Table of Contents 1. AIESEC PROCEDURE ............................................................................................... 6 2. INFORMATION ABOUT KENYA: ................................................................................ 7 3. GOVERNANCE OF KENYA ........................................................................................ 8 Current President H. E. Emilio Mwai Kibaki ................................................................. 8 Current Prime Minister Honorable Raila Odinga ......................................................... 8 Basic Facts ................................................................................................................ 10 4.0 The Kenyan Culture ................................................................................................ 11 Ethnicity and languages in Kenya .............................................................................. 11 People & Language ................................................................................................... 11 Kenya Art & Artifacts .................................................................................................. 11 Music & Dance ........................................................................................................... 12 Religion ...................................................................................................................... 12 Kenya Food & Diet ..................................................................................................... 12 Kenya’s Economy ...................................................................................................... 13 Transportation ............................................................................................................ 14 Matatus ................................................................................................................... 14 Buses...................................................................................................................... 14 Taxi ......................................................................................................................... 14 Entertainment............................................................................................................. 15 Work ethic in Kenya ................................................................................................... 16 Dress Code & Etiquette in Kenya ............................................................................... 16 Evening Wear: ........................................................................................................ 16 Etiquette ................................................................................................................. 17 Shopping .................................................................................................................... 17 5. YOU’RE INTERNSHIP IN KENYA............................................................................. 18 Getting to Kenya ........................................................................................................ 19 Visa & Passport Information ....................................................................................... 19 Health and Safety ....................................................................................................... 21
Health ..................................................................................................................... 21 Safety ..................................................................................................................... 21 Accommodation ......................................................................................................... 21 KenyanLaw.................................................................................................................... 22 Mobile phone ............................................................................................................. 22 Money ........................................................................................................................ 22 Expectation Setting .................................................................................................... 23 What can you expect from AIESEC Kenya? ........................................................... 23 Stuff to bring ........................................................................................................... 24 6. NAIROBI-CAPITAL CITY........................................................................................... 25 Climate ....................................................................................................................... 25 Parks .......................................................................................................................... 25 Economy .................................................................................................................... 25 Society and culture (Nairobi life) ................................................................................. 26 Places we recommend you to visit in Nairobi ............................................................. 26 7. AIESEC KENYA INFORMATION .............................................................................. 27 Member Committee Office: ........................................................................................ 27 Responsible persons from the national team: ............................................................ 27 8. APPENDIX ................................................................................................................ 28 Our Local Committees ............................................................................................... 28 Translations ............................................................................................................... 29 Basic Swahili Phrases for Travelers ....................................................................... 29 Greetings ................................................................................................................ 29 10 AMAZING TOURIST SITES .................................................................................. 30 1. The Maasai Mara ................................................................................................ 30 2. Lamu ................................................................................................................... 30 3. Lake Nakuru National Park ................................................................................. 30 4. Mount Kenya....................................................................................................... 31 5. Amboseli National Park....................................................................................... 31
6. Lake Turkana ...................................................................................................... 31 7. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy ................................................................................. 31 8. Tsavo National Parks .......................................................................................... 32 9. Malindi and Watamu ........................................................................................... 32 10. Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves ................................. 32 FUN FACTS - DID YOU KNOW? .................................................................................. 33
Karibu (Welcome to) Kenya
Dear Incoming Intern,
Welcome to Kenya and congratulations on your internship. Kenya is the world's fortyseventh largest country. Kenya is named after the highest peak in Kenya and the third highest mountain in the world -Mount Kenya. This booklet will provide you with all the important information you need before starting your internship in Magical Kenya. Please take the time to go through it. It will help ensure that you have an amazing time in a new cultural environment and make the most of your time here. Remember, we as AIESEC in Kenya are dedicated to make sure you have an incredible time and that all your expectations are met. Contact details can be found later in the booklet if you have any questions. We look forward to meeting you very soon!
Once again Karibu Kenya
 Â
1. AIESEC PROCEDURE After MATCH Procedures:
a) After the matching takes place wait for the company acceptance note from AIESEC Kenya. This is an important document. The acceptance note proves the company written agreement to take you as an intern.
b) The Company/Institution you are going to have the internship in is responsible for arranging appropriate visa as well as all the other legalities. Please, send all the required documents on time, to fasten the process
c) Send your arrival form/details at least a month in advance. This form must clearly state the day, time and place of your arrival (including flight number). Remember we must have at least one month in advance in order to arrange your accommodation.
d) Finally, do confirm either via fax, phone or e-mail all information about your arrival one week before your arrival. We will then pick you up at the designated place
e) Feel free to ask us for anything you feel you need to know before your arrival. We are going to provide you with the regular required information. If you need know more let us know.
