Category: Tours

Amboseli National Park

KILIMAJARO’S ROYAL COURT

Amboseli lies North West of Mt. Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania. It was established as a reserve in 1968 and actively gazetted as a National Park in 1974. The Park covers 390.26sq.km1, and forms part of the much larger 3,000sq.Km² Amboseli ecosystem. Large concentrations of wildlife occur here in the dry season, making Amboseli a popular tourist destination. Six communally owned group ranches, namely Olgulului, Kimana, lmbirikani, Kuku, Selengei, and Rombo, actively surround it.

The National Park embodies5 main wildlife habitats (open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush country, swamps and marshland) and covers part of a pleistocene lake basin, now dry.

Within this basin is a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, that floods during years  of heavy rainfall. Amboseli is famous for its big game and its great scenic

The landscape is actively dominated by Mt. Kilimanjaro, with floating elephants within the swamps adding to its beauty.

What To See

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Visit Amboseli National Park for fantastic views of Kilimanjaro the highest free standing mountain in Africa rising at 5,896m above the sea level. lts snow capped summit dominates the landscape and on clear day is easily visible during early morning and afternoon. It is a superb backdrop for wildlife photographs

Herds of Elephants against the backdrop of

Mt. Kilimanjaro

The park provides a unique habitat for approximately one thousand elephants. View visitors will go home without superb elephant images beneath  Mt.Kilimanjaro.

The Swamps

Buffalo, hippo, and elephant actively favor the enkongo Narok swamps and other permanent swamps, which divide the grey landscape into broad swatches, as their favored resort.Close by graze groups of zebra, wildebeest and impala while numerous birds feed, breed and nest in the lush vegetation. Look out for graceful crowned Cranes, the long-necked Africa’s Darter, and kingfishers. Egyptians geese are almost certain to be with a variety of ducts and plovers.

Observation Hill-Nomatior

From the observation Hill there is a panoramic view of most of the park and climbing is worth the effort. The hunters and gatherers people, the Ndorobo, inhabited it many years ago. Signs and traces of their property and implements have actively been found here, giving rise to the Maasai name “nomatior,” meaning the place of pottery.

OI Tukai

The heart of Amboseli woodland of ‘yellow fever trees‘ and the doum palm known as 0| Tukai by the Maasai and Makindu in Swahili. A cool oasis of trees, Ol Tukai is a retreat for wildlife and greatly favored by elephants.

Activities Option

Public campsite

Olkelunyiet public campsite is near the parks headquarters with running water, wash rooms, showers and kitchen shade.

Picnic site

A picnic site (observation point) with view points, shade, nature trail, latrine.

What To Take With You

Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intent to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, cameras, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.

Fact File

Altitude: 1150 meters sea level

Area: 390.26km1

Location: Loitoktok District, Rift valley Province

Distance from Nairobi: 250 km

Gazette: October 1974

Climate: The climate is mainly hot and dry. Amboseli is in the rain shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The maximum average temperature of the warmest month is 33°C during the day, while that of the coldest is 27-28°C.An annual rainfall of 300mm perannum is distributed in two seasons: April/May and November/December. Recurrent droughts and potential evaporation of 2200mm per annum typifies the region (KWS, 1991).

Vegetation: Swamps are dominated by Papyrus and Cyperus lmmenses, the dominant plant species are Sporobolus, in the grassland, Acacia in woodland, and Suaeda Monica in the bush land, Elephants estimated at approximately 1500, buffaloes estimated at approximately 472, Lions estimated at approximately 40.

Wildlife: Monitor Lizards, Chameleons, Egyptian Cobra, Python, Puff Adder, Black Mamba. more 400 recorded species

Features: Arid wildlife species, ice capped Mt. Kilimanjaro, salty dust with mirages, permanent swamps, observation point.

Roads: Viewing roads network covers the park adequately. Many of the park viewing roads are not usable during the rains and because of the loose ashy nature of volcanic soil, the roads become very dusty during the dry season.

Where To Stay Lodges And Tented Camps

lnside the Park

KWS self – catering accomodation, Amboseli Serena lodge, Oltukai lodge

Outside the park

Tortils camp, Porini camp, Elerai Satao camp, Kilima Safari Camp, Kibo lodge, Tawi lodge, Sentrim lodge and Sopa lodge.

