Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
06NAIROBI1968 | 2006-05-05 09:01:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Nairobi |
VZCZCXYZ0008 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHNR #1968/01 1250901 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 050901Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY NAIROBI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1512 INFO RUEHJB/AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA 6824 |
UNCLAS NAIROBI 001968 |
1. USAID grants country clearance for USAID/DCHA/OFDA staff, Ms. Andrea Tracy to Nairobi, Kenya o/a June 10- 13, 2006. 2. The purpose of travel is to consult with and support OFDA/ECARO Office on Burundi programming issues. 3. Hotel accommodation has been arranged at the Mayfair Hotel. Hotel telephone number is 254-20- 374920; facsimile number is 254-20-3742883; and Reference number is 558029. A driver from Express Travel, the Embassy travel agent will meet you after you exit the baggage claim area. If you do not see the driver, inquire at the "Europcar/Express Travel Group" counter. Cost for transport is Dollars 35.00 round trip. 4. The USAID switchboard number is 254-20-8622000 and after-hour telephone number is 254-20-8562825. Control Officer is Alan Dwyer, tel: 254-20-8622707; mobile phone 254-722-528612. 5. Security Assessment Nairobi is designated a critical crime threat post by the Department of State. The RSO is required to brief all TDY visitors staying more than one week, as soon as possible after their arrival at post. - Street Crime: There is a high rate of street crime in downtown Nairobi, and reports of group attacks and muggings are on the rise throughout the country. Pickpockets and thieves carry out "snatch and run" crimes on city streets and near crowds. Visitors have found it safer not to carry valuables, but rather to store them in hotel safety deposit boxes or safe rooms. Walking alone or at night downtown is not recommended as attacks have taken place on public streets and parks. The RSO recommends leaving all important documents (passports, plane tickets, etc.) in a hotel safe and not wearing any jewelry on the street. In addition, visitors should avoid hanging a camera around their necks, carrying a protruding wallet, and carrying or showing large amounts of money in public. - Road Safety/Automobile Travel: While traveling in vehicles, doors should be kept locked and windows rolled up. Carjackings are common in Nairobi and diplomatic vehicles and personnel are not immune to these attacks by armed thieves. highway bandits are active on roads leading to the border areas. Accidents are also frequent. Use of seat belts is mandatory. - The Government of Kenya (and the Mission firearms policy) prohibit the importing and carrying of firearms except for U.S. law enforcement officers engaged in protective security or investigative duties. 6. Climate: Weather conditions in Nairobi are sunny and mild year-round with daily temperatures ranging between 50 and 80 degrees fahrenheit. In April and May, it rains frequently and daytime temperatures are lower. From June through September, dry, but often cloudy weather persists with cool nights. From October through November there is occasional rain, but most days are sunny and warm. 7. Health: Due to the high altitude, Nairobi is not a malarial area and malaria prophylaxis is not needed; but the risk of malaria outside Nairobi is significant. Therefore, if you are planning to travel outside Nairobi, particularly to areas below 3,500 feet elevation, it is advisable to begin using oral malarial medication before arrival and for four (4) weeks following departure. In addition, every effort should be made to use insect repellents, proper clothing, and barriers which discourage/prevent mosquito bites. Travelers should also carry immunization records with valid yellow fever immunization as well as being current with other inoculations. Embassy Nairobi medical unit advises that local tap water is not potable. Bottled water is safe to drink and can be purchased in local hotels, restaurants and grocery stores. 8. Internal Travel: Travel via passenger train in Kenya is unsafe, particularly during the rainy seasons. The trains and tracks lack routine maintenance and safety checks. Likewise, public ground transportation in Kenya, particularly after dark, should be avoided for safety and security reasons. Good bush vehicles (4-wheel drive), as well as normal rental cars (with or without drivers) are available, but must be paid for in cash or with a charge card. Travel by road is right- hand drive. It is inadvisable to travel at night outside well-traveled areas due to the lack of lighting, road signs, and warning signals on broken down vehicles. Many drivers exercise poor judgment and drive too fast. Traffic accidents are common. Use of seat belts is mandatory. 9. General: TDY membership in the American Employees Association (AEA) is available for five U.S. Dollars per week or one Dollar per day. The AEA morale store offers a limited supply of liquor, soda, beer, snacks, Embassy souvenirs, and Kenyan crafts. All products are sold in U.S. Dollars. Cash and travelers checks are acceptable; no personal checks are acceptable. Accommodation exchange facilities are available upon presentation of a copy of official TDY orders. The current exchange rate is approximately 72 Kenya Shillings (KSH) to the U.S. Dollar. TDY personnel wishing to use the APO are required to present a copy of their TDY/leave orders to the APO Supervisor. Military members must also produce a valid ID card. 10. Entry Requirements: A visa is required. This applies to U.S. citizens arriving for any purpose and regardless of type of passport. Travelers may obtain a visa in advance at a Kenyan Embassy or Consulate. Alternatively, a visa can be obtained at the airport for a voucherable charge of 50 U.S. Dollars, but lines may be long and processing time slow. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested upon entry to Kenya. 11. Departure: Each person departing Kenya (regardless of age or type of passport) must pay a 40 U.S. Dollar departure tax payable in Kenya Shillings or U.S. Dollars, unless it has been included in the price of your ticket. Further, there is a 200 Kenya Shillings departure tax imposed on all domestic flights. BELLAMY |