Kenya: Global Health and Human Rights Fall 2020
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Kenya: Global Health and Human Rights Fall 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COUNTRY OVERVIEW .................................... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION ........................... 3
CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY ...................... 3
LOCAL CUSTOMS........................................ 3
DIET .............................................................. 4
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND HEALTH ............ 4
HOMESTAYS................................................ 5
OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS ...................... 5
TRANSPORTATION ..................................... 6
COMMUNICATION ....................................... 6
PHONES AND E-MAIL.................................. 6
MAILINGS ..................................................... 7
MONEY ......................................................... 7
VISITORS AND FREE TIME ......................... 9
PACKING GUIDELINES ................................. 11
CLOTHING GUIDELINES ........................... 11
EQUIPMENT ............................................... 12
COMPUTERS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS
.................................................................... 13
GIFTS ......................................................... 13
WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT OBTAIN IN
COUNTRY .................................................. 14
ALUMNI CONTACTS .................................. 14
PACKING LIST ............................................... 15
SIT Study Abroad - 2
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 3/12/2020
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
linguistically and ethnic diverse, representing the
GENERAL INFORMATION cultural variation of Kenya and the East African
Kenya is a country of natural beauty and region.
diversity: from the snowy peaks of Mount Kenya
to the Indian Ocean coast and from lush green CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
coffee and tea fields to the seemingly endless Kenya lies astride the equator, but due to inland
savannah - home to an amazing variety of altitude and offshore coastal winds, the weather
wildlife. The people of Kenya are also diverse is surprisingly temperate in Nairobi and the
with more than 65 different ethnic groups and surrounding highlands. The main rainy season is
nearly 70 languages. The main ethnic groups during April- May with a second, lesser, one in
derive from Bantu-speakers who migrated from October and November.
western Africa; the Nilotic and Nilo-Hamitic
peoples, who originated in Sudan; and the Afro- Kisumu and the coastal and lake areas are,
Asiatic group, who were mainly pastoral tribes conversely, quite hot and humid most of the
from present-day Ethiopia and Somalia. Peoples time. Even when the temperature is in the 80s,
from the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East the humidity makes it feel much hotter.
and Europe are settled throughout Kenya,
forming significant communities.
Kenya’s official language is English and the KISUMU: AVERAGE HIGH/LOW
national language is Kiswahili. Economically, TEMPERATURES (°F)
the population is divided among rural JAN FEB MAR APR MAY
pastoralists, farmers, urban dwelling office
workers and business people. Kenya’s chief 87/74 87/75 86/75 83/74 82/73
industry is tourism, while its exports include SEPT OCT NOV DEC
coffee, tea, pyrethrum, flowers, fruits and,
vegetables, including coconuts and cashews, 84/73 87/74 86/74 85/74
and clothing, which is manufactured in several
export-processing zones around the country. LOCAL CUSTOMS
Local customs will be explained in greater detail
The SIT program in Kenya makes the most of during orientation and throughout the semester,
the country’s demographic and geographical but here are a few to get you started:
diversity, by introducing students to various
cultural practices and ethnic groups, their unique o In Kenya, people greet each other before
relationships to public health and human rights, beginning their conversation or request. The
and to Kenya’s natural beauty. Throughout the standard greeting is “Hujambo?” and the
inland or “upcountry” areas of Kenya, the response is “Sijambo.” It is polite to shake
topography and physical features are diverse hands as well as to greet verbally.
and striking, with extensive savannah o Respect is the foundation of Kenyan social
punctuated by high mountain regions. Unlike the interactions. Younger people are expected to
ancient settlements of the coast, with trading defer to elders and women are expected to
towns dating back over 2000 years, Nairobi, appear humble.
