Kenya is officially visa-free since 1st of January 2024 but you still have to register for an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), pay a $30 processing fee and upload supporting documents. You can apply from three months before your trip but if you apply 2 weeks before, it should suffice to process the eTA in time.
The following information is required to apply for an eTA as a tourist:
Once your eTA has been approved the webpage states that you can either “print the PDF document that has been attached to the email, OR download the document to your mobile device OR save it in the ‘Kenya Travel Authorisation’ mobile app” . The previous visa system required you to print the visa in colour that’s why we recommend you do the same, then you can always show your eTA even if your device turns off.
Please apply for eTA here: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
Kilele and most of its program will take place at The Mall in Nairobi-Westlands:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gioBVkj82cUaR8rX9We don’t have any specific deals, but we made a short list of some decent accommodations that are close to the venue. It’s not a comprehensive list and there are a lot of affordable options for both apartments and hotels (AirBnB and Booking) in the area. Apart from Westlands you can also check out apartments or hotels in Kilimani, Lavington or Kileleshwa.
Some hotels in Westlands:
Sports Road Apartments by Dunhill
Address: Sports Road Apartments, David Osieli Road, Westlands
Price range: From 50€ per night
Type: 1 & 2 bedroom apartments with kitchen
Webpage: https://www.booking.com/Share-qaUFH4
Njema Court Apartments
Address: Njema Court, Rhapta Road, Westlands
Type: Studios, 1, 2 3 bedroom apartments with kitchen
Price range: Varies
Board: Breakfast usually included
Webpage: https://www.booking.com/Share-g3OFT7r
Inn & Suites (19 Mpaka Road, Westlands)
Type: Standard rooms with kitchenette
Price range: From 52€ per night
Webpage: https://www.booking.com/Share-Nrt3Dk
Budget-friendly hostels
Jabulani Backpackers
Address: Jabari House, Old Waiyaki Way, Westlands
Type: Dorms
Price range: From ca. 10€ per night
Board: Simple breakfast included
Webpage: https://www.booking.com/Share-9D0JTf
The Library Hostel (Mandera Road, Kileleshwa - not in Westlands)
Type: Standard rooms and dorms
Price range: From ca. 10€ / 20€ per night
Board: Shared kitchen
Webpage: https://www.booking.com/Share-Ta9dwC
You can contact travel@kilelesummit.org if you like to share an apartment with other attendants, or if you require additional information.
Nairobi is not made for pedestrians, so you will need to move around with a taxi most of the time. Uber, Bolt and InDrive are available apps that allow you to pay by card, cash or MPESA, though some drivers cancel card trips as they prefer getting the money instantly (apps disburse card payments periodically). Rides are usually quick to get and affordable. Traffic can be chaotic, so wear a seat belt and ask your driver to slow down if you feel unsafe.
From airport: You can book a Uber, Bolt or InDrive (local alternative) from the airport on arrival. There are also trustworthy taxi companies in the arrival terminal, they charge between 20 and 40 USD, whereas a Uber/Bolt/InDrive is typically around 10 USD. To save time you can take the Expressway, but you need to pay the toll. The charges are currently around 450 KES from the airport to Westlands.
Obtaining Kenyan Shilling doesn't necessarily involve exchanging currency which tends to be done at extortionist rates. If you have a credit or debit card, you can use one of the many ATMs to draw cash found around the city, including at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Later on if you get a SIM card, you can also activate the mobile payment, see below.
The current exchange rate for the Kenyan Shilling is around 152 to €1, and 129 to the US Dollar. (Dec 29th rate)
Safaricom is the most used provider and you can get a SIM card at the airport (they have a booth just outside after you exit customs), or at Safaricom shops around the city - the closest to the Kilele venue is in Sarit Mall (5 min walk).
M-PESA is the mobile money system in Kenya (the first in the world dating back to 2007) and you can use it to pay basically anywhere. You don’t connect MPESA to a credit or debit card, but transfer money to your M-PESA account either by finding an agent to deposit cash or using a service like Wise or WorldRemit to transfer from your bank account straight into your M-PESA account. The transaction usually takes only a few minutes.
Some people only use M-PESA for all transactions, but it’s sometimes good to have some cash handy.
Be aware of yourself and belongings. Simple precautions of not having your wallet, phone or valuables on display should be observed. Also be aware to not have your phone out if you’re in a car with an open window moving in slow traffic as it might get snatched.
Walking can be hazardous even during daytime because of the chaotic traffic. It’s not advisable to walk at night.
Most visitors or expats coming from abroad do not take any special vaccination precautions. However, this is very much up to the individual. Nairobi is at an altitude of 1800 meters and as such malaria is not endemic.
These are the official UK vaccine recommendations for Kenya:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/117/kenya#Vaccine_Recommendations
Nairobi has a subtropical highland climate. At 1,795 metres (5,889 ft) above sea level, evenings may be cool even if it's hot during the day. The sunniest and warmest part of the year is from December to March, when temperatures average in the high-twenties Celsius during the day. The mean maximum temperature for this period is 28 °C (82 °F).
Plastic bags are officially banned in Kenya - best not to pack any in your suitcases.
Kenya has strict laws and harsh penalties (heavy fines, prison) for illegal drug possession, use, or trafficking.
Smoking: Illegal in public places; fines up to 50,000 KES or 6 months jail.
The two official languages of Kenya, Swahili and English are widely spoken as lingua francas.More info can be found here: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/things-to-know-before-traveling-to-kenya
Write the Kilele team if there is anything else you need to know!
