|
Worldwide Movers Kenya - Overview
 |
|
Chris
Prior, WWM Kenya
|
Worldwide Movers Kenya employs
professionally trained packers and provides high
quality international packing materials. We have
ten years of household relocation experience and
set demanding packing standards. Worldwide Movers
can offer a well-rounded and professional relocation
and forwarding services. Past experience and comfortable
working associations have long proven a close
and profitable working relationship.
The Kenya Operation, established in November
1997, offers full international packing, moving
and storage services. The employees are recruited
for their experience, honesty and competence.
The administration is made up of young enthusiastic
professionals with skills in removals,export/import,
freight and customs. Workshop programs, and attendance
at overseas conferences with agency network partners,
help to keep them abreast of up-to-date procedures
and new approaches.
Training and re-training is focused essentially
on packing and crating of precious belongings,
and, presentation and timely arrival of packing
crews. Three crews, each comprising of one team
leader, an assistant supervisor and three packers,
operate on a full time basis.
Worldwide Movers owns a well maintained fleet
of six vehicles and a 3 ton fork-lift truck. The
vehicles include an 18 ton Container Carrier,
two 7 ton Removal Vans a 4 ton Removal Van and
two half ton Collection and Delivery Vans.
Packing Materials of the highest quality are utilised
by a very able and professional packing team headed
up by highly trained Supervisors. The Material
used ranges from imported bubble and cushion wrap,
to Kraft Paper and includes various high quality
corrugated fiberboard cartons, barrels, dish packs,
Wardrobe Cartons, tissue and print paper, and
polythene sourced here in Kenya.
Valuable and fragile items are crated or ply
cased, to ISPM 15 specification, as necessary.
Polished Surface furniture is protected with a
pre wrap prior to over-wrap additions. Clearly
marked Fragile tape warnings are used on all fragile
items.
Our stock is continuously inventoried and stored,
on pallets, at our secure facility at Coopers
Center, Loresho. Fire prevention and Control Plans,
along with the necessary fire extinguishers and
approved fire fighting apparatus are in place.
Worldwide Movers Kenya has electronic mail services
for rapid communication and a web site on the
Internet, advising potential agents on local customs
requirements, latest regulations and clearing
procedures, plus providing our customers with
informative hints about their future home. The
web site is available to anyone with a connection
and is constantly updated.
Congratulations and Welcome!
You are embarking on an unforgettable journey
to one of the most exotic and exciting countries
in the world. Your memories of this extraordinary
country and its peoples will be vivid and with
you for the rest of your life. Nothing is monochrome
in this fabulous part of Africa
where the colours of everyday life are both brilliant
and sometimes very blue. Never boring, Kenya
will richly reward the curious and can drive those
seeking normalcy right up the wall.
The aim of this information is to make those
moving to Kenya more aware of typical problems
that can be encountered and overcome in day to
day life and is perhaps more useful to those who
will be residing in the urban centers of Nairobi
and Mombasa. Let us presume that your company
has already found you accommodation in an expatriate-type
area and that it is ready for your occupation....
Geography
Kenya
lies astride the equator. It extends from the
Indian Ocean in the east
to Uganda
in the west and from Tanzania
in the south to Ethiopia
and Sudan
in the north. On the east and north-east it borders
Somalia.
The country may be divided into four principal
regions. The arid plain of the north-east is less
than 600 m.. above sea level; the south-east region
is similar but more fertile along the banks of
the Tana river, in the
coastal strip and in the Taita Hills, which rise
to 2,100 m. above sea level. The north-west, much
of which is low and arid includes Lake
Turkana, 260 km. long and many mountains
including Mount
Nyiru
at 2,800 m. high. The south-west quarter, a plateau
rising to 3,000 m., includes Mount
Kenya (5,200 m.), one of Africa's
highest mountains, Mount Elgon
and the Aberdares
Range
at around 4,000 m. The Great Rift Valley
runs across the plateau from north to south, 50-65
km. wide and 600-1,000 m. deep. West of the Rift
the plateau falls to Lake Victoria
and eastwards the Tana and Athi rivers flow into
the Indian Ocean. The Athi
river changes its name to the Galana at Tsavo.
