YOUR COUNTRY GUIDE
KENYA Nairobi
FACTS, FIGURES & A GENERAL OVERVIEW GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECTÂ
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE? Traveling to a new country can be absolutely thrilling, but it can also leave you feeling excited, nervous, and probably full of uncertainty. We totally get it! At the Global Autism Project, we approach world travel with curiosity and respect. We work to ensure you have all the tools you need to explore with these values, which is why we've created comprehensive country guides to prepare you for SkillCorps® journey overseas! This country guide will give you an overview of Kenya including currency, politics, maps and key phrases! Of course, we encourage you to do your own research as well, but use our country guide as a starting point!
As a new member of the SkillCorps team you will be invited to join an app that contains pertinent information about your trip!
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EXPECTATIONS AT A GLANCE Capital City Nairobi Population 47,615,739 Major Religions Christian 83% (Protestant 47.7%, Catholic 23.4%, other Christian 11.9%), Muslim 11.2%, Traditionalists 1.7%, other 1.6%, none 2.4%, unspecified 0.2% Official Language(s) English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages
The climate in Kenya varies across the country from cool to warm and hot. Most visitors have nothing but positive things to say about the climate regardless of where they travel to or what time of the year they visit. The climate along the coast is mostly tropical with higher temperatures and annual precipitation. The typical pattern is for rain to fall as a torrential downpour, rarely lasting more than half an hour before the sun is shining again!
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WHAT'S THE BIG PICTURE? Political/Social Climate Kenya’s political context has been heavily shaped by domestic tensions associated with abuse of power, high levels of corruption, and the long process of constitutional review. The approval of the new constitution and relatively peaceful elections show big steps towards stability. Socio-economic context Kenya has the largest and most diverse economy in East Africa with an average annual growth rate of over 5%. Its entrepreneurship and human capital give it potential for further growth, job creation and poverty reduction. The recent discovery of oil and other mineral resources is very good for the Kenyan economy. Despite a decline of the country’s absolute poverty rate, wealth has not been distributed equally. Kenya remains a highly unequal society by income, gender and by geographical location. How will we get around? You will have a private driver with a fleet of vehicles available to the team. While drivers will vary some, this single company maintains great ratings. Uber is available, but often less secure with limited monitoring. Exciting Events January
New Year's Day
April
Good Friday
April
Easter Monday
May
Labour Day/May Day
May
Id el Fitr
June
Madaraka Day
October
Moi Day
October
Mashujaa Day
December
Jamhuri (Independence) Day
December
Christmas
December
Boxing Day GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT
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GET READY! It's so exciting, right?! So much to prepare for, so much to share... You're ready today! Hold on to that enthusiasm, that's exactly why you made the team!
DON'T WORRY! We're not going to send you into the field with nothing. To ensure we're sharing the most up-to-date information, we will post a live clinical video in the SkillCorps app at least 3 weeks before you travel. The video will discuss training objectives, strategies, and expected priorities for your time in the center. Additionally, at orientation you'll review the site's clinical folder and learn all about our training model!
GET YOUR VISA! You WILL need to apply for a visa to travel to Kenya- we will process this visa for you! Visa processing information can be found in the SkillCorps App. You do NOT need to pay for your visa processing until AFTER you've booked your flights. Once your flight is booked, head over to the app to pay for your visa, then we'll email you next steps!
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A TYPICAL DAY MORNINGS We spend our mornings at the hotel having breakfast as a team and planning for the day. We will discuss the wrap-up from the night before, and get excited for our new day!
WORK TIME Work time is a time to be present and energized! We bring professionalism and enthusiasm to the center each day, and will provide training in the forms of role-play, workshops, reenactments, and even games.
EVENINGS Each evening will vary, but we typically make a team decision to either relax, call home and connect for a bit, or explore the city. We will also spend time each evening debriefing and working on training for the next day, as well as an inspirational wrap-up. DOWN TIME Down time is up to the team! We always stick together, but we try to make time for a variety of team activities. From local shopping to exploring the city, we try to keep you well rested, yet entertained!
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BUDGETING & PLANNING
NATIONAL CURRENCY | KENYAN SHILLING (KSH) Accessing cash ATMs and banks are fairly widespread in most urban areas such as Nairobi, please check with your local bank to see if any foreign transaction fees apply. We suggest that you use ATMs in banks or in the hotels to ensure your personal financial safety. The daily withdrawal limit is $250 which is 25,350.00 KSh. Please note that Kenya no longer accepts travelers checks so your best option is to pay in cash. Many establishments also accept credit cards, but they may charge higher transaction fees than you are used to. Daily Expenses Expenses will vary depending on individual and situational needs, but below is a sample budget for a typical working day at the partner site. We will leave budgeting for souvenirs and gifts up to your discretion. (101.40 Kenyan Shilling= 1USD) Small meal:
$3.91(400.00 KSh)
Bottle of water:
$0.79(80.57 KSh)
Taxi:
$2.93 (300.00 KSh)
GOOGLE FOR THE EXCHANGE RATE, IT CHANGES DAILY!
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YOUR LOGISTICS OVERVIEW ACCOMMODATIONS You will be staying at a trusted guesthouse in Karen for your entire stay. Located a short drive from the Kaizora center, you will also be near a shopping center and many restaurants. You will likely share a room with a teammate!
