Arriving in Kenya

The first stop is immigration (visa station), then you enter the baggage claim area.

Before you leave the airport, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you: 

1. Get Kenyan shillings  
2. Purchase a Kenyan SIM card and data

Money 

We recommend getting $100-200 worth of Kenyan shillings before leaving the airport.  The best option is to use one of the ATM machines just outside after exiting baggage claim (near Absa Bank). The Kenyan shilling is currently about 100 KSH to $0.78 USD. Eldoret also has many ATMs that are relatively dependable. Other than the airport, we highly recommend only using ATMs that are connected to a physical bank with a person working there in case there are issues with the ATM machine. Traveler’s checks are not easy to cash and give lower exchange rates, therefore they are discouraged.  Credit cards are accepted in some places (Rupa mall, some restaurants) but not everywhere.  Make sure to ask your travel agent for their preferences regarding payment before you arrive to Kenya.  If they prefer to be paid in US Dollars, bring only US bills that were printed after 2000 (2001, 2002, 2003, etc.)  Purchases and withdrawals with credit/debit cards are usually subject to a 5%-10% additional fee. ​​Canadian debit cards may not be accepted anywhere in Kenya.

M-PESA: M-PESA is a mobile banking system and method of payment used by ¾ of Kenyans. It’s like Venmo only it doesn’t require the user to have a linked bank account and is completely based on text messaging (not an app). National parks accept M-PESA, and it can be an easier way to pay if internet does not allow for credit card purchases. Some visitors have recommended downloading the Sendwave app prior to arrival, which allows users to transfer money easily from a US bank account to their M-PESA account.

Please note that in order to use M-PESA, the user must first purchase a Safaricom SIM card and request an M-PESA account at the time of SIM registration.

Cell Service & Data

• It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you purchase a Kenyan SIM card and data plan before leaving the airport.
• There are several cell phone companies available (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom [previously Orange]) but we highly recommend you use SAFARICOM as it is the most common and reliable and it allows the use of M-PESA.
• If you are completely unable to for some reason, SIM cards can be purchased in Eldoret. However, the lines are often very long and inconvenient to get to during work hours.
• A SIM card will cost about 100 KSH ($1 USD).
• The cost of data depends on how much you want to purchase. Buying a significant amount of data is recommended as ​Wi-Fi is not always available in the hospital and does not work during power outages. 5GB costs roughly $10 USD.
• A Kenyan SIM card can be put in any unlocked smartphone. However, U.S. phone companies require you to unlock the phone before travel, and in general the phone must be paid off before they will unlock it.
• Instead of buying a Kenyan SIM card, another option is to use an international phone plan from your home carrier. This is usually more expensive than buying a Kenyan SIM card and data but can be a good choice for very short trips.
• Please do not hesitate to contact the Team Leaders if you have issues with flights, money, or SIM cards prior to leaving the airport. For new visitors, this is a good way to try your WhatsApp/cell service prior to leaving the airport Wi-Fi.

Lodging in Nairobi

• If you arrive in the evening or at night, you may either elect to stay in the airport or go to a hotel overnight. There are a couple of hotels on the airport grounds (Sheraton Four Points, Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport) or just outside the airport (Hilton). Lower cost options include 67 Airport Hotel and Argyles Hotels Group. Most have free shuttle service to and from the airport.
• You are responsible for making all in-country arrangements for travel and accommodation; this can be done online via the hotel websites, or through a travel agent.
• Another option for long layovers in Nairobi is a day pass at one of the hotels on the airport grounds.

Getting to Eldoret 

• Students and residents are allowed to travel to Eldoret from Nairobi BY AIR ONLY.
• Tickets can be purchased through Jambojet online or through a travel agency.
• Allow at least 4 hours from the time you arrive in Nairobi until when your flight leaves to Eldoret. It takes this long to get through immigration, customs, and baggage claim.
• The costs of these flights are variable, but tend to be $75 to $145 one-way.
• There is a charge for each piece of checked luggage when traveling to Eldoret by plane.  Count on about 1000 KSH ($10 UDS) for each 20kg luggage piece. It is advisable to purchase your luggage carriage fee when purchasing your e-ticket for the flight from Nairobi to Eldoret.