Naivasha in Kenya’s Rift Valley, Kisii and o Left-handedness is gaining acceptance but it
Kisumu on Lake Victoria are relatively recent is still best to give and receive objects with
urban areas and their more contemporary the right hand.
development is clearly evident in their layout and o When invited for a meal in a local person’s
architecture. All of Kenya’s cities are house, we recommend you eat with your
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 3/12/2020
right hand and always wash your hands food and eating communally (including with your
before starting. host family) from the program experience. Please
o It is polite to try all the different foods but you consider local diet seriously when selecting your
do not necessarily have to eat them if you program of choice. Your admissions counselor is
don’t like them. You can politely explain that a great resource in better understanding the local
the taste is new to you and you’re not used diet.
to it yet.
o Finishing all the food on your plate is The main staple in much of Kenya is ugali, a stiff
expected, we recommend that you take a porridge that is eaten, together with a sauce, at
little at time. Food is often shared with other most meals. Tropical fruits and vegetables are
relatives or neighbors and should not be wonderful in Kenya, so following a vegetarian
wasted. However, do not be shy to ask your diet is not too difficult. Veganism, depending on
host for seconds where food is available. the type of vegan commitment, is difficult but
o When living with a local person, follow can be upheld in some parts of the country. In
his/her lead in deciding where and when to general, students are expected to adapt to the
go out at night. Follow the guidance of the culture they are in and to be prepared to remain
senior female in any place where you stay. flexible in many ways, including eating habits.
o Always wash your own underwear.
In parts of Kenya, including the coast, rice, fish
or meat curry, green vegetables (mchicha),
beans, and millet are the popular staple foods.
Some communities eat communally, although
men and women in Muslim families may eat
separately. Guests must always remember to
wash their hands before eating and never to eat
using their left hand.
In Kenya, antihistamines are easily accessible
throughout the country if an unforeseen need
arises.
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND
HEALTH
Maintaining good health is critical to having a
successful semester. To help you do that, we
DIET have provided Health Guidelines and
SIT Study Abroad provides experiential learning Requirements for your program.
opportunities where students become embedded
in their host community. As such, we strive to It is very important that you read the Health
accommodate serious food allergies where Guidelines and Requirements document as
possible but simply cannot ensure that all dietary early as possible and examine it with your
restrictions or non-medically mandated diets can medical provider. The guidelines include
be accommodated. recommended immunizations; a suggested
calendar for immunizations and other
Students are encouraged to participate in the prophylaxes; and valuable information on how to
local food culture as a central aspect of daily life. avoid exposure to common carriers of disease.
By trying to replicate your diet at home you may
miss out on an important part of your host culture. Students are thoroughly briefed on safety
Due to the unique living and learning community considerations during in-country orientation and
central to all SIT programs, we cannot separate
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 3/12/2020
are updated throughout the semester if and although significantly shorter, will provide you
when circumstances change. For information with a glimpse into the lives of Kenyans who live
regarding safety and security, emergency in the village of Semenya. During the Kisumu
communications, SIT policies, accident and homestay, you will be living in the homes of the
illness insurance, and general program tips, Luo community most probably. Please take
please read the Safety, Security, and Health note that some homestays have limited facilities;
document and Student Handbook.
therefore, you could be asked to share a room
with another family member. Water and
HOMESTAYS electricity are limited, so please be prepared to
As many SIT Study Abroad alumni will tell you, use them conservatively and to go without them
the homestay experience can be one of the at times. Your academic director will provide you
most rewarding and most challenging aspects of with further details about these issues when you
the program. We hope you will come prepared are in-country. Also, please avoid using the
for the experience and committed to moving family’s telephone during homestays, as it will
beyond cultural immersion as you begin to place a financial burden on the family.
question, distinguish, and analyze the host
culture vis-à-vis your own culture and come to a
deeper understanding of both.
Family structures vary in every culture. SIT
Study Abroad values the diversity of homestay
families, and your family may include a single
mother of two small children or a large extended
family with many people coming and going all
the time. Additionally, please bear in mind that,
in many countries, the idea of what constitutes a
“home” may be different from what you expect.