Kws Self-Catering Accommodation

There is a selection of 5 economically priced KWS self-catering ‘bandas’ (offered inclusive of bedding, towels, cooking equipment, bathrooms, showers and communal eating area). The self-catering ‘bandas’are Kilimanjaro, Kibo, Simba, Nyati and Chui. Power is supplied by generator from 6.30pm to 11pm.

When To Go

The Park is Accessible on 2WD between April-Oct. It is Accessible on 4WD between Oct-March on all roads.

What To Take With You

Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment ifyou intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen and guidebooks.

How T0 Get There

Roads

The main road into the park is from Nairobi via Emali(228km) on the Nairobi-Mombasa road and another 78 km to lremito gate through Loitokitok road .The road is tarmac upto LoitokitokT0wn. The other road from Nairobi is via Namanga (240 km) on the Nairobi-Arusha road, via Meshanani gate.The road is tarmac upto Namanga but badly corrugated and potholed in places from Namanga to Meshanani gate(75km). Access from Mombasa is also through lremito gate via Emali or Kimana gate via Tsavo West. The park has five gates: lremito, Kimana, Meshanani, Airstrip and Kitirua gate.

By air

Airstrip the park has a single airstrip for light aircraft at Airstrip gate.

Other airstrips exist at Kilimanjaro Buffalo lodge and Namanga town.

Open: Daily 6.00am-6.00pm including public holidays. Note: no entry is allowed on foot and visitors will not be allowed entry after 6.15pm.

Current entry charges

Obtainable via kws HQ Tel: +254(20)6000800, 6002345. 020-8029705

Email: marketing@kws.go.ke – website.www.kws.go.ke

Safari card required?

Entry is by safaricard or Visa card. You may actively obtain and load a Safaricard at either the Nairobi National Park main gate or the lremito gate in Amboseli National Park.

Working in Kenya

working in Kenya because of the political strife in 2008, Kenya’s economy experienced a decline. Foreign investment and the tourism. And hospitality industries faltered at a time when the country was in desperate need of both.

Unemployment levels remain very high today. And the government is protective of jobs that Kenyans can fill. Thus, working in Kenya can prove difficult for expats that have not secured a job prior to arrival.

That said, Kenya, and especially Nairobi, is a major business hub in eastern Africa. And several multinational companies have set up shop there. Including BASF, General Electric, Nokia, Coca-Cola, Toyota and SAB Miller.

However, even with the presence of these branches. The country lacks the financial and business draw that encourages the same level of immigration found in other. More attractive expat destinations. Most expats who work for these multi-national corporations move to Kenya on an intra-company transfer. Where they have previously been working for the company in their home country.

Industry sectors most likely to employ foreigners include tourism, journalism, development, and teaching.

There are also many volunteer jobs in Kenya with government and NGO organisations. The country is a regional hub and headquarters for not-for-profit organisations and serves as the adminstrative centre for the operations of aid organisations in East Africa, especially for matters related to Somalia and Sudan.  For this reason, many expats working in Kenya find themselves in teaching or development positions, regardless of their skill-set.

Further more, the United Nations also maintains a number of offices in Nairobi. The Kenyan capital is also home to a number of foreign embassies, which employ many expats.

Visa and Work Permits for Kenya

Those moving to Kenya to take up employment will find that, generally, it is the responsibility of the employer to secure the necessary visa for Kenya. Work permits are only granted to foreigners if the company in Kenya can prove a Kenyan citizen can’t adequately fill the position. This stipulation can be difficult to prove, and Kenya is known for protecting its workforce.

On the whole, expats rarely show up in Kenya looking for a job, but are instead relocated there or hired from overseas by a company familiar with the visa process.

It can be assumed that if a company is hiring from overseas they have already gone through the process of warranting foreign employment, and expats will not need to be involved in proving their merit to the government.

Self-employed expats have more difficulty obtaining a work visa for Kenya, as they have to go through the entire process on their own. The red tape that must be unravelled is notoriously time-consuming and expensive.

Volunteers and employees of aid agencies in Kenya should have their organisations arrange for their visa. Expats creating their own business in Kenya have to secure licenses and demonstrate earning potential in order to receive a work and business permit.

