About Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city, situated at 1°17′S 36°49′E in South-Central Kenya, 140 Kilometers (87 miles) south of the Equator with a population of 3.138 million (as per 2009 national census). It is surrounded by 113 km² (70 mi²) of plains, cliffs and forest that makes up the city’s Nairobi National Park. It is the most populous city in East Africa, with a current estimated population of about 3.5 million. This makes it the 14th largest city in Africa. In addition to its urban core, the city has Nairobi National Park, a large game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and home to giraffes, zebras and lions. Next to it is a well-regarded elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Nairobi is also often used as a jumping-off point for safari trips elsewhere in Kenya. It is adjacent to the eastern edge of the Rift Valley, and to the west of the city, are The Ngong Hills. Mount Kenya is situated north of Nairobi, and Mount Kilimanjaro is towards the south-east.
Being Kenya’s capital, and the arrival point for many visitors, it is well served by international airlines, and a regional road network linking it to other major East African urban centers. Railways link Nairobi to Mombasa, Kenya’s second largest city located on the shores of the Indian Ocean and Kisumu, the third largest city, located on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Weather
74°F (23°C), Wind NE at 15 mph (24 km/h), 53% Humidity
September l is a cool dry season in Kenya, the temperature in Nairobi during September is between maximum 26º degree Celsius 79ºF) and a minimum of 19º degree Celsius (65ºF).
Additional information on Kenyacan be found on the following websites: http://www.magicalkenya.com and http://www.nairobi.go.ke
Currency
The currency for the Kenya is the Kenyan shilling, abbreviation or currency symbol is KES, the Kenyan shilling is made up of 100 cents and is often presented with the symbol KSh. The bank rate of exchange varies (for example, the current exchange rate is 1 USD = Kshs.103.
Time
The standard time used in all regions of Kenya is East Africa Time Zone UTC+03:00 hours ahead of UTC/GMT
Electrical Supply
Electrical sockets (outlets) in Kenya usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.
Guidelines for Personal Security and Safety of Participants
Personal security is an individual responsibility. Using common sense and being alert can reduce risks. The aim of this Security Bulletin is to provide conference participants, with the necessary personal security advice, making them aware of the existing security rules and regulations that apply within the RCMRD premises and in Nairobi, Kenya. The best way to be safe is to avoid trouble at all cost, rather than having to extricate you later.
The RCMRD Security Section is always ready to serve all its clients. In this regard, the cooperation of all participants at this Conference would help us a great deal in ensuring the safety of your valuables and your personal security.
Do the following while you are in the RCMRD premises
- Display your Conference Badges, on demand to an authorized person and wear it visibly;
- Do not leave bags and parcels unattended; this will be confiscated or destroyed;
- Display the vehicle passes issued;
- Do not bring unauthorized persons and children into the Conference Venue;
- Safeguard your valuable property;
- Check your documents and items before you leave conference halls and meeting rooms;
- If you lose any valuable items within the premises, inform RCMRD Security Section and Service or inform the nearest Security Officer.
If you are off the RCMRD Premises and in the Hotel:
- Upon entering or leaving your room, make it a habit to lock the door;
- Before leaving, inspect your room to make sure no money, jewellery, cameras, etc. have been left exposed;
- Deposit valuables or portable items at the reception desk and obtain a receipt; or in the room safe if provided
- Do not open packages delivered to you unless you are expecting them; and
- Should you observe anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, please contact Security Service.
Emergency Numbers
- Security Officer RCMRD Jattani Buke (24 hrs) +254-721667019
- Police Emergency Numbers (24 hrs) 911
- Kasarani Police Station - 0712 179 5637/0736350106
- Kenya Red Cross - 0789 859857
- Mr. Albert Mukabi, Head of Transport & Protocol – 0720803825/0717456006