Kenya
Kenya Arrival and transport

How do you get to Kenya?
Plane
There are direct flight connections to Nairobi from Vienna
and Zurich as well as from Frankfurt/Main or via Amsterdam.
Ship
Regular ship connections run from the port in Mombasa to Mauritius, the
Seychelles and Zanzibar. The ferries on Lake Victoria connect Kenya with various
places in Tanzania.
Railways
Kenya also has rail connections from Nairobi to Voi and Moshi in Tanzania and to
Kampala in Uganda, but these run relatively irregularly.
automobile
You can also travel overland to Kenya from Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and
Somalia. However, some roads should be avoided due to the uncertain political
situation. Advice can be given from the consular posts.
When entering from Uganda it should be noted that the border posts of both
countries in Malaba are one kilometer apart, there is no traffic connection
between them.
Travel in the country
Buses and Matutas
Buses and minibuses run between most cities in Kenya, but they are often
overcrowded. Overland trips with public buses are not recommended because of the
poor road conditions. Some of the vehicles are also not in a roadworthy
condition.
Matatus are minibuses. Together with the normal buses, they also become Wheels
of the Wananchicalled, which means something like "The common
people's means of transport". They are both cheaper than taxis, but you never
know exactly which route they will take as the routes are constantly changing,
even though the buses have numbers. The matatus drive the same routes as the
buses, but this means of transport leads to significantly more accidents. In
addition, they are often completely overcrowded. If the police become aware of
an overcrowded vehicle, the drivers have to pay a fine and the passengers are
simply left standing.
Railroad
Kenya has around 2,800 km of railway lines, but most of them are in a completely
dilapidated condition. Passenger trains run on a single-track and highly
failure-prone route from Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu and Taveta to the Ugandan
capital, Kampala. The railway is operated by the Hungarian-Kenyan company "Rift
Valley Railways". The company makes its main profit with freight transport. The
Jambo Kenya Deluxe-Express, which mainly also transports tourists from Nairobi
to Mombasa, brings practically no profit. But there are plans to invest many
millions of euros in the development of Kenya's railway system with the help of
KfW Bank and the German Development Company.
Ferry connections
Kenya has seaports in Mombasa and Lamu. There is regular ferry service between
Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu. Traditional Kenyan sailing ships are also rented out
in these ports. Inland ports on Lake Victoria include Port Victoria in Kisumu,
Homa Bay and Mfangano.
Air connections
The three airports in Kenya are in Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret. There are
domestic flights between Mombasa, Nairobi, Lamu Island, Kiwayu, Amboseli, Masai
Mara, Malindi and Samburu. It is also possible to rent smaller aircraft
privately.
Car traffic
Roads
Between Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa there is a four - sometimes even
six - lane expressway. Kenya's road network covers approximately 65,000 km. The
main roads are paved, especially in the north the condition of the secondary
roads is not particularly good and mostly only accessible with off-road
vehicles. Especially in the north and northeast of Kenya and in the coastal
region north of Malindi there is an increased risk of armed attacks. Traveling
to these areas is more recommended by plane. Car journeys should only be made in
a guarded convoy and in daylight.
In Kenya there is left-hand traffic, but often enough people simply drive on
the side of the road that is in better condition. Driving at night should
generally be avoided as the road conditions are unpredictable and the headlights
are inadequate. It is advisable to have an international driver's license with
you.
Maximum speed
There is a speed limit of 80 km/h for vehicles throughout the
country.
Alcohol alcohol limit
There is no general alcohol limit, one
should simply follow the general principle "Don't drink and drive".
Rental
cars Rental cars are definitely an
advantage in Kenya because you can decide for yourself and control where you
want to go. You need an international driver's license and should carefully look
at the contracts and the condition of the car when you pick up the car. The
prices are very different, you should get information from the usual car rental
companies such as Avis, Europcar or Budget before you start your journey.
International license plate
According to
Abbreviationfinder,
the international license plate of Kenya is:
Kenya: entry and exit regulations
Formalities, visas
Tourists from EU countries need a valid passport, a visa and a return ticket
to enter Kenya and must have sufficient funds.
A valid yellow fever vaccination must be proven when entering from a yellow
fever infection area.
