The 25th session of the Governing Council will be subsequent to the second meeting of the Preparatory committee (Prepcom II) of the United Nations Conference on Housing and Urban development ( Habitat III).  Prepcom II is scheduled from the 14 to the 16 April 2015.  

A. VISITORS TO KENYA 

General Information

The Republic of Kenya is located on the Eastern coast of Africa, right on the Equator. It is a land of striking landscapes, ranging from snow-capped Mount Kenya to rich farmlands, barren deserts and tropical beaches. It borders Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan to the North, Uganda to the West, Tanzania to the South, and the Indian Ocean to the East. Kenya's capital city is Nairobi. Other major cities are Mombasa, the main port on the Indian Ocean, and Kisumu on Lake Victoria.

Kenya is one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations attracting millions of tourists over the past years. The country is endowed with attractive tourist sites, rich culture, striking geographical diversity and landscapes ranging from beautiful beaches, to animal parks and archeological sites.

(i) Arrival Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

Almost all participants will arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) which is located in the Embasaki suburb, 15 kilometers from Nairobi's central business district and 25 kilometers from United Nations Office at Nairobi, Gigiri. 

Delegates arriving through JKIA in Nairobi may request assistance from UN-Habitat support staff which will be easily identifiable at the branded counters at the airport as follows:

•The first before the Immigration desks - for assistance with visa formalities

• The second counter after customs, in the arrivals lounge - for transportation and accommodation inquiries

JKIA telephone number +254 (20) 825400

UN-Habitat arrival protocol support: Mr. Chris Mensah +254 (0) 732689199

(ii) Time Zone: Kenya is GMT + 0300 hours.

(iii) Weather: April tends to be one of the coolest months in Nairobi with short rains if one goes by precedence. The average temperature is 22°C but can drop to 10°C, especially at night. It would be advisable to carry a light jacket and an umbrella.

(iv) Electricity:  This is 240 Volts. Kindly note that Kenya uses the 13A 3 pin wall switch socket outlet. This is 240 Volts. Kindly note that Kenya uses the 13A 3 pin wall switch socket outlet.

(v) Official languages: The official languages of the Republic of Kenya are English and Swahili

Visa

It is the delegate’s own responsibility to obtain a visa for Kenya. The information provided herein acts only as guidance. A valid passport, not expiring for at least six months from the date of arrival is required for entry into Kenya. A valid entry visa is also required for most countries and may be obtained in advance from the Kenyan Embassy/High Commission in your country of residence or in a neighboring country. In the absence of either, then certain Embassies of other countries generally represent Kenya in the issuance of visas.

Please note that visas prior to arrival are not required for citizens of Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei-Darussalam, Burundi, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia (for less than 30 days stay), Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa (for less than 30 days stay), Solomon Islands, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Trinidad, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Zambia or Zimbabwe.

Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi for certain countries at a cost of USD 50. Nationals of the following countries require special advance visa clearance by the Kenyan authorities (as of May 2014): Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mali, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Syria and Tajikistan. Stateless persons also require advance clearance.

Click here for more information regarding visas.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travelers coming from countries where yellow fever may occur. Immunization against yellow fever is recommended for travelers from other countries. Malaria risk exists throughout the year in Kenya, though there is little risk in Nairobi and the highlands therefore it is advised that you take precautions while travelling out of these areas.

Any medical costs incurred during the stay in Kenya shall be borne by the meeting participants directly. It is therefore strongly recommended that the participants arrange for their own health insurance.

Security

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) and the Kenyan Authorities are working closely together to ensure that all precautionary measures are taken for delegates’ safety and security. Participants are, however, personally responsible for their movements.

icon1 Download the recommended list of hotels here.

For your own safety, kindly read and follow the below listed tips:

• Avoid crowded areas such as malls

• When walking, keep to the main roads and avoid shortcuts down back alleys and the like. However, where possible, take a taxi rather than walking

• Never walk at night in the city center even for a short distance – always take a taxi

• Be wary of people loitering outside hotels

• Ignore street children and people coming up to you in the streets with hard-luck tales. They may be pickpockets or part of an elaborate scam. The best thing to do is just to walk on and ignore them

• Do not carry large sums of money. Avoid carrying credit cards, wearing expensive jewelry, watches or the like when walking in the street

• Do not accept food and drinks from strangers; visitors have been known to be drugged and then robbed

Money and Banking

(i) Currency and exchange rate

The official currency of the Republic of Kenya is the Kenya Shilling (KES). They range in the denominations 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings.

