Today
was a momentous occasion in Kenya’s history as the news flashed around
the world that an agreement had been signed between the two Kenyan
political leaders, President Kibaki and Hon Odinga, to end the political
impasse following the disputed elections two months ago and to restore
peace and harmony to the country.
The agreement was the result of a five-hour meeting today attended by
President Kikwete of Tanzania who is the current Chairman of the African
Union, and Mr Kofi Annan who has performed the role of mediator, with
the participation of both President Kibaki and Hon Raila Odinga.
At a press conference called this afternoon in Nairobi following the
successful conclusion of the meeting, Kofi Annan announced that a
power-sharing agreement had been achieved. The political settlement
agreed upon by both party leaders has created the new post of Prime
Minister, to be held by Raila Odinga, with a coalition government of the
two main parties in which cabinet posts would be shared between them.
Parliament will convene next Thursday to pass a constitutional amendment
to approve the changes agreed upon.
Speaking after the signing of the agreement, President Kibaki said, "As
a nation there are more issues that unite than divide us. We've been
reminded we must do all in our power to safeguard the peace that is the
foundation of our national unity. Kenya has room for all of us if we can
enhance peace and tolerance. Fellow Kenyans, we stand before you to give
a solemn commitment."
Raila Odinga thanked Kofi Annan for his role in achieving the historic
agreement. He also recognised Mr Kibaki as President. He stated that
although they had been competitors during the elections they were now
fellow countrymen. "In the past two months, Kenyans have known nothing
but sadness," he said. "We have now opened a new chapter in our history,
from the era of confrontation to the beginning of cooperation. We should
ensure that Kenyans begin to celebrate and love each other, that we
destroy the monster that is called ethnicity. I will ensure that what we
have developed today will succeed."
The power-sharing agreement at last brings the two opposing sides
together in a coalition government on terms agreeable to all and has
provided the political solution which had been sought to allow the
country to recover from the trauma and civil unrest which followed the
announcement of the election results.
Kenyans throughout the country were celebrating this evening and hopes
are high that this will restore Kenya to its position as one of the most
stable and successful countries in Africa. All the indications are that
the overwhelming majority of Kenyans are delighted to see an end to the
political stalemate and tension. The feeling of relief was evident among
people everywhere and for the first time in weeks optimism was high as
many Kenyans expressed their hopes for a better future.
Monday 14th January 2008:
Security Update: 3.00 p.m.
Yesterday was another
calm and normal day in Nairobi and Mombasa with no problems
or incidents reported. Once again there were no reports of
any insecurity or problems affecting tourists in any of
Kenya’s parks and reserves or on any of the roads connecting
them.
Today continues to be a
normal day in Nairobi, Mombasa and the wildlife parks and
reserves with no reports of any problems in any of these
areas or the connecting roads.
Schools re-opened
throughout most of Kenya today – a further indication of
normality returning.
Parliament will be
opening tomorrow and there may be some closures of roads
during the ceremony while a strengthened police presence is
to be expected. The Kenya Tourism Federation will be
monitoring the situation tomorrow in order to keep local
tour operators informed in case detours are required to
avoid delays for clients on airport transfers.
In view of the continuing
calm in the areas frequented by tourists, we hope that those
governments which placed blanket travel advisories on Kenya
will be revising them without further delay and we have
received some positive indications that, if the present
situation of calm is maintained, then the advisories will be
re-worded. The US government has not placed a “non-essential
travel” warning on the whole of Kenya but has indicated
those places to be avoided (in the Kisumu-Kericho-Eldoret
areas) and it is to be hoped that the other countries will
follow this approach.
Jake Grieves-Cook
KTF Spokesman
Friday 11 January 2008: Security Update 10.30 p.m.
Today was another
entirely normal day in Nairobi and Mombasa with no problems
or incidents reported. There were also no reports of any
incidents or problems affecting tourists in any of Kenya’s
parks and reserves or on any of the roads connecting them.
There were no reports
today of any demonstrations or violent disturbances
elsewhere in the country.
Talks between the
government and the opposition have not been held today as
originally planned but both sides confirmed their call to
all their supporters to shun violence and to be committed to
maintaining peace. Former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan,
is expected to arrive in Nairobi next week to assist in
seeking a reconciliation between the two parties. Parliament
will be opened on Tuesday. The opposition have announced
that they will hold peaceful rallies in different parts of
the country on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Tour
operators will ensure that tourist vehicles avoid any
rallies and demonstrations but the organisers have stressed
that these are intended to be peaceful assemblies.
Weather
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast,
temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the
country.