Visa department of the Embassy of Kenya
Markgrafenstraße 63
10969 Berlin
Tel: 0049 (0) 30 - 259 26 60
Fax: 0049 (0) 30 - 25 92 66 50
Email: [email protected]
Import and export of foreign currency
Local currency
There is no restriction on the import and export of local currency. However, for
amounts worth US $ 5,000 and more, a document must be presented stating the
origin and purpose of the sum.
Foreign currencies
The import and export of foreign currencies is unlimited. However, for amounts
worth US $ 5,000 and more, a document must be presented stating the origin and
purpose of the sum.
Import and export of goods
The following articles can be imported into Kenya duty-free by persons aged
16 and over: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227 g tobacco, 1 bottle of spirits
or wine and 68 ml of perfume.
Ban on imports of
drugs, pornographic material, fruits, plants and plant seeds. Firearms and
ammunition may only be imported with permission from the police.
Export ban
The export of gold, diamonds, animal skins and other hunting trophies is
prohibited without the approval of the Kenyan government agency. Furthermore,
the export of plants and animals protected under the Washington Convention on
Endangered Species is prohibited.
Entry with pets
For the owners of dogs and other animals, when traveling abroad, the question
arises whether they can even take their animals with them to the chosen travel
destination, and if that is possible, then of course the question of the
respective applicable conditions arises. Here with us you will find all the
important information on this topic, seriously researched at the embassies or
the Foreign Office.
An import permit is required to bring pets into Kenya. This can be requested
from the Livestock Officer, Veterinary Department in
Kabete. A health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate are also
required for import. The health certificate must confirm that the animal is in
good health and free from parasites. The rabies vaccination must have taken
place at least 30 days before entering Kenya, but not more than a year ago. The
vaccination certificate must also contain the name of the vaccine.
Animal transport on the plane with an accompanying person (owner)
The animal is located in the machine in an air-conditioned area between the
passenger deck and the cargo area. As a rule, no member of the crew takes care
of the animal during the flight, not even to give water or food. However,
experience has shown that the stress of checking in and the take-off phase is so
stressful for most animals that they sleep for most of the flight. The
administration of sedatives before check-in is not only not recommended, as
their effects cannot be foreseen under these conditions, but is even prohibited
for reasons of security (smuggling). Many airlines also exclude a number of dogs
(attack dogs) from transport.
However, it should be ensured that the animal is picked up at the arrival
airport by someone who is familiar to the dog. And of course all import
regulations for pets for the country have to be explored beforehand and strictly
adhered to.
Note
It has proven to be very helpful if you have accustomed the animal to such a
transport container at home a few weeks before the intended flight.
Kenya: Travel Medicine, Vaccinations and Warnings
Infectious Diseases
The following infectious diseases can be expected in Kenya:
Vaccination recommendations
- Diphtheria- a vaccination against diphtheria
should always exist, also in the home country.
- Yellow fever
- Hepatitis A and B
- Polio, polio- vaccination against polio should
always exist, also in the home country.
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Tetanus- a vaccination against tetanus should
always exist, also in the home country.
- Rabies- but only for high-risk travelers who can
come into contact with the vector animals.
- Typhoid- but only for travelers who can come
into contact with polluted water or contaminated food.
Compulsory vaccination
For all persons older than one year and coming from a yellow fever
infection area designated by the WHO, there is a compulsory vaccination against
an illness with yellow fever.
Malaria prophylaxis
When traveling in the country, it is strongly advised to undergo malaria prophylaxis. However,
if the side effects seem questionable, you should at least have a "stand-by
preparation" with you.
Who pays for vaccinations in Germany?
Most people in Germany are vaccinated against a number of infectious
diseases at an early age. However, the vaccination protection only lasts up to
10 years, in some cases even shorter. Therefore, before traveling abroad, you
should carefully consider against which infectious diseases a vaccination is
necessary or useful in the country concerned and whether the vaccination
protection, if applicable, was not too long ago.