You will need to be prepared to adapt to a new
life with a new diet, a new schedule, new
people, and new priorities and expectations.
The program’s homestay coordinator will be
responsible for placing students in homestays.
These placements are made first based on
health concerns, including any allergies or
dietary needs, to the extent possible. Please
note: in order to ensure the best fit for
students and families, SIT may make final OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS
adjustments to homestay placements after Other accommodations during the program
student arrival in country. Therefore, SIT will include hostels, guest houses, private homes, or
not provide information about your small hotels. While working on your Independent
homestay family before you depart for the Study Project or internship, you might stay in a
program. guest house, hotel, or possibly return to one of
your host families, depending on the location of
On this program, you will be staying in two your research. You must be very clear on the
homestays: one in the urban area of Kisumu, location of your research, particularly in relation
and a visit to Semenya in Kisumu County. The to traveling. Some areas are out-of-bounds for
urban homestay will encourage you to fully ISP/internship activities and all ISP/internship
immerse yourself as you are exposed to life and sites must be approved by your academic
culture in an urban setting. The rural homestay, director. SIT will not cover your traveling costs to
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 3/12/2020
and from the area in which you plan to conduct passport is recommended whenever you are out
your research, so budget accordingly. Your in Kenya.
academic director will give you further details
during orientation. For the excursion to Uganda and Rwanda, we
will travel by road using a private van and the
leave by plane from Kigali into the Nairobi
TRANSPORTATION airport.
In Kisumu, you will likely use public transport
such as taxis or minivans called “matatus” or a COMMUNICATION
“tuk tuk,” a three-wheeled vehicle with an While you may want to be in regular
enclosed area for passengers common in communication with friends and family from
Kisumu. The public transport systems do not home during the term abroad, please bear in
have a central governing body or a website; you mind that different time zones, unreliable phone
can get information about schedules from lines, and changing program activities can
guesthouses or hotels. For matatus and city complicate communication.
buses, passengers often pay their fare or buy It’s important to be clear with family and friends
tickets directly from the conductors once on about your availability during the term. Many
board. On long distance buses, you must buy students recommend making an appointment to
your tickets from the bus company operators in call home or to receive a call. You should also
consider the impact of constant communication
advance or on the day of your departure. Drivers
with friends and family at home on your cultural
do not like to leave without a full load and so
immersion.
passengers usually have to wait until a vehicle is
full. Matatus can also often be flagged down on
the side of the road by people wanting to board. PHONES AND E-MAIL
During the village stay, you can easily get As part of SIT’s commitment to student safety and
around on foot. It’s good practice to always carry security, all students are required to have a
identification, especially when travelling working smart phone capable of making and
internationally. Having a photocopy of your receiving both local and international calls
throughout the duration of the program. For that
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 3/12/2020
purpose students are required to either (a) bring MAILINGS
an open, unlocked smart phone from the U.S. to
Unlike receiving a package here in the US,
the program that is able to accept a local SIM
receiving a package at your program site is
card, and is compatible with and usable at the usually expensive and problematic. Customs
program location, (b) work with the academic agents must inspect all packages and you, as
director within the first week upon arrival in the recipient, are responsible for duty and
country to purchase a smart phone locally, (c) storage fees. In addition, there are cases of
bring a dual SIM smart phone, or (d) bring a smart items being lost in the mail or taking so long to
phone with an international plan. During reach the recipient that the recipient is nearly
orientation, with assistance from SIT Study back in the US by the time the items are
Abroad staff, students will learn how to use their received. For these reasons, sending packages
cellphone, how to purchase and use an should be done only for emergency situations.
appropriate local SIM card, and how to acquire Additionally, sending valuables is highly
minutes for calls and texting. SIT Study Abroad discouraged.