THE CENTER Kaizora center is located in a small, friendly neighborhood called Karen, which is in the city of Nairobi, Kenya. Your work day at the center will typically go from 8:30am until 4:30pm, though the schedule is subject to change.
TRANSPORTATION A driver has been organized for your time in Nairobi. They will handle all airport transportation as well as driving to and from the center as needed. But, most places will be within walking distance for your convenience!
MEALS The guesthouse provides three meals each day, but the center will have lunch every afternoon. While dinners are covered, teams previously have eaten together at the local restaurants, or dined at a nearby mall. GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT
HOW WILL I COMMUNICATE?
Will I be able to use my cell phone? In Kenya, mobile phones are used widely, however these countries use a different network system than the one used in many other parts of the world. Check with your service provider to learn about your coverage options. We recommend that you purchase a SIM card after you arrive in Kenya from either Safaricom or Celtel.
Internet Access Kenya has one of the highest internet usage rates in Africa! Most hotels and restaurant will allow you access to Wi-Fi, even some wildlife sanctuaries and safari lodges as well. Facetime and the apps listed below are a great way to stay connected! Â Apps we recommend: Whatsapp Facebook Messenger Cluster (photosharing) Life 360
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FRIENDLY REMINDERS: VACCINATIONS The Global Autism Project does NOT employ medical physicians, therefore we cannot advise your medical decisions. We do, however, recommend you visit the website of the Center for Disease Control and schedule an appointment with a travel physician.
FLIGHTS Please frequently check the SkillCorps app for updates regarding the timeline for booking flights! Typically, you should be booking your flights 9 weeks prior to travel. After you have submitted your travel form, you will be contacted by travel agents who will guide you through every step of the process!
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HOW SHOULD I DRESS?
What do people wear in Kenya? People in Kenya tend to dress fairly conservatively, so keep in that in mind while packing. Many Kenyans adhere to different cultural, religious and customary dress styles, but business casual is generally acceptable throughout the country. It is a good idea to keep shoulders and knees covered. As a representative of the organization, we ask that you maintain a modest and professional dress while in Kenya. Tip: You can find a quiz in the SkillCorps app to help you with your packing list!
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MORE TO THINK ABOUT What is the legal status of the LGBTQ+ community in the country? LGBTQ+ persons in Kenya face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ+ residents. The state does not recognize any relationships between the LGBTQ+ community, same-sex marriage is banned under the Kenyan Constitution. Will I be safe traveling to Kenya? SkillCorps teams are incredibly diverse and we’re very grateful for that! Members of our own staff identify as LGBTQ+ as well. However, for your safety, please exercise caution and avoid sharing overly intimate or personal details while abroad. You may decide to use discretion when disclosing your orientation. Our teams will always stick together!
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WHEN YOU TRAVEL, REMEMBER THAT A FOREIGN COUNTRY IS NOT DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE. IT IS DESIGNED TO MAKE ITS OWN PEOPLE COMFORTABLE. -CLIFTON FADIMAN GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECTÂ
MAPS & PHRASES
IMPORTANT PHRASES English
Swahili
Yes/no Ndio la Hello Sawa Goodbye Kwaheri My name is... Jina langu ni... Thank you Asante
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FUN FACTS: Ever kissed a giraffe? You'll get the chance when visiting the giraffe sanctuary in Nairobi! Learn about East Africa's long-necked beauties and don't be afraid to hold a pellet in your teeth and let one of them kiss you for it!
Kenya is home to the “Big Five,” which are lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceros, and cape buffalo. There are more than 60 languages spoken in Kenya! Ugali is the most common staple meal and is made of maize porridge. Kenya is one of the most prosperous countries in Africa and has one of the strongest economies. Coffee is the most valuable export and every year more than 110,187,000 bags are produced and exported to various countries, including the US.
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TESTIMONIALS "I learned that no matter how knowledgeable I am about a topic, concept, or skill, I can always learn more. While in country, I learned so much from the individuals at Kaizora!" -Tierra
"Kaizora has altered my life, inspired me, given me new ideas, and in only nine days, I've realized there's so much to learn about the way other parts of the world do things." -Natalie
"Anyone that works in the field should have some sort of experience like this. You're going to change and have personal and professional growth." -Ashley
"This has just been an amazing experience, I have been given the opportunity to be a teacher and a student all at once, and I wouldn’t want it any other way!" -Elizabeth
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EXPLORE WHAT'S HAPPENING AT KAIZORA INSTITUTE! Located in Nairobi, Kenya, our partner center is one of the only schools in all of East Africa offering evidence based therapy in a center led by a BCBA! Kaizora is a school providing 1:1 services for children with autism, and are currently serving 18 students. On the continent of Africa, autism awareness and acceptance is incredibly important due to the intense level of stigma and fear of people with developmental disabilities and autism. Kaizora is playing a major role in dispelling myths and educating the community. The center director is currently the only Board Certified Behavior Analyst in the country and all of East Africa. Partners since: 2010 Current Focus: transition (from school to young adulthood/workplace), functional living skills, and staff training/supervision GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
RACHEL HARMON, BCBA Rachel is a BCBA from Los Angeles California. She has also lived in San Diego, Tokyo, Paris, Oakland, and now Barcelona. Rachel first worked with children with autism as a piano teacher in 2008 and was eventually drawn to the field of ABA. While also doing an internship in Music Therapy, Rachel hopes to someday fuse the two disciplines to offer services to individuals through a humanistic, behavioral, and improvisational approach.
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GET READY FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
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