The current exchange rates are: 1 US Dollar = KES 86,54 1 EUR = KES 120, 22. Please note that this is subject to change. The rates quoted are those in force as of the drafting of this information.

Foreign currency can be changed at JKIA, banks, foreign currency Exchange Bureaus or hotels. Banks in major centers are open from 09:00 to 15:00hrs Monday to Friday and from 09:00 to 12:00hrs on the first and last Saturday of each month.

The following currency exchange places are available near or at the UN compound in Nairobi:

• KCB bank and Standard Chartered Bank can be found on the ground floor in the UN complex, next to the Delegates Lounge.

• Give and Take Forex Bureau at Emerald Garden. From the main gate of the United Nations, cross the road, turn right and walk about 200 m. You will find the building to your left.

• Warwick Center from the main gate of the United Nations, cross the road, turns left and walk about 100 m. The building will be to your right.

(ii) Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

ATMS are available country wide with 24-hour access. Within the UNON complex there are two ATMs on the lower concourse; one next to the Kenya Commercial Bank and the other near the UNFCU (United Nations Federal Credit Union).

Credit cards: Major international cards are accepted. Credit card fraud occurs in Kenya as in most other parts of the world. The usual precautions should be taken.

Traveler’s cheques: Traveler’s cheques are accepted at most banks, foreign currency exchange bureaus, hotels and stores in major malls. Tipping is appreciated; however, most hotels and restaurants do include a service charge.

 B. UNON COMPLEX

About the UN Gigiri Compound

The Gigiri compound accommodates almost 3,500 staff members (of the total more than 5,200 UN staff based in Kenya). The 140-acre UN Gigiri compound is a peaceful place, offering the chance of observing local wildlife such as red duikers, squirrels, marsh mongoose, sykes monkeys and olive baboons. Easily spotted bird species include: crowned cranes, Egyptian geese, crested eagles, green pigeons and hoopoes.

A physical tour of the UNON compound may be arranged through the UNON Visitors Centre or email un.tours@unon.org .

(i) Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi facility will be available in the UN compound and meeting rooms. Select the Wireless Network connection named ‘VISITORS’’ or ‘DELEGATES’.

On-site Registration

Delegates will be able to register, have their photo taken and collect their badges at the Visitors' Center Pavilion on the following days:

  • Monday 13 April up to Thursday 16 April: 08.00 - 17.00
  • Friday 17 April: 07.00 - 17.00
  • Saturday 18 April: 09.00 - 16.00
  • Monday 20 April and Wednesday 22 April: 07.00 - 17.00
  • Thursday 23 April: 07.00 - 15.00

*To avoid long queues on the day of the official opening, delegates are strongly encouraged, if possible, to pre-register and collect their badges.

VIP Badges for Ministers and Heads of Delegations

Ministers and Heads of Delegations will be issued with non-photo badges, provided they are pre-registered. Their badges will be available for collection as of Wednesday, 15 April 2014 from the registration tent just beyond the main entrance to UNON.

Delegates Based in Nairobi

Delegates based in Nairobi who already have a pass issued by UNON can use this pass during the 25th session of the Governing Council.

All Permanent Representatives/Deputy Permanent Representatives, however, and other focal points are advised to pre-register as a member of their respective delegations should they wish to have their names to appear on the list of participants.

Vehicles and fire-arms

For vehicles which will need to enter to the complex please email. Mr. Prince Bruce at (Prince.Bruce@unon.org) and Ms. Janet Okal (janet.okal@unon.org ) 48 hours in advance with the following information:

• Registration number

• Vehicle type

• Driver name and ID number

For fire-arms which will be brought in to the complex, please inform Mr. Prince Bruce (Prince.Bruce@unon.org) and Ms. Janet Okal (janet.okal@unon.org) at least 48 hours in advance with the following information:

• Fire-arm type and serial number

• Body-guard name and ID number

Restaurants and Canteens Services

There are several caterers within the UN compound contracted to provide food and beverages for breakfast, lunch as well as snacks during coffee breaks for staff and visiting delegates. In addition, there are several restaurants and bars within walking distance from the UN complex (listed in the order of distance from the main UN gate):

• Emerald Garden – Thai food

Directions: From the main gate of the United Nations, cross the road, turn right and walk about 200 m. You will find the building to your left. Website: http://emeraldgarden.co.ke/. (Online reservation services available) Tel: + 254 (0) 710886688 / 710887888.