 Â
2. INFORMATION ABOUT KENYA: The Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa; Kenya is bordered by Somalia to the northeast, Ethiopia to the north, Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south. Lake Victoria is to the southwest and is shared between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Kenya has numerous wildlife reserves, containing thousands of animal species. The capital city is Nairobi. Kenya's area is 580,000 km2 with a population of nearly 39 million which is diverse: more than 40 different ethnic groups are present. The country is named after Mount Kenya, a significant landmark and second among Africa's highest mountain peaks. Kenya receives a great deal of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. It is usually cool at night and early in the morning. The long rain season occurs from April to June. The short rain season occurs from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August. Kenya has considerable land area of wildlife habitat, including the Masai Mara, where Blue Wildebeest and other bovid participate in a large scale annual migration. Up to 250,000 blue wildebeest perish each year in the long and arduous movement to find forage in the dry season. The "Big Five" animals of Africa can be found in Kenya: the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant. A significant population of other wild animals, reptiles and birds can be found in the national parks and game reserves in the country
The annual animal migration - especially migration of the wildebeest - occurs between June and September with millions of animals taking part. (Considered the 7th wonder of the world) Â Â
3. GOVERNANCE OF KENYA
Current President H. E. Emilio Mwai Kibaki Kenya is a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President is both the head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The previous president was H. E Retired President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi who was the president for 24 years.
Current Prime Minister Honorable Raila Odinga On 28 February 2008, His Excellency President E. M. Kibaki and Honorable Raila Odinga signed an agreement on the formation of a coalition government in which Horarable Raila Odinga would become Kenya's prime Minister. The office of the PM has the power and authority; to co-ordinate and supervise the functions of the Government. The government is generally investment friendly and has enacted several regulatory reforms to simplify both foreign and local investment. An increasingly significant portion of Kenya's foreign inflows is from remittances by nonresident Kenyans who work in the US, Middle East, Europe and Asia. Compared to its neighbors, Kenya has a well-developed social and physical infrastructure making it an attractive alternative location to South Africa, for major corporations seeking entry into the African continent.
Kenya comprises 47 counties. Â Â
Basic Facts Currency
Kenya Shillings
Electric Voltage/ plug
Current is 220/240 AC 50 HZ Swahili and English are the official languages in Kenya. Swahili is the national language while English is the business language. Kenyans speak other local
Language
languages as well. In addition to Christmas and Easter holidays, Kenya celebrates nine public holidays. Most businesses, banks, schools and government offices remain closed during Kenyan public holidays. {Labor day (May 1st), Madaraka DayCommemoration of Freedom fighters (June 1st), Mashuja Day (October 20th), Jamhuri Day-
Holidays and Business Hours
Independence 12th December} The main Newspapers are Standard and Nation
Kenya Newspaper
Newspaper but there are 8 major newspapers
Temperature
On average 45 - 93F.
Time zone
GMT +3 Low-lying coastal region fringed with coral reefs and islands; some dry regions covered with savannah and thorn bush; rich plateaus (highlands) as high as
 Â
Topography
10,000 ft.; and arid and semi-arid northern Kenya.
