laatste reisverslag. Ik heb een geweldige ervaring gehad hier in Kenia om nooit te vergeten. Ik heb veel mensen mogen ontmoeten en hier ben ik erg dankbaar voor. Ik waardeer mij leven in Nederland heel erg en alle relaties die ik daar heb. Maandag begint school weer dus beetje bijkomen zit er helaas niet in.

Tot in Nederland !!

Kus kamila

Mijn avonturen in Kenia

Kenia, vrijwilligerswerk en stage in Coptic Hospital

Kenia: bijdragen over visumregels en visa aanvragen van Wereldsupporters

Kenya Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Kenia: bijdragen over visumregels en visa aanvragen van Wereldsupporters

Selectie van bijdragen van Wereldsupporters over visa voor Kenia

Welk visum regelen voor een reis, werk of vrijwilligerswerk naar Kenia?

Toeristenvisum

Een toeristenvisum is verplicht voor Kenia. Het is verplicht om dit visum van tevoren online aan te vragen, en dit e-visum kan je dan uitgeprint meenemen naar het vliegveld samen met details over je reis (hotelboeking enz.). Als je onder de 16 jaar bent heb je geen e-visum nodig om naar Kenia te gaan. Het toeristenvisum is geldig voor een verblijf tot 90 dagen. Verlenging kan met nog eens 90 dagen tot een verblijf van 180 dagen bij één van de immigratiebureaus. Een returnticket is verplicht maar hier wordt bijna nooit naar gevraagd. Vraag wel even na bij je vliegmaatschappij of je mee mag zonder returnticket.

Wil je ook naar Rwanda of Oeganda? Dan is er ook een East-African Visum dat je via de Keniaanse ambassade aan kunt vragen. Dit visum is geldig in Rwanda, Oeganda en Kenia tot een maximum van 90 dagen. Je hebt hiervoor een geldig paspoort nodig dat bij de aanvraag minstens nog zes maanden geldig is. Dit visum kan niet worden verlengd.

Werkvisum
Kenia heeft regels, die het aanvragen een werkvisum een stuk moeilijker maken. Er is een leeftijds- en inkomensdrempel ingesteld. Hiermee proberen ze te voorkomen dat jonge goedkope werkers banen krijgen, die makkelijk door Kenianen zelf uitgevoerd zouden kunnen worden. De minimum leeftijd is 35 jaar en het minimum jaarinkomen moet $24.000 (of het gelijke bedrag in Keniaanse shilling) zijn. Het werkvisum is geldig voor een periode van twee jaar. Het kan nog wel verlengd worden, mits de verlenging op z'n minst drie maanden voor het verloop van je visum gedaan wordt.

Kenia kent verschillende categorieën werkvisa, variërend van visa voor mensen die worden aangenomen voor technisch werk tot werk als missionaris. De aanvraag wordt gedaan door de werkgever bij de Principal Immigration Officer in Nairobi.

Algemene documenten die bij elk mogelijk werkvisum gepresenteerd moeten worden, zijn:

Ingevuld aanvraagformulier (nummer 3)
Een opdrachtformulier, dat online ingevuld kan worden.
Een brief van de werkgever of organisatie (afhankelijk van de categorie)
Paspoort dat minstens nog zes maanden geldig is.
Kopieën van het paspoort
Twee officiële pasfoto's
Uitnodiging van een contactpersoon in Kenia
De andere documenten zijn afhankelijk van de categorie waar je onder valt en komen voor rekening van je werkgever.

Vrijwilligersvisum
Officieel is het verplicht om een vrijwilligersvisum aan te vragen, wel zijn er veel mensen die vrijwilligerswerk doen op een toeristenvisum. Je kunt op twee manieren een vrijwilligersvisum aanvragen: De aanvraag zelf doen bij de Immigratieafdeling in Kenia (je krijgt dan een pas waarmee je voor zes maanden in het land kan verblijven) of de consulaire afdeling in Nederland, óf het via de NGO of organisatie waar je gaat werken doen. Het eerste is tijdrovender en duurder. Het is dus aan te raden om de organisatie waar je vrijwilligerswerk gaat doen in te schakelen voor de aanvraag.

De volgende zaken heb je nodig bij de aanvraag:

een ingevuld aanvraagformulier
kopie van je paspoort
reisschema
twee recente pasfoto's
uitnodigingsbrief van de organisatie waar je gaat werken

Dit visum is drie maanden geldig, maar kan in Kenia verlengd worden bij de Immigratieafdeling. Zie de link hieronder.

Actuele informatie

Check altijd de laatste stand van zaken.

Welk visum regelen voor werk, vrijwilligerswerk of een reis naar Kenia?

Welk visum te regelen als je gaat reizen door Kenia (en Oost-Afrika)?

Welk visum te regelen voor betaald werk in Kenia?

Welk visum te regelen voor vrijwilligerswerk in Kenia?

