Africa

Kenya

Location

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania.

Kenya shares with neighbouring countries a high threat of terrorism. Muggings and armed attacks are prevalent, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. Do not accept food or drink from strangers as it may be drugged. Sexual harassment for women travelling alone is common. Do not wear anything that looks valuable. Vehicle security, personal security, corruption, gunfire, checkpoints, armed robberies, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building / office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs, communications, emergency shelters. Safer in main tourist places like the wildlife parks, etc.

Use bottled water.

Low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile plateau in west.

Varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior.

Recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasons.

HIV/AIDs is widespread and transmission may occur through substandard medical facilities. Bacterial and protozoal diarrhoea, bilharzia, hepatitis A, malaria, meningitis. polio, rabies, schistosomiasis, typhoid fever, yellow fever. Take sterile needles with you.
Hospital: Kenyatta National hospital, Nairobi. Tel: 2-726300

Water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilisers; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching.

Take care if driving, especially at night, as road conditions and driving standards are poor. Be aware that long distance bus service vehicles are poorly maintained and driven at excessive speeds on poorly maintained roads. Common public transport is a minibus on a set route. A number of these vehicles have been held up and robbed.

Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) (5 days)
Centurion's flagship Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) course is for people who operate world wide, particularly in areas where there may be personal health or safety concerns. It is extremely effective for "frontline" organisations.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.