Internet code
.ke
Mobile phone Service provider
Safaricom, Airtel, Yu, Orange
Music & Dance Traditional music and dance is an integral part of Kenyans' social and religious lives, and forms an important part of Kenya culture. In Kenya, harmonious beats and rhythm are central parts of dance, which is traditionally backed by drums and guitar instruments. One of the most popular Kenyan styles of music is benga, a traditional contemporary dance from the 1960s. Taarab music, another typical Kenyan entertainment, is inspired by Arab and Indian immigrants and is popular along the coast of Kenya. Kenyans also enjoy afro-fusion Religion Religion Protestant Roman Catholic Islam Indigenous Other
percent 45% 33% 10% 10% 2%
Kenya Food & Diet The Kenyan diet is comprised of foods rich in ethnic diversity. Popular staple foods include ugali, rice, bread, chapatti (a type of Indian bread), beef, chicken, goat, tilapia and an assortment of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Nyama choma is regarded as Kenya's national dish. Nyama choma is a form of charcoal-grilled beef or goat meat, and is very popular in authentic Kenyan restaurants and pubs. In times of celebration and on special occasions such as Christmas and wedding ceremonies, it is customary for Kenyans to kill and roast a goat or cow. Â Â
The Kenyan diet also includes tea. In fact, in Kenya, anytime is tea time. When it comes to drinks, Kenya tea in the form of Chai (tea with milk and sugar) is the beverage of choice. It is served for breakfast, at mealtimes and also during Kenya's regular teatime. Another popular social drink, and one that also makes a good accompaniment for nyama choma, is Kenya's signature-brand beer – Tusker
Kenya’s Economy
Economic summary
GDP
$17.43 billion (2005) at Market Price. $ 41.36 billion (Purchasing
Power Parity, 2006)
There exists an informal economy that is never counted as part of the official GDP figures.
Annual growth rate
5.8% (2005): 2006 = 6.1% : Estimate for 2007 = 7.2%
Per capita income
Per Capita Income (PPP)= $1,200
Natural resources
Wildlife, land (5% arable)
Agricultural produce
tea, coffee, sugarcane, horticultural products, corn, wheat, rice, sisal,
Industry
pineapples, pyrethrum, dairy products, meat and meat products, hides, skins petroleum products, grain and sugar milling, cement, beer, soft drinks, textiles, vehicle assembly, paper and light manufacturing, tourism
Trade Exports
$2.2 billion Tea, coffee, horticultural products, petroleum products, cement, pyrethrum, soda ash, sisal, hides and skins, fluorspar
Major markets
Uganda, United Kingdom, Tanzania, Netherlands, United States, Pakistan machinery, vehicles, crude petroleum, iron and steel, resins
Imports
$3.2 billion and plastic materials, refined petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, paper and paper products, fertilizers, wheat
Major suppliers
United Kingdom, Japan, South Africa, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Italy, India, France, United States, Saudi Arabia
Transportation You will be wondering how to get around in Kenya. (You have not experienced Kenya until you experience the ‘Matatus’). Transport in Kenya is affordable.
Matatus In Nairobi matatus, which technically means, "thirty cents for a ride" (nowadays much more) are privately owned minibuses and the most popular form of local transport and generally seat fourteen to twenty-four. Matatus operate within Nairobi and from Nairobi to other towns. The matatu's destination is imprinted on the side of the bus, and matatu’s plying specific routes have specific route numbers. Matatus were easily distinguishable by their extravagant paint schemes and the loud music inside.
Buses Buses are increasingly common in the city. The three bus companies operating the city routes are the traditional Kenya Bus Service (KBS), and newer private operators Citi Hoppa and Double M. The Citi Hoppa buses are distinguishable by their green livery, the Double M buses are painted purple while the KBS buses are painted blue.
Taxi Taxis are available in most parts of the city. They are
costly in comparison to matatus and buses but are a safer and more convenient form of transport. They park outside most hotels, at taxi ranks in the city centre and at shopping malls.
Entertainment Nairobi offers the most choices for entertainment in Kenya, with an assortment of casinos, nightclubs, and movie theaters. The main theaters offer Hollywood features, with an assortment of Hindi films showing in many of the smaller cinemas. Outside of the capital, Mombasa is the only other area offering any variety of entertainment. Dhow trips are one of the more unique experiences. These cruises may be taken during daylight or in the evening hours after dark. The trips are expensive, but typically include a gourmet meal. Nairobi and Mombasa both offer a good selection of dance clubs. Some clubs offer live entertainment in Nairobi, otherwise most feature discos with a DJ. Local theaters are located in Nairobi and Mombasa, providing productions of popular plays. Many hotels and lodges provide evening entertainment. Often this will include traditional tribal dancing. This is truly entertaining and not to be missed. The Maasai show their tremendous athletic skills in their dances featuring leaping contests. The dances are accompanied with traditional tribal songs.
 Â
Etiquette Kenyans are very humble, friendly, happy and social people. Shaking hands is a common greeting gesture and you are always welcome to strike a conversation with the person next to you. Just remember to respect Kenya's customs and culture in whatever you do and you will enjoy a pleasant relationship with its people.