Wildlife
Kenya's
wildlife is probably the most famous in the world.
Wild mammals include wild dogs, lions, cheetahs,
zebras, antelopes, gazelles, elephants, rhinoceroses,
hippo's, baboons, and many species of monkeys.
Reptiles include crocodiles and over 100 snake
species. There is a rich variety of native bird-life
and the country is visited by migrant birds from
Europe.
History
Archeological evidence suggests that Kenya
may be the birthplace of the human race, the Rift
Valley having been the home of Homo Habilis some
3.25 million years ago. Little is known about
Kenya's
interior except that tribes from all over the
African continent settled here. Arab merchants
established trading posts on the coast during
the 7th century. The Portuguese took control of
coastal trading from the early 16th century and
for the following 100 years was controlled by
the Omanis. Around 1750, the Maasi nomadic cattle
herders came from the north and extended as far
as the coast at Mombasa.
Cattle disease weakened the Maasi presence by
the end of the 1800s. The British were invited
to the coast by the Omani Mazuri Dynasty to help
their local power struggle and by the middle of
the century, Britain
and Germany
were competing for the coast and the hinterland.
A British protectorate was declared in 1895 over
what is now Kenya
and Uganda
and settlement started by the Europeans at the
start of the first world war. The railway from
Mombasa
to Kisumu on Lake Victoria
was completed in 1901 and it was at this time
that Nairobi
became the headquarters of the British administration.
Ethnic demands for an independent Kenya
fermented the guerrilla war for freedom and land
resettlement from 1952-1956 by the nationalist
Land Freedom Army, the so-called Mau Mau. From
this savage war, a transitional constitution was
introduced by 1960 allowing for political parties
and gave Africans a majority on the Legislative
Council. Kenya
became a republic in December 1964 with Jomo Kenyatta
as its first President. The country is presently
led by Mwai Kibaki.
Media
Two main English-language daily newspapers are
available: the Daily Nation, owned by the Aga
Khan and the Standard owned by local interests.
Independent magazines have grown in number and
daring since the advent of multi-party politics.
Broadcasting services are provided by the parastatal
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and several locally
owned channels including Kenya Television Network
and NTV. Dishes can be installed locally for CNN,
BBC etc. To keep up to date with the latest news,
many residents take a short-wave radio with them
that provide hourly newscasts emitted by the BBC,
VOA, Radio Canada, RAI, RFI and others.
Language
The official language of Kenya
is English and KiSwahili. "up-country"
Swahili is a greatly simplified tongue that is
mostly understood across the country albeit that
it is a second and sometimes third learned language
for rural Kenyans. English is widely spoken in
most business and tourist areas, but outside those
places, try leaning some useful and much appreciated
Swahili phrases. Your efforts will endear you
to Kenyans and will elicit many a rewarding smile
- albeit that they may not understand a word of
what you are saying. Swahili language tapes are
available in most of the better book shops in
capital cities overseas. Alternatively, "Speak
Swahili Perfectly in a Couple of Hours" type
books are available in most book shops in Nairobi
and Mombasa.
Nairobi
The name means "Place of Water" in Maasai.
Nairobi
is the seat of government, the major manufacturing
center, the commercial hub, in fact, Nairobi
dominates the business, social and political scenes.
Once a pleasant small city, Nairobi
has changed very dramatically during the past
couple of decades and now suffers a bad dose over-population,
under-employment with the resultant sickness of
crime and corruption. A number of towering sky
scrapers sprinkle the skyline while residential
property prices challenge those in London
and New York City.
Not as bad as some of Africa's
capitals, it is still possible to enjoy a good
quality of life in Nairobi
if you take life expeditiously and use common
sense.
Religion
About 39% traditional religions. Christianity
has expanded rapidly from about 25% to 50% in
recent years. Around 11% of the population is
Muslim, Hindu and Sikh. All recognized religions
are practiced freely.