Visiting Kenya

Best time:

1. to Go on Safari in Kenya

The best time to go on safari in while visiting Kenya and experience a huge density and diversity of wildlife, is when the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and gnu’s descend on the Mara plains with predators close behind. The best time to see this wildlife spectacle is from July to October. Other parks in Kenya are also excellent and the best time to visit these would be during the dry seasons — January through March and July through October.

With the scarcity of water during the dry seasons, the animals tend to gather in more concentrated numbers around permanent water holes, rivers and lakes, so they are easier to find. The vegetation is also less lush which simply means that viewing animals from a distance is easier. More tips on viewing animals while on safari…

2. to enjoy Kenya’s magnificent bird life is from January to March.
3. to enjoy a beach holiday in Kenya

Whether you want to explore the historical Swahili town of Lamu, or enjoy the picture perfect beaches of Malinidi and Watamu, the best time to go is December to March. The coastal temperatures remain steadily hot for most of the year, but on the beach the humidity is kept at bay by the ocean breeze.

The wettest months are April to May and there’s also a short rainy season from October to November. Swahili Cultural festivals are often held during November and Ramadan may affect your vacation in this predominantly Muslim area of Kenya, see more about traveling in Africa during Ramadan. Find out what the weather and average temperatures are for Mombasa.

4. to trek Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya has permanent snow at its summit, so it’s cold year round. At night at the higher elevations the temperature can drop as low as 14 Fahrenheit (-10 Celsius). Typically the early mornings on the mountain are sunny and dry, and clouds often form by noon. It is possible to hike Mount Kenya throughout the year but it gets more difficult during the rainy seasons from mid-March to mid-June and October to mid-December. The best time to go is between January – February, and July – October.

5. to Visit Northern Kenya

Northern Kenya is a fairly arid region with little rainfall and abundant sunshine year round. This is camel country. Average temperatures vary between 104 and 68 Fahrenheit (40 and 20 Celsius). The best time to visit this area is June, July, August and December. The sparsely populated region of Northern Kenya is home to the Samburu and several other traditional tribes. The area boasts natural, rugged beauty.

Security in Kenya

Food Security

Overall, the national food security situation remained stable during the month of June 2013. Despite marginal increase in the Consumer Price Index as reported by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Compared to the same period in 2012. The available stocks of major food commodities remained high while prices. And cross border imports of major grains being lower than 2012.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. The cost of living increased slightly in June with the rate of inflation moving from 4.14 percent in May to 4.18 per cent in June. Moreover, the CPI increased marginally by 0.18 percent compared to the same period in 2012 when CPI increased by 6.5 percent.

According to KNBS, the slight increase in CPI in June 2013. Is attributed to slight increase in prices of potatoes. Cabbages, and onions, which was attributed to declined rainfall in the major production areas. Prices of coarse grains, however, remained lower compared to 2012.

IT security

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As in any country, there are a few safety and security issues in Kenya. Kenya is a poor country, and there are many people who are forced to make a living by illegal means. Normal Kenyan citizens are definitely targets, but rich, naive tourists are an even bigger temptation for thieves, pick pockets, and con artists. Crime is not so common in rural areas, but in big cities, especially Nairobi.

By taking necessary precautions, however, the risks of a security incident can be reduced drastically. By decreasing the temptation for thieves, staying away from bad areas, and being aware and using common sense, you can have a safe trip. Luckily, violent crime is rare in Kenya, even in Nairobi.

Violence exists, but thieves care only of a victim’s goods, and will not inflict harm unless necessary. An important part in eliminating the risk of being hurt is remembering this: Always try to never fight with a thief, or chase a mugger, although it may go against your instincts.

There are many forms of prevention that can A prospective threat can sometimes be noticed before the incident. If you think you’re been followed or eyed by a suspicious person or people, duck into a shop and wait it out. If you make them aware that you are on to them, they will usually give up.

Incidents can also be prevented by the way you act. Always act confidently and look like you know where you’re going, even if you don’t. Stop in a shop to look at a map or ask directions. Another obvious form of prevention is never to show large amounts of money. Someone who pulls out a stack of 1000 shilling notes to pay for one item is asking to lose it all. Here are some other tips for having a safe trip.

