Calendar and reports of Events in Africa

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR FRIENDS VISITING KENYA TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

By Moses Musonga

Three Quaker international meetings will be held in Kenya in 2010. The Triennial Conference of FWCC-Africa Section will bring together Friends from as many African countries as possible. This Triennial conference will also attract two other FWCC International Committee Meetings which will hold their sessions before and after the conference: That is, the Central Executive Committee of FWCC Worldwide – (CEC) and the International Planning Committee for the World Conference of 2012. I would therefore like to briefly present some highlights on essential information especially to those Friends who are visiting Kenya for the first time.

Kenya attainted independence in 1963 with the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta as the Head of State. Since then, Kenya has had two other Heads of State namely: Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, with Honorable Raila Odinga as the current Prime Minister.

Kenya National pride and heritage is reflected in our authentic National Anthem “Bless this land and Nation” an expression of the sanctity and patrioticism her people feel. Kenya heavily relies on agriculture as a main economic activity. The main cash crops are tea, coffee, pyrethrum, sugarcane, wheat and horticultural products. However, growth has been experienced through importing and exporting of petroleum based products, vehicle assembly, pharmaceutical and paper products among others.

Undoubtedly, Kenya’s main foreign exchange earner is wildlife, with the country boasting as one of the best wildlife reserves in Africa.

A lot of effort has been put in place towards environmental conservation in Kenya. Laudably, the most distinctive recognition of that effort was her Hon. Prof. Wangari Maathai of the Green Belt Movement, who was awarded the Prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace. The Kenyan conservation efforts are being made through community based efforts/programs.

Kenya is a diverse country with many different cultures. Each culture is autonomous yet they are all intrinsically woven together such that none of them stands out more than the other. Notably, the Masai community is viewed as a general representative of all the Kenyan communities, owing to their unique cultural dances, not to mention their meticulous beaded ornaments. Moreover, there is freedom of worship in Kenya, forming a range of belief systems, customs and social mores.

It should be noted here that Kenya being a famous tourist destination for many, it has a lot of general information one needs to know before visiting the country which can be downloaded from the internet. However, we have singled out two items which are relevant to the groups visiting Kenya next year.

Climate

The climate in Kenya is diverse. The Northern and North Eastern parts of the country are semi-desert (hot and dry all the year round). The Eastern parts are both dry with some rains and Savannah vegetation. The Southern parts are green with Savannah vegetation and habitation for wildlife. The Western parts are green and wet most times and fertile for agricultural farming. The Central parts are also wet and green all the year round similar to the Western parts of the country.

Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. The altitude of Nairobi is about 5,000 ft above sea level. Although the temperature varies according to the season, it does not go to the extremes. It is sometimes cool and warm, except for the months of June, July – August when it is colder. The temperature in the Western Part of Kenya where the Triennial Conference (2010) will be held is generally cool, not far from Mt. Elgon. Therefore it is desirable to carry some warm clothing including a sweater and a jacket. You will also need an umbrella because of the rain which falls during most of the afternoons.

Health

According to the International vaccination centre based in Nairobi, visitors coming from abroad will require the following inoculations.

1. Yellow fever – Mandatory
2. Hepatitis ‘A’ - Requirement
3. Typhoid - Optional
4. Meningitis – Recommended
5. Malaria – You can take anti-malaria drugs upon arrival in Kenya

Mosquito nets are available on every bed that you sleep. In the event of any sickness, health facilities and medicines are readily available within reach.

Another article with details about Quakers in Kenya will follow later.

 

CENTRAL & SOUTHERN AFRICA YEARLY MEETING 2009

Kadesh Barnea near Johannesburg from 8th to 14th April   now concluded
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