From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Kenya
Date: 6 Jan 93 20:05:39 GMT
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Kenya
============================================================
Kenya - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

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.

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 Kenyan port of entry.  Evidence of yellow fever and 
cholera immunization may also be requested.  There is an airport 
departure tax of $20 which must be paid in hard currency cash.  
Further information can be obtained from the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 
R Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 387-6101.  
There are also Kenyan consulates general in Los Angeles and New York.

Areas of Instability:  The Kenyan government has scheduled general 
elections for December 29.  Increased political activity in the 
period immediately preceding and following the election date may 
lead to localized disturbances that have the potential to disrupt 
highway travel.  The probability of violence, looting and other 
criminal activity may be high during this period.  The American 
Embassy has advised official American employees and dependents that 
all nonessential travel should be avoided during the period 
immediately preceding and for several days following the election 
date, and that employees and dependents who undertake nonessential 
travel at that time do so at their own risk.

Medical Facilities:  Adequate medical services are available in 
Nairobi.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment 
for health care services.  U.S. medical insurane 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 (404) 
332-4559.

Information on Crime:  There is widespread street crime, mostly of 
the "grab and run" variety, in the cities of Nairobi, Mombasa and 
coastal beach resorts.  Individuals pretending to be police or other 
government officials sometimes attempt confidence scams.  Walking 
alone or at night in public parks, along footpaths or beaches and in 
poorly lit areas, can be dangerous.  There is also a high incidence 
of residential break-ins.  Useful information on safeguarding 
valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is 
provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad"; 
it is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations:  Kenyan currency may not be taken out of the 
country, and is sometimes difficult to exchange for dollars upon 
departure.  Destruction of Kenyan currency is strictly against the 
law.

Security:  Security in the Masai Mara Game Reserve which 
deteriorated in 1991 and early 1992 has improved following new 
security measures undertaken by the Government of Kenya.  Travelers 
who do not hire reputable safari firms or knowledgeable guides or 
drivers are, however, at risk.  Safaris are best undertaken with a 
minimum of two vehicles so that there is a backup in case of 
mechanical failure.  Solo camping is risky.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.   Convicted offenders can 
expect jail sentences and fines.  

Other Information:  Water in Nairobi is potable.  In other parts of 
the country, drinking water must be boiled or bottled water used.

Tips for Travelers:  General information on travel in the area is 
provided in the Department of State publication  "Tips for Travelers 
to Sub-Saharan Africa" which is available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

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

 No. 92-148


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