The average annual temperature for the coastal town of Mombasa (altitude
17 metres) is 30.30 Celsius maximum and 22.40 Celsius minimum, the
capital city, Nairobi (altitude 1,661 metres) 28 Celsius maximum and 10
Celsius minimum, Eldoret (altitude 3,085) 23.60 Celsius maximum and 9.50
Celsius minimum, Lodwar (altitude) 506 metres) and the drier north plain
lands 34.80 Celsius maximum and 23.70 Celsius minimum.
There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are
worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early
in the morning.
The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to
December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and when it does come it often
falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from
February to March and coldest in July to August.
The annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park in
Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place between June
and September. The migration of almost two million wildebeest, zebras
and other species is nature's greatest spectacle on earth. The animal
trek has been captured by filmmakers worldwide.
Baggage Baggage space on safari is restricted to
one medium suitcase or similar per person, plus hand baggage (private
safaris where there are less than 7 persons in the vehicle are not
subject to this restriction). Visitors to Treetops and the Ark are asked
to take overnight bags only; suitcases can be left at the base hotel.
Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra cost. Baggage can also be
stored at Accord African Safaris offices. A baggage weight restriction of 15 kg
per person applies on air safaris. Where very small aircraft are used
this maybe reduced to 10kg.
Currency Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash
or travellers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in
Nairobi and at most large hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are
most acceptable and will cause the least delay. As a norm, always ask
what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to
transaction. Banks are usually open from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, Mondays
through Fridays and from 9.00 am and 11.00 am on Saturdays.
Credit Cards
VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourist
services. There's usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price as
establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions.
Health Since rules concerning disease prevention change from time to time, a
check should be made with the nearest Kenyan High Commission, Kenya
Tourist Office or any airline flying scheduled services into Kenya.
Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and intending visitors should
start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue taking
them for the prescribed time after their return. Insect repellents
should be made use of after dusk and suitable cover up clothes should be
worn in the evenings.
Flying Doctors Society Membership of the Flying Doctors Society is strongly recommended. In
event of accident or sickness while on safari, the society will fly
patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance to hospital. The
current cost for 1-month membership is US$ 30 per person.
Drinking Water Drinking water from the tap must be considered risky. Hotels and lodges
usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled
water is available in every hotel and supermarket.
Security Normal precautions as in any other destination world-wide should be
taken. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their
hotel rooms but to make use of safe deposit boxes and safes. One should
never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on
handbags in crowds or busy streets. Jewellery snatching is not uncommon
in city streets. As in all major cities walking alone or in small groups
at night should be considered a hazard and avoided. Reliable cabs/taxis
are available at all the principal hotels. Taking photographs at
airports, near military installations, of policemen, the president, the
national flag, the State House, state lodges, soldiers, prisons and
prisoners etc., is prohibited. Before photographing local people,
permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed. Seek the
assistance of your driver/guide in such matters.
Voltage Both mains electricity and generated supply in lodges provide 240 volts
AC 50 cycles. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving
points with 110v 50 cycles. Sockets are normally three pin and of the
'square' variety.
Tipping and Porterage Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to
tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.
Language Kiswahili is the lingua franca while English is the official language.
In addition, most tribes have their own language.
Post and Telephones Keeping in touch by mail and telephone is generally easy. Direct
overseas dialing is possible from major centers and increasingly from
remote places such as game lodges. Call home bureaus are in plenty in
Nairobi as are the Cyber café for e-mail and Internet access. There are
two major mobile phone network providers, Safaricom and Celtel.
Arrivals and Departures Kenya has two main ports of entry by air: Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport, Nairobi. Located 16 km from the city center, and Moi
International Airport, Mombasa, Located 12 km from the town center.
Mombasa is the main port of entry by sea.
Airport Departure Tax International Airport departure tax equivalent to US$ 40 per person is
payable on departure from the International airports. Check if it is
included in your ticket. A local airport service charge is also payable
on departure for domestic flights. As this varies from country to
country, please check with us on the prevailing amounts payable prior to
your flight departure.
Opening and Shopping
Hours Major stores, tourist services, offices and museums open from 8.00 am to
5.00 PM in large towns though offices often break for lunch. In rural
areas and out in the bush small shops can be open at almost any hour.
Souvenirs to take back home can include wood and soap stone sculptures
and carvings, ciondos (sisal weave baskets), beadwork and tribal
regalia, masks, textiles and gemstones set in unique jewellery pieces.
We have negotiated for discounted prices with particular curio shops.
Insurance
We
offer insurance cover to clients on request. This will cost you 10 US$
Per Day Per Person through AA insurance Company.