Shopping If you'd like to take home more than just memories of your trip to Kenya, you'll find a wide range of local products that make ideal souvenirs or gifts. Kenyan products are as diverse and unique as the country itself. There are traditional artifacts, fantastic jewelry, beautiful carvings, the world's best coffee, precious stones, furniture, beautiful cloth, excellent local music, wonderful modern art and so much more to be found.
Bargaining is the expected norm in Markets and even in some shops throughout Kenya except in the supermarkets stores. The art of bargaining has deep roots in Kenyan culture, and is regarded as an essential business skill.
 Â
5. YOU’RE INTERNSHIP IN KENYA
Introduction When you arrive in Kenya you will be assigned an “Intern Buddy”. It is your Intern Buddy’s responsibility to take care of you for the duration of your internship, and they will be your main point of contact. Your intern buddy will make sure that there your accommodation and pickup is sorted out before you land in Kenya. He/she is also responsible for making sure that you get integrated into the society, learn about the culture here, and have a good time on your traineeship in Kenya. He/she will communicate with you, before and during your traineeship, and it is expected that you communicate with him/her as well. Your buddy will be in charge of arranging reception activities: trips and social gatherings and involve you in the Local Committee’s activities and entertainment. Your Buddy will be able to show you around and help you find the necessary amenities during your stay. Make the most of your time in the Kenya and make it an enlightening experience for yourself and for all those around you. Moving on, if you really want to get integrated into the society, it is important that you also meet out other interns, who are on traineeships in Kenya. AIESEC Kenya events help bond, not only the interns, but also the Local Committee, Member Committee and alumni into one huge AIESEC network. AIESEC Kenya has a good network of interns who often meet every Tuesday and go away for weekend escapades with AIESEC Kenya members to tour Kenya, (camping, hiking, safaris) for more information on intern servicing contact brenda.muthomi@aiesec.net
FACEBOOK group- please search (Trainees in AIESEC Kenya) Like the AIESEC Kenya page and follow @AIESECKENYA on twitter
Getting to Kenya There are two international airports in Kenya: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi - It is the largest airport and the main arrival point for most visitors. A major gateway to Kenya, JKIA offers both domestic, African, regional and international connections. It is very easy to use and there are a lot of transportation options available to get from the airport into town. The Mombasa International Airport in Mombasa - It is Kenya's second largest international airport, mainly serving tourists and business people entering Kenya's coastal region. If you are going to Eldoret it is advisable that you fly to the Eldoret Airport or the Kisumu International Airport since they are closer to Eldoret than JKIA and Mombasa International Airport. Visa & Passport Information Before you buy your airline ticket to Kenya, you want to be sure that you either have everything you need or will be able to get it once you arrive in Kenya. Depending on your nationality or country of origin, you may need to apply for and receive a visa before visiting Kenya. It is important that you do so immediately upon making the decision to travel to the country, and that you make sure your visa does not expire during your travel. You can apply for and get a Kenya visa from your nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate. Not everyone needs a Kenyan visa. You can download a full list of nationals who need and do not need a Kenya visa. Also, make sure you have a current and valid passport, that it is not about to expire. Expect that your passport could take up to six weeks to arrive, so make sure you plan well in advance for your passport needs. As a rule, your passport should expire no sooner than six months before the end your travel. When making preparations for your passport, it is advisable to make several copies of  Â
the actual passport or visa (in addition to the original). This is for your own safety because the last thing you want to do is to be out of your home country without any way to provide proof of your identity, should you lose your passport. You should leave one of the copies at home before you travel, just in case. When you travel with the original passport, always keep it locked up safely, in a hotel safe or other secure location. Before you leave for Kenya, make sure you have the following:
Valid Passport
Arrival Ticket
Return Ticket
Adequate Funds
Visa (if required)
Health and Safety Health Before you travel to Kenya, make sure that you are up to date on all immunizations. In such cases, you should make sure you have the following immunizations Hepatitis (A and B) Yellow Fever Other health advice when traveling to Kenya is to make sure you protect yourself from mosquito bites, which could lead to malaria. Some protective measures against mosquito bites include wearing long sleeved shirts/blouses and long pants, using mosquito repellent with a minimum of 30 percent DEET, and using mosquito nets. If you will be traveling to the Kenyan coast or Western Kenya, it is advisable to take antimalaria pills. Purchase travel and medical insurance while abroad. These types of short-term insurance services are available through some travel agencies and medical insurance companies. Safety In general people are extremely friendly in Kenya and you will be humbled by their hospitality. But, there is real poverty in Kenya and you will probably attract your fair share of souvenir hawkers and beggars, but try and take the time to meet ordinary people going about their day to day business too. The experience will be worth it. In case of an emergency the number to call is 999 and it is free. You can also find out the landline number of the police station near you (http://www.kenyapolice.go.ke/police%20hotlines.asp). It is important to find out where your countries embassy or consulate is and if possible report/ register with them so that they include you in activities and in the case of emergencies. Accommodation For accommodation different local chapters have different arrangements for accommodation. Most interns will be lucky to have free accommodation in a host family;