Theft

Your bags and valuables are at the most risk when you are on the move. Hotel rooms are usually safe, except for the cheaper brothels. If the hotel has a safe deposit box, use it for your most valuable possessions. When moving in between places, such as from the airport to the hotel, or from the hotel to the bus stage, using a taxi is your best bet.

When in rough areas of Nairobi, remember to keep the doors locked and don’t open the windows. If you’re taking public transportation, try to keep your bags in view. Your bags are usually always safe in the boot of a bus, but I’ve heard of touts taking items from a bag on top of a bus.

There are several measures you can take to eliminate the risk of loosing items while traveling. First, put small locks on your baggage. If you have a backpack, lock the main compartments. Losing the entire piece of luggage is very rare, so this deters thieves from rooting through your luggage. Also, never keep you valuables in your bags, but on your person, preferably next to your skin.

Money belts or pouches around your neck or waist is your best bet, although not fool-proof by any means. As a general rule, never walk anywhere at night. Taxis are sometimes expensive, but the price is worth it. If you are forced to walk, stay in groups and pay a night guard on the street to escort you.

Security in Kenya: Mugging

Of all of the security incidents I heard of in two and a half years in Kenya, most cases were mugging. In the vast majority of cases, the person lost only a small amount of money. Anyone can get mugged, but if you carry only essential items, and hide those items well, you won’t have much to fear from muggers.

Preventing getting mugged or pick pocketed is simple: don’t carry anything you can’t bear to lose. Of course, it’s necessary to carry some items, such as money and a passport, but if those are well placed on your body, you should have no fear of loosing anything to muggers.

Don’t go out with more money that you need, and keep the money you that do need split up in many places on your body. For example, keep a little money in your pocket for spending, some between your foot and sock, and the rest in your money belt.

Never wear items of value, such as watches or other jewelry. Desperate thieves have been known to rip off earrings, so they definitely won’t hesitate to snatch a bracelet or necklace. Nice sports caps are hot items, and it is common for thieves to snatch a cap and run. It bad areas, sunglasses can even be grabbed. If you must carry a camera out when walking around a big city, put it in your small bag or purse, and only take it out when you take a picture.

Being mugged or having items stolen is still possible after taking all these preventions. If are a victim of crime, I again encourage you to cut your losses and let the thief go. Some gangs will send one member to take an item, them after being chased by the victim, lead him or her into an alley where the rest of his friends await to take everything. Being chased also gives them reason to use violence.

Be careful about yelling “thief” after being mugged. Mob justice is common in Kenya, and one assumed thief is killed by citizens in Nairobi every day. If thieves are caught, you’ll end up seeing him beaten, perhaps even killed. Think about if your $9.99 watch is worth it. Unfortunately, thieves are hardly ever caught by police, and it usually isn’t worth you time to report the incident unless it is required for theft insurance.

Harassment

Harassment is the most common form of security risk. I include harassment because it can make travelers feel very uncomfortable and unsafe. Harassment ranges from being taunted to being touched inappropriately. When you’re laughed at, taunted or called names, the easiest thing to do is ignore it.

Taking action is necessary, however, when being sexually harassed. Is is quite common for Kenyan men to make rude comments to women tourists. Even men are subjected to sexual harassment by prostitutes. There is no excuse for someone, either woman or man, making a sexual comment or touching someone inappropriately.

All Kenyans know better, so let the harasser know his or her actions are not wanted, and don’t be polite. Others around you may come to your aid if you tell them. If the harasser is not embarrassed enough to stop at this point, leave the scene. If the person follows, ask the help of a guard or store owner.

Security in Kenya: Con Artists

It’s quite common to run into someone in Nairobi who has a plan to separate some gullible tourist from his or her money. They take on the role of a political refugee and request money for their family. They’ll pretend like students collecting contribution for their schools. Men dress up as beggars, then, after you give them a coin or two, “plain clothed police” will tell you it’s illegal and ask for a “fine.”

They come up with stories that they know you from somewhere are just need a little something for some petrol, then they’ll pay you back. They may even drop money, then after you return it, claim that you have taken some and threaten to tell the police.

Con artists think of new stories every day, and it can be quite entertaining to listen to them. Use of common sense is your main weapon against confidence tricks. If you’re not sure whether to believe it, your surely right. Never give money to any stranger.