• In Warwick Centre

Directions: From the main gate of the United Nations, cross the road, turn left and walks about 100 m. The building will be to your right.

• Four Café Bistro – Mediterranean food

Website: http://www.four.co.ke Tel: + 254 (0) 721445444

• Osteria – Japanese and Italian food

Tel: + 254 (0) 701570468

• Mediterraneo – Italian food

Website: http://www.mediterraneorestaurant.co.ke/ Tel: + 254 (20) 7123000

  • Java Coffee House - Sandwiches and salads.

Directions: From the main gate turn left and walk to the end of the road. Turn left on Limuru Road. It is next to the Petrol Station on your left. Website: http://www.nairobijavahouse.com/ Tel: +254 (0) 721425403

• Big Square – Burgers

Directions: From the main gate turn left and walk to the end of the road. The restaurant is at the corner to your right.

Website: http://big-square.co.ke/ Tel: +254 (0) 707970968 / 739464707

• Village Market - Food court

It is a 3 minutes taxi drive. Website: http://villagemarket-kenya.com/

• Lord Errol – French

It is a 5 minutes taxi drive. Website: http://www.lord-erroll.com/ (Online reservation services available) Tel: + 254 (20) 7122433, 7121308, 7122302, 7122636

Postal/ Courier Service

The Post Office is available in the UNON complex

• Open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00hrs DHL courier mail service, lower concourse, next to the Post Office

• Open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00hrs

• Tel: +254 (20) 7622580, 7622579

Medical Services

The UNON Medical Clinic emergency and first aid assistance, including on-call (24-hour) ambulance services are available. On-site medical assistance is available during all meetings, conferences and events. The UNON clinic also offers general medical assistance, vaccinations and a broad range of medical services.

  • Location: Block F, room 117 Tel: +254 (20) 762 2267 Emergency line: +254 (20) 762 5999
  • Open Monday – Thursday: 10:00 to 12:30hrs and 14:00 to 16:00hrs Friday 08:30 to 13:30hrs and during meeting hours. No service is available on weekends.

For assistance over the weekends please dial the 24-hour UNON control room: +254 (20) 762 6666.

 Travel Agency

For participants interested in arranging a sightseeing tour or safaris during their visit to Kenya, the following agents are available to provide assistance: 

C. OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation in Nairobi

Participants are kindly requested to make their own hotel reservation. You are advised to choose accommodation from the list of hotels recommended by UN Security available here.

The following guest houses are also available in the vicinity of the UN complex which have been subjected to UN security survey and are available here.

The following guest houses are also available in the vicinity of the UN complex but have NOT been subjected to UN security survey and are available here.

Shuttle and Taxi Services

Many hotels provide courtesy shuttle services to/from airport and in some cases from the hotel to the UN compound. Visitors should pre-advise their hotel of their transportation needs. In the absence of a courtesy bus, visitors may use reputable taxi companies. Recommended taxi companies are listed below:

  • Pewin Cabs, Tel: 0727-776 761
  • Jatco Taxis, Tel: 0725-280 000
  • Jim Cab Services, Tel: 0735-555 559
  • Apollo Tours Ltd, Tel: 0723-794 249
  • Amicabre Travels Ltd, Tel: 0710-760 055

Kindly note the unpredictability of Nairobi traffic. While there is only 25 km from the airport to the UN compound, the trip can take between 45 and 120 minutes depending on the time of day. City rush hours are 07:00 – 09:00hrs and 16:00 – 18:00hrs

Emergency Numbers

Governing Council Secretariat +254732689299

• UNON Security +254 (20) 7626666

• Kenyan Police +254 999 or +254 (20) 2724201

• Diplomatic Police +254 (0) 726283030 or +254 (0) 735356506

• Nairobi Hospital +254 (20) 2845000

• Aga Khan Hospital +254 (20) 3662000

• St. John Ambulance Service +254 (20) 2210000/2241000

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