requires that each student have a local number
for communication with the homestay family and For this program, DHL services are available
program staff. in country. Despite cheaper prices, reliance on
the US Postal Service is not advised due to
While we recognize that alternative delays and unreliability. When given the option,
communication methods can be free or cheaper it’s always a good idea to send packages
than cell service i.e. Facetime, Skype, certified and with a tracking number that allows
WhatsApp, etc. those programs alone do not the sender to track the package.
satisfy our need for regular communication with
the local program staff and partners, nor do they Posted letters and packages should be sent to
meet our emergency communication the following address:
needs. Therefore, local cellular capacity on
Student Name
each student’s phone is required for the duration
SIT Kenya: Global Health and Human Rights
of the program. Students are required to
SIT Study Abroad/ World Learning,
maintain a minimum amount of phone
Post Office Box 7286 – 40100
credits at all times for emergency calls. Full
Kisumu
compliance with this policy is expected
KENYA
The SIT program center provides internet [add student mobile number]
access during posted hours. Skype is the verbal
communication mode of choice in places where
you can access the Internet. Skype calls from MONEY
Kenya to the US are far cheaper than Skype In addition to tuition, SIT Study Abroad program
calls from the US to Kenya. Webcams usually fees cover room and board throughout the
work but can weaken the signal and interfere program. When room and/or board are not taken
with the connection. with the group, students will be given a stipend
to cover related expenses. SIT will cover daily
Although SIT does not provide email access to commuting costs, if any, and excursions that are
students, there are an increasing number of part of the normal program itinerary. During the
affordable Internet cafés in Kisumu, Nairobi, and ISP/internship, students will receive a stipend for
Kigali. Once outside these towns, however, basic room and board only, based on the cost of
Internet access is extremely limited. living at the program base. Any domestic
travel, interpretation services, or supplies
necessary for the ISP/internship are the
SIT Study Abroad - 7
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 3/12/2020
students’ responsibility. Please plan banks, as well. Some students prefer ATM
accordingly. machines, while others prefer exchanging
dollars at a bank or foreign exchange bureau.
ATM funds are available only in Kenyan
It is advisable to bring your funds in various Shillings, though the exchange rate on ATM
forms so that if there is a problem with one withdrawals is usually excellent.
option you will still have access to money. The
Kenya Shilling (abbreviated KES or Ksh) is the If you use a local cell phone while in Kenya, you
local currency. You may also be able to access can store money on the phone and use it for
your cash through ATMs (see below). Cash most purchases and exchanges. This service,
(particularly in US$50 and US$100 known as m-pesa, is provided by Safaricom and
denominations) is easier to exchange and gets a Airtel. It relieves you of the need to carry around
better rate, but it cannot be replaced if lost or large amounts of cash and is a wonderful
stolen. Smaller cash denominations fetch lower example of Kenyan innovation.
rates than the larger bills. Make sure any cash
you bring is in bills issued after the year 2004, Personal spending (from past
as many places in East Africa will not accept
student suggestions): $500-
older bills. Cash is used for most daily $700
transactions and the use of checks, traveler’s
Books, printing, supplies: $100
checks, and credit/debit cards for direct
purchases is rare. Students will be paid their
stipend through the M-Pesa money program. Up-front medical costs: $300
This means that you will need a local phone SIM Potential ISP/internship travel
card to open this account. The AD will help you $25-200
expenses:
to open such an account when you arrive.
Visa: $50
Subscriber SIM Registration
The service allows users to deposit money into
an account stored on their cell phones, to send
balances using PIN-secured SMS text Typical Internet café usage: $100
messages to other users, including sellers of
goods and services, and to redeem deposits for
regular money. Users are charged a small fee
for sending and withdrawing money using the
service.[3] M-Pesa is a branchless banking
service; M-Pesa customers can deposit and $1,075-
withdraw money from a network of agents that Estimated total:
$1,450
includes airtime resellers and retail outlets acting
as banking agents.