Kenya Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Backpacking or traveling in Kenya: also backpacking and travel around the world
Studying in Kenya: also the use of summaries and study notes
Starting an internship in Kenya: also stages in het buitenland met checklists en tips (NL)
Volunteer in Kenya: also sustainable volunteering, project support and volunteer opportunities
Working in Kenya: also jobs, materials for teaching abroad
Working as a digital nomad in Kenya: check the collection of content for digital nomads, global workers, people combining work & travel
Living abroad in Kenya: use the checklists for global nomads, expats and other people moving abroad
Being sufficient insured during your activities in Kenya: check fair insurances for long term abroad

Crossroads in the field of:

Africa

More crossroad and side roads:

Ben jij een ervaren ICT-professional? Laat je uitzenden naar één van de projecten in ontwikkelingslanden waar jouw ICT-vakkennis ingezet kan worden voor bijvoorbeeld beter onderwijs.

Volg een traineeship op het gebied van duurzaam toerisme in Afrika, Azië of Zuid-Amerika

Je volgt verschillende trainingen in Nederland ter voorbereiding op je werkzaamheden bij een toeristische organisatie in het buitenland.
Je gaat aan het werk bij een lokale organisatie op bestemming waar je klanten begeleidt tijdens het gehele proces van boekin...

IRC is mostly run by citizens of the eight countries where they work: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Mali, Niger and Uganda. IRC works directly with communities, experts, public servants and decision-makers. IRC initiates and supports local and regional project on WASH services = wa...

Themes: main theme pages for activities abroad (intern, study, travel, volunteer, work or emigrate)

Stay safe and insured

For a sustainable and safe travel or emigration insurance you can check JoHo's Expatinsurances.org

Go abroad!

Move or live abroad? check your options with The JoHo Insurance Foundation

Study or travel abroad? check your insurance options with The JoHo Foundation

Naar het buitenland (NL)?: Je vertrek voorbereiden of je verzekering afsluiten bij studie, stage of onderzoek in het buitenland

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Travel to Kenya to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Kenya

Backpacking in Kenya?

Traveling in Kenya?

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Internships in Kenya?

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Working in Kenya?

Working as a digital nomad in Kenya?

Living in Kenya?

Supporting content

Main content about Kenya on WorldSupporter

Travel in Kenya?

Updates Kenya

What are the customs in Kenya regarding food?

What are the best recipes in Kenya?

What are the best drinks in Kenya?

What are notable holidays and festivals in Kenya?

What are the remarkable habits in Kenya?

What are some Kenian wisdoms and proverbs?

Selected content about Kenya shared by WorldSupporters

Selectie van bijdragen van Wereldsupporters over en uit Kenia

Selectie van bijdragen van Wereldsupporters over visa voor Kenia

What are the customs in Kenya regarding food?

What are the best recipes in Kenya?

What are the best drinks in Kenya?

What are notable holidays and festivals in Kenya?

What are the remarkable habits in Kenya?

What are some Kenian wisdoms and proverbs?

Selected content about Kenya shared by WorldSupporters

Who is Peter?

What motivated you to emigrate to Kenya?

Covid...

Burn your bridges

Beautiful Kenya

Day to day life - a big challenge

Coral reef restoration project for and by local communities

Leaving...

A boost for my life - I would do it again in a heartbeat

Pole Pole - an easy misunderstanding

Happiness is made and not for sale

Word of thanks

Interested to help us?

Main content about Kenya on WorldSupporter

ACTIVITIES

Check courses, jobs, projects, recipes, suggestions and tips related to: 'Kenya'

Main content and contributions for activities abroad

,,,accommodations, adventure activities, courses, internships, jobs and volunteer projects

...to help another, travel with care, work together , learn

From language courses to gap year abroad, from work experience to volunteering abroad, from paid work to internship abroad, from mountaineering to diving and from backpacking to travel around the world

Activities abroad

What social activities can you do abroad?

What work related activities can you do abroad?

What sports activities to do abroad?

Bundled content for gap year, sports, travel and outdoor abroad

Bundled for languages courses and learning a language

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Activities abroad: home bundle for study and working fields abroad

Work Abroad, Work Experience Abroad & Intern Abroad

Bundels bundles per activity abroad

Main theme pages for emigration, moving and living abroad

Main content en main content bundels on WorldSupporter

STORIES

Check blogs, experiences and information related to: 'Kenya'

Bundled content, suggestions, stories and tips about the countries and destinations in the world

...to help another, travel with care, work together , learn to share and inspire........Read more

Country bundles of Asian countries

Bundled content, suggestions, stories and tips about countries in Central America

Country bundles of European countries

Country bundles of the Middle East

Abu Dhabi, Dubai & United Arab Emirates - Bahrain - Egypt - Iran - Iraq - Israel - Jordan - Kuwait - Lebanon - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - Syria - Turkey - Yemen

Northern America: country bundles

South America: country bundles

Country bundles of Caribbean countries

Habits and customs per continent, country and region

A bundle of contributions of WordSupporters about global happiness and the personal perspective per country and region

Questions and answers per country about emigration, moving and living abroad:

What is the best time to go abroad?

What is the worst time to go abroad?