Most statutory health insurances have been reimbursing the costs for the
following vaccinations since June 2007. There is even no 10 € practice fee - but
the insured usually have to pay the statutory additional payment, which is 10%
of the vaccine price - that is at least 5 € and a maximum of 10 €. Under these
conditions, the following vaccinations are free of charge. Some health insurance
companies also reimburse the cost of malaria prophylaxis. As a rule, private
health insurance companies (inquire beforehand) also cover the costs mentioned.
- cholera
- diphtheria
- Early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE)
- Yellow fever
- Hepatitis A and B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Pneumococci
- Polyo (polio)
- Tetanus (tetanus)
- rabies
- typhus
Current warnings
Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany
Citizens Service
Tel: 0049 - (0) 30 - 5000 - 2000
Fax: 0049 - (0) 30 - 5000 - 51000
www.auswaertiges-amt.de
Kenya: currency, shopping and exchange rate
The national currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling.
1 Kenyan shilling = 100 cents
The following Kenyan shilling notes are valid and in circulation in the country:
- 20 KES
- 50 KES
- 100 KES
- 200 KES
- 500 KES
- 1,000 KES
Exchange rate
You can find a currency converter here:
http://www.infos-finanzen.de/service/finanz-rechner/waehrungsrechner/index.html
Bank opening times
Banks in Kenya are generally open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on the
first and last Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The airport
banks are open daily until midnight.
Shop
Shop opening times
The shops in Kenya are usually open Monday to Saturday from 8:30
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Inexpensive or country-specific goods, souvenirs
Popular souvenirs from Kenya are wood carvings, batiks, traditional
clothing, pearl jewelry and stone work.
Kenya: Diplomatic missions
Visit Countryaah for a full list of Kenya embassies and consulates in each
country around the world.

Representations of Kenya in Germany
Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Berlin
Markgrafenstrasse 63
10969 Berlin
Tel: 0049- (0) 30-259 2660
Email: [email protected]
www.kenyaembassyberlin.de
German representations in Kenya
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kenya
Ludwig Krapf House, Riverside Drive 113
00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Riverside Drive 113
Tel: 00254 - (0) 20 - 426 2100
00254 - (0) 20 - 445 1702
E-Mail: [email protected] de
www.nairobi.diplo.de
The German embassy in Kenya is still responsible for:
Austrian representations in Kenya
Embassy in Kenya
2nd floor, City House, Corner Wabera Street/Standard Street
00100 Nairobi
Tel: 00254 - (0) 20 - 319 076/077/078
Email: [email protected]
www.aussenministerium.at/nairobi
The Austrian embassy in Kenya is still responsible for:
- Burundi
- Comoros
- Congo (Democratic Republic)
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Honorary consulate in Mombasa (without passport authorization)
3rd floor, Ralli House, Nyerere Avenue
Mombasa
Tel: 00254 - (0) 41 - 231 3386
Email: [email protected]
Representations of Kenya in Austria
Embassy in Vienna
Neulinggasse 29/8
1030 Vienna
Tel: 0043 - (0) 1 - 712 3919/20
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate in Linz
Harrachstraße 6/3
4020 Linz
Tel: 0043 - (0) 732 - 657 070
Email: [email protected]
Swiss representations in Kenya
Embassy in Kenya
International House, 7th floor, Mama Ngina Street
00100 Nairobi GPO
Kenya
Tel: 00254 - (0) 20 - 222 8735
Email: [email protected]
www.eda.admin.ch/nairobi
The Swiss embassy in Kenya is still responsible for:
- Burundi
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- Uganda
Consulate in Mombasa
c/o Orion Hotels Limited
PO Box 10283
80101 Bamburi
Kenya
Tel: 00254 - (0) 727 - 695 452
Email: [email protected]
Representations of Kenya in Switzerland
The responsible embassy is the British Embassy in London.
Embassy in London
Portland Place 45
London W1N 4AS
Tel: 0044 - (0) 20 - 7636 2371
Email: [email protected]
www.kenyahighcommission.net
Consulate General in Geneva
Avenue de la Paix 1-3
1202 Geneva
Tel: 0041 - (0) 22 - 906 4050
Tourist office
Kenya Tourist Board
Kenya-Re Towers, Ragati Road
PO Boy 30630
00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 00254 - (0) 20 - 274 9000
00254 - (0) 20 - 271 1262
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