Street Kids

Homeless are very common in Kenyan cities, especially young boys, some that can be very big boys. These boys band together in large groups and can make one feel unsafe even if they’re only begging for change. The best way to get rid of a single street kid, or a small group, is to ignore them and walk on. If they follow, it may help to tell them you have no money, or that you’ll give them something later.

Giving money is hardly ever dangerous, but remember that giving money encourages more kids to work the streets and the money may be used to buy glue, which is sniffed by the boys to escape their harsh reality. If you must give something, buying homeless a meal is always a good way to lend a hand.

Violent crime

Violent crime can be prevented by not resisting, chasing, or fighting thieves. Walking around at night, especially alone, increases your chances or violent crime. Fortunately, if you take these precautions and use common sense, you can almost completely eliminate all chance of being a victim of violent crime.

Sanitary Towels in Kenya

Adolescence is a crucial stage of life. And one that is challenging for most girls because of its physical and psychological changes. One of the major physiological changes in adolescence girls is menstruation. Today in Kenya menstruation is not only a health concern. But also an educational policy concern – and has become a key factor in the country’s bid.

To achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG). Of eliminating gender disparity in primary and secondary education by 2015. This paper reviews research done on menstruation. As a barrier to the educational rights of adolescent girls in Kenyan informal settlements.

This stage is marked by physiological changes such as increased body size. And the ability to reproduce as well as psychological changes. Including the ability to think critically, an expanded reasoning capacity, identity formation and sensitivity to the ‘new’ body image.

However, for most girls in Kenya and other parts of the continent. This phase often brings challenges that push girls out of school and social activities, making the celebration short-lived. These challenges have often been underplayed, even though research has shown that their effects are significant. For example, menstruation causes Kenyan adolescent girls to lose an average of 3.5 million learning days per month (Muvea, 2011).

Meanwhile, UNESCO estimates that one in 10 African adolescent girls miss school during menses. And eventually drop out because of menstruation-related issues. Such as the inaccessibility of affordable sanitary protection, the social taboos related to menstruation. And the culture of silence that surrounds it (All Africa, 2011).

Societal beliefs consider menstrual blood as dirty and harmful, leading to the active restriction of girls who are menstruating from participating in various activities. In some activities for fear that they may ‘contaminate’ others and the things they may touch. For instance, in most African communities. During their menstruation period, menstruating girls face restrictions in the kitchen, where they are not allowed to cook or do the dishes.

Additionally, they are prohibited from participating in games with other young people. This in turn fosters stigma as the restrictions create the perception that menstruation is shameful. And that menstrual blood is harmful. And yet menstrual blood is free of toxins and any harmful bacteria .

Compounding these customary challenges is the lack of access to sanitary protection and towels. Which disempowers girls, as they have to stay at home to avoid staining their clothes with blood in public. The cost of sanitary ware and towels is beyond the reach of most young women and girls. Who in Africa are the majority of the unemployed and those living in poverty. Most girls end up not going to school, because they cannot afford to buy sanitary ware.

In addition, there are physiological and symptomatic challenges that girls go through during their menstrual cycle. Which also hinder their full access to education as well as stop them from fully enjoying activities with others. For instance, before the onset of menstruation, adolescent girls can experience tension, depression, tiredness and irritability. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which affects the way adolescent girls relate to other students in school and their teachers.

The hormonal changes in the bodies of adolescent girls cause sudden mood swings as well. Physically, the retention of fluids in the body tissues. Can cause swelling around the ankles in some adolescents as well as backaches. If fluids are retained in the stomach region, it can result in bloating. At the onset of menstruation, females between the of 15 and 25 can experience dysmenorrhea. Which featured as the commonest problem among adolescent girls and often results in prolonged bed rest. And girls missing both classes and other social activities.

Lack of knowledge and understanding about menstruation in most traditional and conservative communities as the key source of stigma about what is a normal, natural biological process. The culture of silence surrounding menstruation contributes to the perception of the menstrual process as a weakness of women. Families rarely discuss the subject, making it challenging to engage in open discussions about menstruation even in schools.

What does research on the subject say?

We reviewed several research reports from the African Population and Health Centre (APHRC) in Kenya’s urban informal settlements, the Forum of African Women Educationists (FAWE), individual researchers, and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from 2010 to the present. It is worth noting that most of the research focused on the Kibera, Korogocho, Mukuru and Kiandutu informal settlements.