Safety
Kenya
is generally a safe country. However special precautions
should be taken in Nairobi
at night. Like all other African countries, the
burgeoning rural population encourages the young
to throng the pavements of gold and unemployment
has become has become unacceptably high for both
the work-hungry and those who are not. Muggings,
car-jackings and purse snatching are becoming
more frequent so it is essential, for example,
not to wear a visible watch while driving in the
not-so-friendly parts of town or walk around anywhere
but the commercial part of town during the day:
remember, that watch could feed a snatch-and-grabber
for a month or two and the same goes for jewelry
and cell-phones. Keep well clear of the northern
frontier districts where skirmishes can still
erupt from time to time with the "Shifta"
from Somalia.
Weather
The coastal areas of Kenya
are invariably hot and humid. North of Mount Kenya,
the NFD is constantly hot and arid while the mountainous
regions of Mount Kenya
and the Abadares are cool and rainy for much of
the year. Nairobi
enjoys one of the finest climates in the world,
never too hot and providing enough rain to ensure
splendid gardens and greenery. In other words,
take everything from your umbrella to your swimming
gear. It's a wonderfully diverse and accessible
climate.
Telephones
Telephone services, furnished by Telkom Kenya
are difficult and you may be subjected to many
frustrations. To put it bluntly, it is a real
challenge to have a phone installed if you don't
know the ropes. Your colleagues will give you
the latest low-down on the best way to arrange
a quick (= slow) installation of a phone that
works; be patient, these things take time and
perseverance. International telephone charges
are still high though competition has forced changes
in pricing and Kenya
is due to license a second operator soon which
will bring in an element of competitively. IDD
is available from overseas: code +254.
There are two Cell Phone operators offering services
within Kenya
and cover within major urban centers is reliable
and progressively improving within rural areas
as well.
Email services are available through a number
of independent ISP’s. Until March 2005,
all email and internet traffic was routed through
the Jambonet spine operated by Telkom Kenya
and the link was tenuous to say the least! Several
private operators have now been licensed and updated
technology is being incorporated. True Broad Band
is still to be introduced and fiber optic cabling
is taking being placed in and around the central
business district of Nairobi which will enable
faster links to be obtained.
Postal services to Europe
takes around five days and the Nairobi GPO is
open 24 hours for mail box access.
International courier services are available.
Water
Some houses are connected to the grid water system
and some of those pipes have water in them most
of the time. It is sensible to have a large water
storage tank. As rainfall is more reliable than
the water department, many people connect their
rainwater gutters to storage tanks as a back-up.
If mains water is not available, your tanks will
have to be replenished by water tankers. All water
should be boiled before drinking (bottled mineral
water is available in all supermarkets).
Electricity
Nairobi
enjoys fairly reliable electrical supply (supplied
by the KPLC) but the reliability factor has worsened
recently. It is quite normal to have "shedding"
(black-or-brown-outs) in most cities including
Nairobi
and Mombasa.
It's mostly an on and occasionally off subject
across the country. Supply is meant to be 220/240
volts AC 50 cycles but it can vary quite considerably.
Voltage still fluctuates wildly from 60 to 600
volts so voltage surge protectors and stabilizers
are absolutely vital for TVs, stereos, computers
and recommended for fridges. Power plugs/sockets
are mostly of the square three-pin British type
and light bulb fittings are generally of the bayonet
type.
Housing
Adequate expatriate housing is a little more plentiful
and less expensive than before. Many new rental
houses have come onto the market recently and
local real estate agents will be pleased to show
you a good selection, provide you have a car to
do it in. There are four parameters that govern
house or apartment hunting in Kenya
and they are:
- Location and Commute
- Electricity and constant Water Supply
- Security
- Telephone
As a rule of thumb, suitable houses range from
US$ 1,000 - 2,000 per month. Remember that these
prices do not generally include furniture, a working
telephone, appliances, electricity costs and most-times,
security guards. If the premises boasts a working
telephone, it is a major advantage. It is essential
to have security guards as pilferage and theft
is endemic. Security alarm companies enjoy great
success in Kenya
but they should only be an addition to your own
guards in most cases. Landlords frequently demand
three and sometimes six months rent in advance.
It is important to try to pay as little in advance
as possible which might encourage the lessor to
undertake repairs should anything go wrong during
the term of the lease.
Furniture and Appliances
Most normal furniture is available in Nairobi.