If using a debit and/or credit card, you should
A credit card is very useful for emergencies, contact your bank and/or credit card companies
regarding your travel plans. If you don’t inform
medical or otherwise. It is recommended you
these companies that you will be away, they will
bring along a Visa card, which is more widely
accepted at ATMs than MasterCard and other often assume the card has been lost or stolen
and will put an immediate hold on the card. You
credit cards. Students have reported having the
greatest success using ATMs within Kisumu, should also check on costs of withdrawal, as
Nairobi, and Kigali at Barclays and Standard these costs vary and can sometimes be very
expensive. Renewing and receiving reissued
Chartered Banks. However, MasterCard,
American Express and Visa can usually be used credit and debit cards while on the program will
be an expensive and highly inconvenient
to obtain cash advances drawn from local
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 3/12/2020
process. Before you leave for your program, cause in program flow and group dynamics.
please check the expiration dates on your cards Students should be sure that relatives and
to ensure that they will not expire while you are friends are aware of this policy and that visits
abroad. It is also very important that you make are scheduled for dates after the formal
photocopies of all your debit/credit card conclusion of the program. Students will not be
information and leave them with someone you excused from program components to attend to
trust in case your card(s) is/are lost or stolen.
visitors. See the Attendance and Participation
section of the Student Handbook.
Above are suggestions for spending money
during the program, including estimates for For safety reasons, some places in Kenya, such
textbooks, ISP/internship-related expenses, as the north and north eastern areas such as
medical expenses, personal spending, and gifts.
Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and coastal areas of
Figures are based on recent student
Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu, are currently off
evaluations, though individual spending habits
vary widely and these costs are averages. limits for travel and ISP/internship purposes.
Additionally, students will not be permitted to
A suggested total amount of money to budget conduct their ISPs/internships in other “no go”
ranges from US$1,055 to $1,430. To determine areas, including the northeast and the Dadaab
where you might fall in this range, please refugee settlement. Students are required to
examine your spending habits during a typical choose ISP/internship sites at which they can be
semester at your home school and consider any reached by telephone and they must be within a
exceptional expenditures you may have on the 24-hour journey from the program office. In
program, including travel costs for your planned addition to those listed above, several remote
ISP/internship or a specific personal expense. areas are off-limits due to security concerns.
Check current exchange rates:
http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ During the program, students follow an intense
schedule of classes and field-based learning
assignments, even during the ISP/internship.
VISITORS AND FREE TIME Free time for pursuing an independent interest
SIT strongly discourages and will not or hobby during the program will be limited. Your
provide support for any visitors to students admissions counselor can advise you about
during the term, due to the rigorous nature of particular interests you may have. For example,
the program and the disruption that such visits if you must keep in shape for your next athletic
SIT Study Abroad - 9
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 3/12/2020season, or if you play a musical instrument and Opportunity for independent travel during the
want to know whether to bring it, we can help program is limited and cannot be guaranteed
you to understand your schedule and any due to the rigorous schedule and disruption
concerns or limitations that may exist. Please independent travel may cause to semester
note that you will not have a long break during responsibilities. Requests to travel
the program, such as Thanksgiving or Spring independently will be considered on a case by
Break. case basis by the academic director. Further
details regarding the independent travel policy
can be found in the Student Handbook.
SIT Study Abroad - 10
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 3/12/2020because you are American. In extreme cases,
PACKING GUIDELINES failure to abide by established program rules of
dress will result in disciplinary action. Your
academic director will explain local conventions
LUGGAGE in greater detail once you are in Kenya, but for
Please pack lightly and include only necessary now you will need some guidelines as you pack
items. You should be able to carry all your for the trip. Please read the following
luggage significant distances on your own. Try paragraphs carefully and bear in mind that the
to minimize both the number of bags and weight guidelines were developed by SIT students.
of your bag(s) since you will likely be acquiring
A small part of the program takes place in
more belongings while abroad. Most students
Nairobi, a cosmopolitan city of three million
find that a large internal frame backpack and a
people, some of them expatriates from Asia,
smaller daypack or duffel bag are the most
Europe, North America, and other African
convenient choices of luggage. However, you
countries. Nairobi is just over a mile above sea
should also have a smaller bag to use for
level. Because of its pleasant, dry climate, it
carrying your books and personal items. You will
hosts many international agencies, NGOs and
find that you can store your larger piece of
international corporate headquarters. For this
luggage at your homestay during the semester.
environment, your clothing should be layered.