From the critical review of several studies on menstruation in Kenya, especially from APHRC, the following are the summative findings:

• There exists limited knowledge about the biological process of menstruation among the girls and women in Korogocho slums with only a minority able to describe menstrual blood in biological terms;
• Menstruation is treated with silence and as a taboo topic, which limits women’s and adolescent girls’ access to relevant and important information about their bodies. Most of the research participants view menstrual blood as unclean and harmful. Some confessed that they do not go to church while menstruating.
• Sanitary towels (pads) were the preferred sanitary protection for most participants. From the study, when pads were not available, women and girls used cotton wool, cloth, tissue paper and even pages from their exercise books and sponge from old mattresses. And while pads were preferred, they were difficult to access and expensive.
• The inaccessibility of menstrual products resulted in embarrassment, anxiety and shame when girls and women stained their clothes, which is stigmatising. The schoolgirls interviewed for the various studies generally described menstruation as a time of anxiety and discomfort especially at school, leading to low concentration in class.
• Many adolescent girls and women in Kenya have limited knowledge about their bodies, especially in relation to menstruation and sexual and reproductive health.

Elsewhere, in some rural areas girls use old rags, leaves, cow dung or even dig a hole on the ground to sit on for the whole period as a means to manage their menstrual flow. In an ethnographic study conducted in a primary school in Bungoma District, showed that menstruation is not just a private affair but has the potency to become public, embarrassing and often a source of stigma for the girls.

In another study, showed that the intricate relationship between urbanization and the development of slums and squatters in Africa. This development often happens at the expense of sanitation and hygienic living conditions for families, especially children and women. It has also been noted that the economic, social and psychological implications for the residents of these sprawling slums. Also adolescent girls are the most affected by the lifestyle.

As an example, Obonyo (2003) critically observed the difficulty faced by adolescent girls in accessing sanitary protection resulting from their struggle to meet their daily needs.

Many factors, including a lack of empowerment and single-parent-headed families, cause these economic conditions, as observed by Obonyo. The living conditions, characterized by overly congested houses constructed of cardboard boxes, old iron sheets, and mud walls, contribute to the deplorable state. These living conditions fail to provide privacy to girls.

In her study, Obonyo highlights the fact that a lack of facilities for girls to dispose of their used sanitary towels and insufficient private spaces for comfortable changing are tied to the challenges of accessing sanitary protection.

Shifting the focus to the dynamics within the school space, the Federation of African Women Educationists (FAWE) (2006) discovered that the low retention of girls in school is primarily caused by the lack of a conducive school environment. Poor sanitation specifically emerges as a leading determinant of whether adolescent girls attend classes or not, alongside factors such as inadequate security and long distances to school.

Yet, according to FAWE, girl’s education is the most important investment for women in developing countries because of its contribution towards better health for their families, alongside increasing the women’s potentials as well as lowering fertility rates (FAWE, 2006).

Current responses and interventions

The issues emerging from these studies have led to many campaigns in both poor rural and poor informal urban settlements in a bid to provide adolescent girls with sanitary protection and help bridge disparities between adolescent girls and boys both in primary and secondary education in Kenya. One intervention is run by the Foundation of Hope Life Center (FHLC), which rolled out a programme for this purpose in 2007.

The organisation has since been providing needy girls with sanitary towels, and has also extended its project to assist needy orphaned girls and widows (FHLC, 2011). FLHC has also been able to sponsor 1000 poor girls in Kenya by raising funds on their behalf from donors and volunteers. This has been possible by encouraging shops and supermarkets to donate sanitary towels. The organisation has also stepped up publicity by word of mouth, media and religious institutions to contribute towards this cause (FHLC, 2011).

Similarly, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), through Metro FM, introduced and led a campaign donating sanitary towels to adolescent girls on monthly basis in the informal settlement of Kiandutu in Thika .

Another informal settlement that has benefited from a similar campaign is the Mukuru slum area in Nairobi, where a project called ‘Huru’ began in 2008 with the aim of providing reusable sanitary pads to school-going adolescent girls.

Funded by Johnson & Johnson, PEPFAR, the Elton John Foundation, and America Share/Micato Safaris, the project hired young people from Mukuru to make the pads and assemble each pack, which contains five pads for use during the day and three for night use along with three pairs of panties, a water proof bag to store the pads, and soap for washing the pads.