The design and quality of locally manufactured
furnishings is good if sourced carefully. Good
strong hardwood pieces are available but expensive.
If you enjoy watching your favorite videos, it
may be worth bringing your PAL system television
and VCR with a 220V converter. Local television
is somewhat amateur but satellite stations are
now available at a cost of around US$ 100 per
month. 220V appliances are available but can be
quite expensive. Remember that in many cases,
large refrigerators and stoves do not fit into
the niches provided in some kitchens and washer/dryers
are a mixed blessing.
Moving to KENYA
Choose a quality mover for your relocation to
Kenya.
Worldwide Movers is the leading professional international
moving company in the country and we have seen
all sorts of insufficiently packed shipments arrive
by air and sea. Select a moving company that specializes
in overseas moves: they know how to pack and they
know how to load your possessions to prevent damages.
We would suggest that you designate and international
mover that belongs to the Fédération
Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux
(F.I.D.I.): membership manifests competency. Don't
worry about customs clearance and delivery, we
do it every day.
Domestic Staff
It is common to employ house staff, cooks, gardeners
and security guards. Salaries are extremely reasonable
and they add greatly to the quality of life overseas.
Those expatriates who are leaving Kenya always
try to find good employment for their reliable
staff after their departure and you should have
no problem finding recommended help with good
references; look on you embassy or High Commission's
notice board for starters. Nannies ( Ayah’s)
are wonderful with children.
Schools
The French, Germans, Japanese and Swedes amongst
others, offer community venture education with
their own schools in Nairobi.
There are three good schools running north-American
Curricula and several offering the British curriculum
and "common entrance curricula for the UK
public (private) schools. Fees vary from $1,500
per term for junior level up to $4,000 to $6,000
for senior level, again, per term. Here is a short
list of leading schools in the Nairobi
area:
North American Curriculum: 2 terms, August to
December and January to June: co-educational:
International School of Kenya. Rossylin
Academy,
junior and senior, Rift
Valley Academy,
senior.
British Curriculum: 3 terms, September to December,
January to March and late April to July: co-educational:
Banda School, junior and senior, Braeburn School,
Pre-school, junior and senior, Cavina
School,
junior, Hillcrest
School,
junior and senior, and Kenton
College,
junior.
United States
International University
is also in Nairobi
and offers interaction with North American universities
and colleges.
Clubs
From the days of the Raj, British settlers introduced
sporting clubs to their colonies. The legacy remains
strong today and Kenya
has a wide selection of Clubs for individuals
and families to join and enjoy. Most clubs offer
standard facilities such as swimming pools, squash
and badminton courts and some kind of sports field.
In addition, you will also generally find recreational
bars and restaurants. Other clubs offer golf,
cricket, rugby, field hockey, tennis, flying or
sailing. The less enthusiastic of the sporting
community can polish their skills at snooker,
pool, billiards and darts. Being a member of a
city club, you can normally enjoy reciprocal membership
at other clubs in major towns throughout East
Africa. Some clubs offer residential
facilities and so such reciprocation can be very
handy. Club membership costs vary according to
the prestige and facilities offered.
Embassy Registration
It's always a good idea to register with your
Embassy or High Commission as soon as you arrive
in Kenya.
Not only is it appreciated by the mission, but
also a good way to meet other nationals at the
drink parties that are held from time to time.
Most of the diplomatic missions are fairly laid-back
in Nairobi
and are much more helpful than in other larger
countries though the recent security measures
taken globally have here in Kenya
as well.
Special Occasions
Many a time one hears "I wish I brought that
with me from home!". Invariably, its food
items that were forgotten, so if you enjoy pumpkin
pie, haggis or confit of goose, take it with you
in cans and describe as pantry items. Out-of-the-ordinary
goods are simply not available anywhere in Kenya.
Your friends will enjoy the additions too.
Restaurants
Nairobi
and Mombasa
are not one of the world's prime destinations
for gourmets but excellent fare can be found.
The good news is that new restaurants are appearing
and now offer honest Italian, Chinese, Indo/Pakistani
and International cuisines. Prices by north American
standards are reasonable and downright inexpensive
with a European purse.