If carrying prescription medications, you should Bring clothing that is casual and comfortable, but
carry a letter from your doctor to prevent any also bring clothes that you could wear to a
concerns at customs or in transit. (Please see wedding or a job interview. Both men and
the “General Health Tips” section in the Safety, women should bring a lightweight jacket or
Security, and Health pre-departure document.) blazer which they can wear for special
occasions.
Please check the current requirements of the
Transportation Security Administration Bear in mind that often people in Kisumu and
(http://www.tsa.gov) as well as those of the Nairobi dress with more sophistication than is
airline on which you are flying for domestic and common in American cities. What you wear is
international baggage restrictions. very important, both for the sake of feeling
comfortable and for the sake of cultural
CLOTHING GUIDELINES appropriateness. Short shorts and very tight
In order to be culturally appropriate and to assist trousers for women are not acceptable.
with cultural immersion, SIT Kenya requires However, depending on the situation, you may
students to dress according to local norms. In wear jeans, slacks, or even long “dress” shorts.
most cases, this still leaves plenty of room for Neatness and fashion are always important, and
individual choices. This is not a policy that will host families and other Kenyans affiliated with
enable you to “pass” as a local, but rather to the program frequently complain that students
ensure that you do not offend or embarrass tend to under-dress. Every semester, there are
people with whom you work or stay. While students who do not take dressing seriously, or
Kenyans are in many cases aware that who have not read this document carefully, and
American standards of dress are different from who end up regretting that the clothes they
Kenyan standards, it is not an excuse for setting brought are not stylish enough for the cities in
aside Kenyan standards in favor of American Kenya; think “business casual” (but not ‘coat
ones. Kenyans find certain American dressing and tie’), trendy, coordinated, and put-together.
conventions appealing, others odd, and still
The rest of the program takes place in
others profoundly offensive or insulting. And
conservative rural areas. While style is not so
you will not escape these judgments merely
SIT Study Abroad - 11
Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 3/12/2020important in the village, modesty and cleanliness breathable, preferably drip-dry cotton and
are even more so. You will be expected to avoid cotton-blends. Polyesters and other fabrics that
clothing with holes, clothing with immodest do not breathe can be very uncomfortable. You
pictures or writing, shorts or clothing that is will be hand washing and line drying your
revealing and very informal (such as tank tops, clothes.
crop tops, halter tops, sleeveless shirts, or
Buying new, expensive clothing is not
bikinis). Tops should cover shoulders and
recommended. Whatever you don’t pack, you
waists, skirts should cover the knees, clothing
can probably get in Kenya – except shoes.
should not be too tight or see-through, and
plunging necklines are not acceptable. Women Second hand clothing (mitumba) is available
in most areas of East Africa dress with modesty, very cheaply all over Kenya. You can usually
wearing skirts well below the knee with slips find whatever you want within two months of the
(though ankle-length skirts are not a good idea end of any season in the northern countries.
either, since they tend to get dirty and frayed Designer clothing is shockingly cheap in the
very quickly), blouses or t-shirts with sleeves mitumba markets.
and relatively high necklines, and sandals,
sneakers, or flats. Women quite simply do not
wear pants or shorts in rural or Muslim areas of
the country (which are mostly near the coast).
