Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvltxt/KENYA.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 6KB | 104 lines

Kenya - Consular Information Sheet
October 28, 1994

Country Description:  Kenya is a developing East African country known for
the wildlife in its national park system.  Tourist facilities are widely
available in Nairobi, on the coast, and in the game parks and reserves.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  Visas may be
obtained in advance at any Kenyan Embassy or Consulate, or upon arrival at a
port of entry.   Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested.
There is an airport departure tax of $20 (U.S.) which must be paid in hard
currency cash.  Further information may be obtained from the Embassy of
Kenya, 2249 R Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 387-
6101, or Kenyan Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York City.

Areas of Instability:  Kenya has recently entered a political transition
period, from a single-party democracy to a multi-party democracy.  From time
to time, political or ethnic tensions, associated with this transition,
increase--resulting in localized areas of instability, disruption of public
services, and sporadic demonstrations.  These ethnic and political clashes
have had no affect on tourism and have little potential to do so in the
future.

Medical Facilities:  Adequate medical services are available in Nairobi.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care
services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  Supplemental insurance with specific overseas coverage, including
air evacuations, has proved useful.  Information on other health matters,
including the incidence of malaria in the country, can be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone
[phone].

Information on Crime:  There is a high rate of street crime against tourists
in downtown Nairobi, Mombasa and at coastal beach resorts.  Reports of
attacks against tourists by groups of two or more armed assailants have
increased in recent months.  Pickpockets and thieves also carry out "snatch
and run" crimes near crowds.  Visitors have found it safer not to carry
valuables with them, but to store all valuables in hotel safety deposit
boxes or safe rooms.  There have been reports of thieves snatching jewelry
and other objects from open vehicle windows while motorists are either
stopped at a traffic light or in heavy traffic.  Armed carjackings are
increasingly common in Nairobi, with some ten vehicles stolen by armed
robbers each day.  There is also a high incidence of residential break-ins.
Thieves and con men have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police
officers or government officials.  Tourists who accept candy, biscuits, or
juice from new acquaintances on intercity buses have been robbed after being
drugged by food laced with sedatives.  Highway banditry is common on the
roads leading to the Somali border.  Air travel is the safest means of
transportation when visiting any of the coastal resorts north of Malindi.
Walking alone or at night in public parks, along footpaths or beaches and in
poorly lit areas can be dangerous.  The Kenyan mail system can be
unreliable, and monetary instruments (credit cards, checks, etc.) are
frequently stolen.  International couriers such as Federal Express or DHL
have proven to be the safest means of shipping envelopes and packages.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  The pamphlets
"A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide
useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad
and on travel in the region in general.  Both are available from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations:  Up to 100,000 Kenyan shillings may be taken out of
the country.  Destruction of Kenyan currency, even in small amounts, is
illegal, and almost always results in arrest and a fine.

Game Park Security:  Highway banditry is occasionally a problem in some game
parks or reserves.  Travelers who do not use the services of reputable
travel firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are especially at risk.
Safaris are best undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so that there is
a backup in case of mechanical failure or other emergency.  Solo camping is
always risky.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Kenyan law mandates lengthy prison
sentences for all persons found guilty of possessing or dealing in illegal
drugs.  The penalty for possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is
10 years imprisonment, with no option of fine.  The penalty for purchasing
or selling illegal drugs, including marijuana, is 20 years imprisonment,
with no option of fine.

Other Information:  Water in Nairobi is potable.  In other parts of the
country, water must be boiled or bottled water used.  Travel by passenger
train may be unsafe, particularly during the rainy season, because of the
lack of routine maintenance and safety checks.

Registration:  U.S. citizens may register at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and
obtain updated information on travel and security in Kenya.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located at the intersection of Moi
and Haile Selassie Avenues in Nairobi.  The telephone number is (254-2)
334141.  The mailing address is P.O. BOX 30137, or Unit 64100, APO AE 09831.

No. 94-253

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued May 24, 1994, to revise
information concerning currency regulations, game park security and drug
penalties.