Hotels
With its past and present tourist industry, there
is no shortage of hotels throughout Kenya.
Nairobi
boasts some good quality hotels of the international-chain
variety as well as some home-grown type that offer
both high quality and local color. The Intercontinental
and the Hilton, along with the Norfolk, Grand
Regency, Serena, Nairobi Safari Park and Landmark,
are available for the high spenders and luxury
lovers. If you prefer the countryside atmosphere
on the outskirts of Nairobi,
the Safari Park and the Windsor Golf and Country
Club boast magnificent grounds. In the mid-range,
The Fairview, Holiday Inn, the New Stanley and
the Boulevard offer good service at reasonable
prices. Some hotels offer Casinos. Prices range
from about $100 to $220 for the mid-to-high-end
hotels and prices vary according to the season.
Payment can be made in Kenya Shillings or foreign
currency. Mombasa
offers a dearth of beautiful beach hotels that
sport innumerable tongues, but predominantly English,
German and Italian.
Vehicles
If you do not have the use of a company vehicle,
it may be worthwhile considering importing one
with your household goods. Automobiles are expensive
new (twice that in the US).
Reliable second hand cars are very rare and costly.
Most Japanese models are available and spares
are not a problem. If you do import a vehicle,
install a quality anti-theft device. In most cases,
returning foreigners sell their vehicles after
paying the appropriate sales taxes. Vehicles over
6 years of age or left hand drive models cannot
be imported into the country.
Driving Licenses
You can drive with an International License (available
from your local Automobile Club) for a period
of 12 months in Kenya
after which you may have to take a driving proficiency
test. However, having said this, most Driving
Licenses are transferable without a test.
Popular Destinations
Kenya
boasts some of the most beautiful countryside
and best game parks in the world. Make sure you
visit the Maasai
Mara National
Park, the Samburu
National Park,
the Abadares region as well as the magnificent
beaches of the coastal region. In reality, the
opportunities appear to be endless and the biggest
problem you will have is to make the time to visit
all these extraordinary destinations.
Currency Exchange
Kenya
boasts some of the most beautiful countryside
and best game parks in the world. Make sure you
visit the Maasai
Mara National
Park, the Samburu
National Park,
the Abadares region as well as the magnificent
beaches of the coastal region. In reality, the
opportunities appear to be endless and the biggest
problem you will have is to make the time to visit
all these extraordinary destinations.
Pets
Some expatriates bring their pets with them. Long
haired dogs are particularly unsuitable for Kenya
where temperatures and ticks are big.. A good
barker is one of the most effective thief deterrents
and a pet adds to the continuity of family life
in this new and exotic land. For dogs, ticks are
big! Ensure your pets have been vaccinated against
tick fever. Don't buy an African Gray parrot (the
best speakers available) unless you are willing
to surrender it to friends or colleagues when
you leave. Your home Ministry of Agriculture with
either quarantine the bird or ask for it to be
returned to its home. Don't rush out an buy ivory
either as it's both illegal in Kenya
and in most countries belonging to the World Society
for the Protection of Endangered Species.
Corruption
Whatever your personal view of corruption, it
is common in Kenya.
It is certainly possible to live outside the ugliness
of corruption, but it surely makes life almost
impossible. Kenyans and long time expatriates
ignore the ethics of the issue and merely play
the game: they simply regard corruption in small
doses as a nuisance but an effective alternative
to universal tax collection. A policeman in Nairobi
simply cannot keep his family on the official
salary, neither can a telephone engineer. Attempts
are being made to bring about a change in attitude
and salaries of government employees are being
progressively increased to overcome the problem.
And Finally....
Confess that you live in Kenya
and people immediately conjure up a picture of
Karen Blixen's Kenya.
Well, in the most part, the country hasn't changed
much; the bush is the magic adventure and the
cities are, well, just brash cities. The secret
to enjoying Kenya
is to be patient, very patient. With a little
good humour, all the peculiarities can be amusing.
There is so much else that is intriguing about
the country that you can be kept engrossed indefinitely.
Adventure and kindness are the hallmark of lifetime
memories for all who live and work in this beautiful
country.
| 