most of the time being of an AIESEC member. The host families welcome you with open arms and take you as part of the family during and after your stay in the house. (Beware most local families will expect you to eat a huge meal every time ;-). Other options are usually; living with a family and paying some money to subsidize for the food or living in an intern’s house where costs are shared. KenyanLaw The 2010 Constitution of Kenya, currently in force, replaced the 1969 constitution, that itself had replaced the 1963 independence constitution. The constitution was presented to the Attorney General of Kenya on April 7, 2010, officially published on May 6, 2010, and was subjected to a referendum on August 4, 2010.. The constitution was promulgated on 27 August 2010. Find the constitution here . Also find anything you want to know about the Kenyan law here. Mobile phone Kenya residents use their mobile phones all the time and it is very useful if you have a mobile phone during your internship. We advise you to bring your mobile phone to Kenya and once here buy a SIM card cards can be bought from supermarkets, airports, mini markets, hotels, petrol stations, agents and telecoms offices. Money In the recent past Kenya has made tremendous steps in mobile money so please avoid having a lot of cash with you, you can put in the bank and withdraw with a Visa card from any ATM and they are many in Kenya so don’t worry or put the money in your mobile account which you can use anywhere in the country and you can Pesa Point ATM
withdraw from agents all over the country or PESA Points
(you can withdraw money from any bank using visa or from mobile money services MPESA etc) (Image of Mpesa agent and Pesa point)
Mpesa
Expectation Setting What can you expect from AIESEC Kenya? Your Responsibility as an Intern Our Responsibilities as Hosts Communicate with you before you arrive to Facilitate cultural exchange and discuss
ensure you are prepared for your trip.
your problems with AIESEC members. Pick you up at the point of your arrival Do your job with a positive attitude and to the best of your abilities.
Help you with arranging accommodation
Complete expectation setting with us so
Help you with all the regular daily functions
we both can ensure we are meeting
(shopping, taking the bus, getting a bank
each other’s expectations.
account, how to use the telephones, how to
Fill in the measurement surveys and
order food etc.)
give us feedback
Take you to the organization on the first day of your internship Be there to answer questions and provide
Help us help you this is only possible if
support whenever we can
you communicate with us about any
Help you get integrated into the culture
problems, concerns and expectations. Many things may not be obvious to us
and we need you to tell us. Ask us lots
Provide activities that can teach you about
of questions!!!
the Kenyan culture and lifestyle
Never miss a party, because this is
Provide you with names and a telephone
where you get to interact with the
list of the AIESEC members in your LC as
members and interns in the LC and
well as information about upcoming events
many other interesting people.
or activities.
Stuff to bring There are few things that you should not forget to include into your luggage when coming Your favorites CD’s and books Some pictures of your loved ones Some typical sweets or dishes Your National flag and all sorts of presentation materials make a cultural presentation for the AIESECers here. Some recipes of your traditional dishes Some small souvenirs; families may host you and it would be nice if you can leave them some presents from your country. Sleeping bag and/or bed sheets If you take any sort of medicine, bring the prescription with you. If you wear glasses and contact lenses, also bring the prescription with you. Mosquito repellent
6. NAIROBI-CAPITAL CITY Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also form the Nairobi County. Nairobi continues to be the primary communication and financial hub of East Africa. It enjoys the region's best transportation linkages, communications infrastructure, and trained personnel. A wide range of foreign firms maintain regional branch or representative offices in the city. Climate Nairobi enjoys a moderate climate (Image of sunny Nairobi and rainy day).. The long rain season occurs from April to June. The short rain season occurs from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from January to March and coldest in July to August. Parks Nairobi has many parks and open spaces throughout the city. The city has dense treecover and plenty of green spaces. The most famous park in Nairobi is Uhuru Park. The park borders the central business district and the neighborhood Upper Hill. Uhuru (Freedom) Park is a centre for outdoor speeches, services and rallies. (Image of uhuru park, freedom corner) Economy Nairobi is home to the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), one of Africa's largest. The NSE was officially recognized as an overseas stock exchange by the London Stock Exchange in 1953. The exchange is Africa's 4th largest (in terms of trading volumes) and 5th (in terms of Market Capitalization as a percentage of GDP). Nairobi is the regional headquarters of several international companies and organizations. In 2012, General Electric, Young & Rubicam, Google, Coca Cola, Zain, Microsoft, HP and Cisco Systems relocated their African headquarters to the city. The  Â
United Nations Office at Nairobi hosts UNEP and UN-Habitat headquarters.