For men, casual dress can include jeans,
sneakers, and t-shirts, as long as they are clean
and free of holes. More formal occasions (of
which there will be several) call for neat,
pressed, dark colored slacks, pressed, button-up
shirts (long or short sleeve), and leather dress
shoes (penny loafers or lace-ups) or dress
sandals. Flamboyantly colorful, Hawaiian-style
shirts or guayaberas can be worn semi-formally
in Kenya, so long as they are clean and EQUIPMENT
pressed, and have a collar and buttons. A Mosquito nets are available in Kenya and cost
variety of colorful slip-over shirts are available about $10 USD. But should you decide to bring
here. Kenyans consider shorts to be one, it should be of the self-supporting variety.
appropriate for schoolboys and playing sports, One recommendation is a Skeeter Defeater,
but not for casual wear by adult males. though some students prefer a net that wraps
Traditional wrap-arounds called kikois are often around you so you do not have to tuck in the
worn on the coast instead of long pants. Shirts edges. Both are available through Travel
with sleeves, whether short or long, are Medicine, Inc. at www.travmed.com. You only
required. Ties and jackets are not required but it need to bring a sleeping bag if you plan to camp
is a good idea to have one of each. on your own after the program. If you plan to
climb the mountains or travel through cold
Much of the country is known for its hot, tropical countries, you will need a heavier bag. These
climate, though areas at higher elevations (such are usually available in Nairobi either retail or
as Nairobi) can be surprisingly cold at night (50 secondhand but there is no guarantee that you
degrees is not unheard of). You will certainly will get the bag you want, at the time you need
need a sweater and/or a light jacket, and it.
waterproof rainwear is essential. The clothes
that you bring should all be washable and
SIT Study Abroad - 12
Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 3/12/2020The program provides bottled water during all that students bring digital recorders for their
excursions and clean bottled water can be language classes, ISP research, and other audio
purchased nearly everywhere in Kenya. related communications. It is also highly
However, if you wish to avoid the use of plastic recommended that students come prepared to
water bottles for environmental reasons, you buy mobile phones because those brought from
may bring a portable water filter, which can be the US may not work in Kenya. Phones cost
around $50 USD.
used during homestays and excursions. The
brands past students recommend are the Be sure to bring a large capacity flash drive for
'system pack' which you can find at: back-up and storage of data and photographs.
http://www.steripen.com and the MSR Miniworks For those who need it, word-processing and
EX water filter which can be found at printing can be done at Internet cafés and other
www.msrgear.com. If you purchase the email facilities are plentiful in major cities,
SteriPEN, be certain to bring spare batteries for however, once outside these towns, Internet
it because you might not be able to find access is extremely limited.
replacement batteries in Kenya. You should
also bring a small travel towel for the first week. Please see the following website for information
If later on you need a big towel, you can buy it in about electricity, voltage and electrical adapters.
any supermarket or mitumba markets. http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/.
Kenya’s voltage is 240 and has the electrical
COMPUTERS AND OTHER outlet that uses the Type G plug adapter.
ELECTRONICS GIFTS
It is strongly recommended that you bring a
As you might imagine, it is best to be prepared
laptop computer. If you bring a laptop, the
with a gift to offer your homestay family in
computer will be your personal property and
gratitude for their hospitality and as a means to
responsibility It is recommended that you insure
share a part of your culture with them. We
your computer or other valuables for full
suggest one or two gifts that the whole family
coverage in the event of loss or theft. SIT is not
can enjoy. You may also wish to consider gifts
responsible for any duty tax you may have to
for people outside your homestay family. Try to
pay when you enter the country, theft, or loss.
choose gifts that represent you or the part of the
Previous students have found it very helpful to country and/or community you live in. Think
bring their laptop, but you must exercise caution about what your city, state, or local artisans
in keeping it safe. Do not entrust your backpack produce. Draw upon your personal interests or
to any stranger as this has often resulted in hobbies for ideas. Pack a couple of small gifts
theft. Do not pull out your computer in public or for children, such as small games, bubbles, or a
during travel in general because this attracts Frisbee. Even if your homestay family does not
pick pockets and thieves. have small children, chances are that you will
engage with children in your homestay
If you bring a laptop, the computer will be your
community. Once you are on the program and
personal property and responsibility. You will be
responsible for arranging storage for your laptop learn more about the local culture, you will
in a secure place while on excursions. Past discover other ways to thank your family.
students have also brought MP3s, iPods, Remember to bring pictures of your friends and
galaxies, and DVD players. These are often family to share.
used during excursion travel. We recommend
that if you do bring these electronic devices, You can also buy gifts in-country as needed.
ensure their safety as we are not in position to Sometimes these are more appreciated by the
guarantee their safety. It is also recommended recipients because they are familiar.