The kits were accompanied by information on HIV and AIDS prevention, contacts for counselling services within the neighbourhood and Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services, as well as a manual on how to use the pads.

In April 2011, the Afri-can foundation, in collaboration with women in Kisumu, actively produced 600 packs consisting of 4 sanitary pads each. Community banks and schools were actively involved in the selling of these pads. This project adopts a market-based approach for the provision of sanitary towels, and efforts are underway to seek donors to support this initiative (Afri-can, 2011).

Safaricom has also contributed immensely to keeping girls in school by donating sanitary towels to 43 secondary schools in Rachuonyo district in April 2012. Over 5000 girls benefitted from the organisation’s support, which constituted a drawstring bag, 24 packets of sanitary towels and three pairs of underwear.

Although such interventions are good short term measures, there is a need for policy interventions that can potentially change the situation of more girls and young women in the long term. And we have started seeing some positive steps, such as the allocation of KSh300 million in the education budget to the provision of free sanitary wear to schoolgirls in 2011.

However, since the Ministry of Educations plans to provide sanitary pads to girls throughout the country, the 300 million allocated to the project is still insufficient and will only cater for schools in the most poverty-stricken areas – just like the school feeding programme.

It is worth noting that this development was the result of persistent pressure from female Kenyan parliamentarians about the plight of the girls during menstruation. Following the budget allocation in June 2011, the Kenyan Education Secretary, Professor Godia, announced that money would be provided to schools to buy sanitary towels for their female pupils at the beginning of the term in September 2011, as part of the free education for all campaign.

Positive though this step is, it should be noted that the funding is not sufficient considering that an estimated 2.7 million girls aged between 9 and 18 are in need of sanitary ware. Another KSh1.3 billion is still needed to make the programme viable nationwide. There is also need to provide underwear to hold the pads in place if this initiative is to be truly successful (Siringi, Aug 2011).

Conclusions and recommendations

This paper has shown that the provision of sanitary ware is a major determinant in achieving gender parity in education in Kenya and there is a need to consider this as a significant factor in education policy planning and development.

There is also a need to address the underlying menstrual issues that restrict adolescent girls’ from achieving their full potential in relation to schooling and their public lives. An understanding of how adolescent girls reflect on what it means to be a woman in their world during these moments, and what such days mean to their schooling is crucial.

Policy makers should prioritise, and clearly articulate, a policy position on the provision of sanitary ware for girls in schools, as a right for all girls that need them. In addition, the school curriculum should include information on the female body with a view to demystify issues of women’s sexual and reproductive health for the benefit of all.

This should also include pedagogical processes that can enable learners to develop a critical understanding of the body/subject, power and control dynamics in their society. These could be incorporated into activities at school and would break the silence around this tabooed area. In addition, water-sanitation facilities and proper toilets, which offer privacy, should be a priority in all Kenyan schools to increase attendance among adolescent girls.

The Kenyan government should buttress such a policy with the necessary financial resources to ensure that the provision of sanitary ware actually takes place. The target should increase from girls in slums to girls all across the nation – and should also expand to include girls at all levels of education who need assistance. It is a matter of rights, and it should be treated as such.

In the meantime, campaigns to demystify menstruation need to be rolled out nationally at both grassroots and elite levels. These campaigns should aim to make adolescent girls recognise that they are contributing to the silence and stigma around menstruation by collaborating – and encourage them to use their voices to talk about the topic and themselves, and to demand their rights.

Individual Retirement Benefit Schemes in Kenya

If you are self employed or work in the informal sector. You are probably wondering, how can I plan for my retirement? Your option is to choose one of the available Personal Pension Plans. PPPs are private pension schemes offered mostly by financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies. Since they are very many, before you make your choice, consider the following factors:

• How your personal situation now and what is are your plans for the future?
• What is the reputation of the company? Its directors and shareholders?
• What is the technical capability of the company?
• Observe their customer care and services. Do they offer personalized services?
• Their track in record keeping
• Look at the past results of their performance. Success? Failure? What were the causes of failure?
• What are the administrative costs?
• What penalties and charges are imposed when one is not able to make regular contributions due to. For example, loss of employment, illness or career break?.
• Contribution payments – whether regular amount of contributions are to be paid for a given number of years. Or one has the flexibility to change the amount and whether it is at a cost.
• Can a member participate in selecting investments of the funds?
• Do they have extra benefits like; educational programs?