Society and culture (Nairobi life) Nairobi is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city. Since its foundation, Nairobi has maintained a strong British presence. This is highlighted by the number of Englishnamed suburbs, including Hurlingham and Parklands. As Nairobi has a diverse and multicultural composition, there are a number of churches, mosques, temples and gurdwaras within the city. Prominent places of worship in Nairobi include the Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family, All Saints Cathedral, Ismaili Jamat Khana and Jamia Mosque.
Nairobi has two informal nicknames. The first is "The Green City in the Sun", which is derived from the city's foliage and warm climate. The second is the "Safari Capital of the World", which is used due to Nairobi's prominence as a hub for safari tourism. There are a number of modern malls in the Nairobi Area, including: West Gate, Prestige, Village Market, Sarit Center, Junction, etc. These malls attract Kenyans from all walks of life. Places we recommend you to visit in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park Karen Blixen MuseumÂ
David Sheldrick Centre  Â
Giraffe Centre Bomas of Kenya
7. AIESEC KENYA INFORMATION Member Committee Office: AIESEC in Kenya Address: University of Nairobi, Gandhi wing Tel: +020 260 8757 Email: info@aiesec.or.ke Web: www.aiesec.or.ke
Responsible persons from the national team: Member Committee Vice-President Incoming GCDP (Global Community Development Programme) kuleana@aiesec.or.ke Member Committee Vice-President Incoming GIP (Global Internship Programme) gip@aiesec.or.ke
8. APPENDIX
Our Local Committees
24
Translations Basic Swahili Phrases for Travelers Many Kenyans speak English, knowing a few words of Swahili will really help you out in the more rural areas and along the coast. Since Swahili is a first language to most Kenyans, they'll understand a little broken Swahili, and they'll certainly appreciate your efforts. Greetings Hello = Jambo/ hujambo/ How are you? = Habari Yako
Yes = Ndiyo No = Hapana Thank you = Asante Please = Tafadhali OK =
Fine = Nzuri
Sawa
Excuse me = Samahani You're Welcome = Goodbye = Kwa heri
Starehe Can you help me? = Tafadhali, naomba msaada
goodnight = Lala salama My name is = Jina langu ni
What is your name? = Jina lako nani?
I'm from … = Natokea ...
Just a little bit = Kidogo tu! How do you say … in Swahili? = Unasemaje … kwa Kiswahili
How much? = Pesa ngapi
Friend = Rafiki
I don't understand = Sielewi
10 AMAZING TOURIST SITES If you have time and resources and you want to tour Kenya here are 10 recommended destinations that are a must see (hidden treasures) 1. The Maasai Mara If you want to see the 'big five' in one morning, Masai Mara in western Kenya is the place to be. During the dry season from July to October the wildlife spectacle is unparalleled. Nowhere else can you watch the annual migration of over a million wildebeest from a hot-air balloon. The 'Mara' is as close to "Out of Africa" as you can get. 2. Lamu Lamu is one of Kenya's oldest towns, settled by the Swahili about 700 years ago. More recently discovered by backpackers, Lamu is a great place to unwind and wash off the dirt and grime accumulated from some hard traveling. No matatus or mini-buses here, just donkeys and the sound of the ocean waves. You can take a Dhow and explore the islands or enjoy wandering the narrow alleys of Lamu's old town.