SIT Study Abroad - 13
Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 3/12/2020WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT
OBTAIN IN COUNTRY
Items readily available in Kenya include: soap,
shampoo, toothpaste, tampons, pads,
moisturizers, deodorant, most prescription
medications and some familiar over-the-counter
medications. However, particular brands of
certain toiletries may not be available. One
example is deodorant; most brands available in
the US are not available here.
ALUMNI CONTACTS
If you have further questions, please contact
your admissions counselor and/or ask an alumni
contact: http://studyabroad.sit.edu/admitted-
students/contact-a-former-student/.
Don’t miss the Packing List on the next
page!
These packing guidelines are based on
suggestions from past students and your
academic director.
SIT Study Abroad - 14
Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 3/12/2020PACKING LIST
o 15-week supply of all prescription medication
plus any you need for after-program travel
GENERAL CLOTHING o Decongestant, cold and flu medication
o 10-day supply of dark socks and underwear o Face wipes
(plus a few sports bras) o Saline solution for contacts (available here
o At least 1 sweater, sweatshirt, or fleece but expensive)
(avoid white) o Sun block of SPF 30 or higher (available but
o Raincoat with hood or poncho expensive) make sure to bring enough
o I pair of flip flops o Sunburn lotion (available but expensive)-
o Sneakers or lightweight, durable footwear for Aloe Vera is highly recommended by
daily use previous students
o Nicer shoes for more formal occasions o USB drive
(penny loafers or flats will do) o Medicine for yeast infections, if necessary,
o Modest, one-piece bathing suit and acidophilus
o Canvas or other shoes to wear for swimming o Anti-diarrheal medication
(or buy in country) o Thermometer
o Gym shorts (one pair) o Mosquito repellent
o Clothing and sandals that can be worn for o Anti-itch medication (bug bites are part of life
dressy occasions in the tropics)
o Pajamas or modest clothing you can sleep in o Dental floss (available but expensive)
while sharing a room with someone o First aid kit
o One pair of waterproof boots for rainy o Sunglasses
season o Sun hat or bandanas (the latter are useful for
o 1 nice outfit for formal occasions trading at local markets – you may want to
o 4 ordinary t-shirts (avoid white) bring a few)
o At least 2 pairs of jeans or cargo pants o Towel
o At least 3 pairs of slacks, knee-length skirts
(with at least 1 half-slip), or khakis, (dark OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
colors are preferable) o Smaller bag or day pack for short excursions
o An outfit for going out in the city o Combination locks for luggage
o At least 3 shirts, collared, button-up, blouses, o Pocket knife with bottle opener
or other shirts o Water bottle/canteen (some students choose
to bring a bottle with a filtering system)
o Ziploc bags for items that may leak in your
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS luggage, such as shampoo
o Passport (valid for more than 4 months) o Flashlight (absolutely essential), preferably
o Yellow WHO Card where applicable (see the headlamp-style
Safety, Security, and Health document for o Extra camera batteries (two sets of
more information) rechargeable batteries and a charger that
o Two photocopies of your passport stored can take 240 volts will come in handy)
separately from your actual passport o Sleeping bag if planning to camp on your
o Photocopy of visa (if applicable) own after the program
o Copy of resume or CV for research permit
o Two passport size photos for Kenya visa
o Relevant articles or notes for ISP research
(at your discretion)
HEALTH/TOILETRIES
SIT Study Abroad - 15
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