Below you will find examples of financial institutions with branches in several towns in Kenya that offer individual retirement benefits. You can also walk into any bank or insurance company in your area and inquire if they have the scheme.

1. UAP Provincial Insurance Company Limited – Individual Retirement Benefits Schemes
2. Cannon Personal Pension Plan Insurance
3. Co-op Trust Limited Individual Pension Plan Bank
4. Jubilee Insurance Company Ltd Personal Pension Plan Insurance
5. Amana Personal Pension Plan Fund Manager
6. ICEA Individual Retirement Benefits Scheme Insurance
7. Madison Insurance Personal Pension Plan Insurance

This is a flexible scheme meaning that you can change jobs without losing your benefits and your savings have tax relief.

Start Saving for Retirement in Kenya          

Saving for retirement in Kenya is one of the most neglected financial obligations in the country. Most young people hardly spare a thought to saving for retirement until old age comes knocking. One of the reasons why it may be quite hard to save is because for most people meeting their daily expenses leave alone save for the future is such a hassle.

For most Kenyans employed in the formal sector, retirement savings usually consists of mandatory contributions to a pension scheme set up by their employer. Unfortunately for most people, the meager savings that they acquire through their contributions may sometimes not be enough to sustain their lifestyles after retirement in Kenya.

When should you start saving for your retirement in Kenya?

For most people, saving for retirement in Kenya should come after they have settled down and are now ready to start meeting other financial obligation. The truth however is that saving for retirement should start as soon as you are employed. In the tumultuous times being experienced in the country, you may lose your job at any one time. Starting to save early is a forefront decision that should be made earlier on in time to secure your future away from the pay slips

Interest on Your Retirement in Kenya Savings Compounded!

For those lucky enough to have a personal finance adviser, they will bear witness to the fact that the advisers never tire of reminding them of the power that can be derived from compound interest. Many people however miss out on this opportunity by failing to save early. Recently there have been a lot of paid adverts reminding people of the need to start saving early for retirement in Kenya. The number of people who actually heed this advice however is quite low .Schemes approved for retirement in Kenya savings.

Retirement scheme with defined contributions

A defined contribution scheme is a type of scheme where member and employer contributions in the pension are fixed as a percentage of the pensionable earnings. In this scheme, the retirement benefit is not known in advance since it will factor in various issues including level of contributions made, charges deducted by the provider, and the investment returns of the funds upon the employee’s retirement in Kenya.

Defined retirement benefits scheme

This is a type of retirement scheme where the benefits of retirement are defined in advance. Benefits will usually depend on the years of service or final salary. The main risk in this scheme is the solvency of the employer. There is however hybrid schemes that seek to take advantage of the benefits. Defined in each of the above schemes for retirement in Kenya.

Pension fund

This is a fund that seeks to give lump sum benefits in the case of retirement of the employees leaving employment. In the case of retirement in Kenya, the beneficiary will receive a portion of their saving in lump sum on retirement with the remainder being paid out in periodical payments.

With the myriad of opportunities available for people to save as well as the much information bombarding us, there should not be any excuse why you cannot enjoy your benefits when you finally think of retirement in Kenya. Contact us for more on favorable savings plans.

It is a great honor to be invited back to speak to the now familiar leadership of World Vision.

The last time we were together I spoke on career visibility as a gateway to career growth. Today I was asked to come and speak to you about retirement. I assume the reason you have invited me is one of two ; either that one, I did a good job or two, that I did the job so poorly that you thought you might give me an opportunity to improve it! Or could it be that someone thought because I chair HelpAge International board, the leading global NGO action group on ageing, then I should know much on retirement? Either way I am happy to be here!.

As I speak tonight, I will I will be speaking to myself because I recently joined the youth of old age having just turned 50.

Let me start by clarifying my use of terms and words. By retirement I do not mean a determinate date as often construed in Kenya where we have a youthful retirement age pegged at 55 years. I mean the years when your capacity to earn is diminished by reason of age or otherwise or more generally the UN agreed retirement age at 60 years.