3. Lake Nakuru National Park Lake Nakuru is famous for its huge flocks of flamingos that enjoy the alkaline waters of this shallow soda lake. Other than 1 million flamingos and many more species of birds, the park is also home to white rhino, warthog, giraffe, hippo, ostrich, and  Â
lion. Lake Nakuru is slowly recovering from several environmental pressures that caused its flamingo population to decline in the 1990's. 4. Mount Kenya Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest peak and you don't need special training to reach its two main peaks - Batian (5200m) and Nelion (5188m). The mountain slopes are cloaked in forest and moorland which gives way to rock, ice and snow. Mount Kenya is a part of a larger reserve which is home to many rare species of animals. (Image) 5. Amboseli National Park Amboseli is a popular park with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro (in Tanzania). The park is centered around Observation Hill, which offers great views of the plains below. The Maasai live around the park and other than their cattle, Amboseli is home to more than 50 species of mammal and over 400 species of bird. You can see elephant, hippo, cheetah, leopard and more. 6. Lake Turkana The lunar landscape around Lake Turkana, a northern Rift Valley lake in Kenya, is a true spectacle. Lake Turkana is the largest permanent desert lake in the world and it is jam packed with large Nile crocodiles. The desert landscape is a paleontologists dream come true, as early hominid remains continue to be unearthed by the Leakey family around Koobi Fora. The Lake itself is a shimmering entity that changes color with the wind. The area is home to various unique tribes and one of the main attractions for visitors. Turkana is off the beaten track. 7. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Lewa is a private reserve set up primarily to protect black rhino, sitatunga, and the endangered Grevy's zebra. The park is excellently maintained, there are over 60 Â Â
species of mammals and over 200 species of bird. You can even enjoy your game viewing on foot, on the back of a camel, or in a traditional safari vehicle. 8. Tsavo National Parks Tsavo National Park is split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. The Tsavo parks are vast and the landscape is wild. Tsavo East is less developed than Tsavo West but more accessible. In Tsavo West you can watch elephants bathe among the hippos and the crocs from a unique vantage point of an underwater glass tank. The "Big Five" do live here, but you have to look carefully to spot them 9. Malindi and Watamu Malindi is a small town, but the beaches that surround it make it one of Kenya's top attractions. Silversands lies just south of town and is lined with villas and small resorts. A Marine Park keeps the area free from fishing and therefore great for snorkeling. Farther south is Watamu, a National Park with two main lagoons, Turtle Bay and Blue Lagoon, with plenty resorts and hotels. Popular activities include sunset sails on a dhow (traditional sailboat), sunbathing, dolphin watching, diving and all kinds of water sports. Air Kenya and 540 airlines both fly to Malindi from Nairobi, or catch a matatu from Mombasa.
10. Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs are 3 Reserves bordering one another in the dry landscape of North Central Kenya. The wildlife congregates around the Ewaso Ngiro River which runs through the Reserves. Besides the wildlife, a highlight of any visit is to meet the Samburu people. Camel safaris are on offer at most of the lodges and if you're in the area, visit the Laikipia Plateau.Â
 Â
FUN FACTS - DID YOU KNOW? There are more than 65 national parks and wildlife preserves Each zone has distinct wildlife. Twenty hectares of rainforest contain more birds species than the whole of Europe. Much of Kenya’s native flora is not found anywhere else in the world. Furthermore, Kenyan culture reflects a mixture of African, Indian, and British influences, similar in many respects to the traditions and superstitions of Uganda and Tanzania. Kenya, formerly known as British East Africa, became independent in 1963 and a republic in 1964. Kenya is a multicultural country made up of 48 ethnic groups. Kenya has become much more stable since the democratic elections of 2007 In 2004, the late Professor Wangari Maathai received the Nobel Prize for Peace for her dedication to women’s rights, ecology, and democracy. Wangari became the second woman from Africa to win the Nobel Prize. She is a really important model for the world. Today Kenya has dominated long distance races and marathon and are known all over the world for it. UNESCO has declared Lake Turkana National Park and Mount Kenya National Park World Heritage Sites. In fact, Isak Dinesen, best known as Karen Dixen, loved Kenya so much. Her first novel Out of Africa (1938) focuses on Kenya’s scenery. Furthermore, Out of Africa was also the basis of a 1985 Hollywood film starring Meryl Streep, one of the best American actresses. The most popular sports are soccer, rugby, track and field, boxing, volleyball, tennis, cricket, swimming and field hockey. Sheng is a language spoken by the youth in Kenya and it keeps changing with time, it’s the slang of English and Swahili mixed with mother tongue in order for generations to communicate amongst themselves