Visa and Passport Information

      To obtain a Kenyan VISA, contact the Kenyan Embassy online: www.kenyaembassy.com. Here you can download the necessary forms.

      Passport applications can be obtained through most local post offices. All you need to do is fill out the proper forms, obtain 2 passport-sized photographs and send them with a money order to the designated address. For more information about VISAs and passports, please visit Travisa’s web site (www.travisa.com/passporc.htm).

Immunization

As you are aware, there are health concerns that accompany travel to a developing country. Although the Kenyan government does not require any immunizations for travel into Kenya, it is strongly encouraged that you get the following vaccinations:


   :: Cholera: This vaccination is only 50% effective. However, it is a fairly cheap vaccination consisting of 2 shots, each costing about $15.
   :: Hepatitis A: This inoculation is only good for three months and becomes less effective over time. Therefore, it should be taken about a week before entrance into Kenya.
   :: Hepatitis B: Recommended if you might be exposed to blood, have sexual contact with the local population, are staying longer than 6 months or might be exposed through medical treatment.
   :: Malaria: This is extremely common in Kenya. It is transmitted through mosquito bites. Simple measures can be taken to prevent being bitten, such as sleeping under a mosquito net and wearing long pants/shirts at night. There are two common drugs:
         - Mefloquinine (also known as Larium): This is taken orally once a week, starting three weeks before entrance into Kenya and ending four weeks, after returning home. It has been known to induce strange dreams.
         - Paludrine: This is taken on a daily basis.
   :: Measles: The CDC recommends that if you were born after 1957 you repeat the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
   :: Meningitis: The vaccine is called Menamune. Prices may vary greatly depending on the frequency with which the hospital/clinic administers it, so please check around to get the cheapest price.
   :: Polio: The polio vaccine is good for 3 years. Therefore, if a booster has not been taken in the past three years, one should be administered.
   :: Tetanus: The tetanus vaccine is good for 10 years. Therefore, if a booster has not been taken in the last 10 years, one should be administered.
   :: Typhoid: The typhoid inoculation consists of 2 shots given 4 weeks apart or four tablets taken orally, one pill every other day for 6 days. Note: The pills must be refrigerated.
   :: Yellow fever: We suggest that you consult your physician before deciding to take this because this vaccine is active rather than passive.

      Please keep in mind that most hospitals/clinics that administer these vaccines will have some sort of travel advisory immunization list for each specific country. Due to the ever-changing nature of diseases and subsequent outbreaks, please use the most up to date source on required immunizations. The Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and World Health Organization (www.who.org) update their travel notices frequently.

Safety

      At some point in your life you have probably heard about political instability and violence in Africa. You will be traveling to a third world developing country. But please remember this: people are generally humane. Past volunteers have had nothing but positive experiences during their stay. As a general rule, volunteers should try to make it back to their homestead before dark. Though, if one must be out at night, it should be with a family member or another trusted Kenyan. After a long day of work, most are ready to head home, have some dinner and conversation, write in their journal and call it a night. A little common sense goes a long way! To check for an up to date travel advisory warning, please peruse the U.S. State Departments Travel Warnings (http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html).