Welcome To Kenya
Welcome To Kenya
We are pleased to welcome you to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). This booklet has been designed to provide a range of basic information, which you may require during your stay. It is divided into the following sections:
Planning your trip Introductory Guide to Kenya Travel and Tourism Visa and Health Certification Keeping Healthy and Safe Where to Stay Getting there and about Going out in Nairobi Restaurants and bars Museums and galleries Places of interest Weekend excursions to the National Parks and Reserves Services offered on the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) compound MAP OF NAIROBI MAP OF CITY CENTRE 38 51 52 35 3 3 8 11 13 17 22 26 26 30 33
Main cities
Mombasa is the coastal capital and the largest port on the East African coast. Other major cities include: Kisumu, Eldoret and Nakuru.
Area
Kenya covers an area of 583,000 sq km, 13,400km of which is inland water, including part of Lake Victoria. The coastline is 536 km long.
Borders
Kenya is bordered by Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda and Tanzania.
Climate
The coast is hot with an average daytime temperature of 27-31 degrees centigrade whilst the average daytime temperature in Nairobi is 2126 degrees centigrade. Nairobi can become cold enough for coats and fleece; July and August mark
the Kenyan winter. Temperatures elsewhere depend on altitude. Typically, January-February is dry, March-May is wet, June-September is dry, October-December is wet.
Economy
Agriculture employs 80% of the population, contributes 20% to GDP and accounts for 50% of export earnings. Tourism is the largest source of income. The industrial base contributes around 18% of GDP.
Population
33.9 million (2005 est.), 42.5% of whom are under 14 years old, with a growth rate of 2.56%, one of the highest in the world. It is estimated that 50% of the population live below the poverty line.
Ethnic makeup
There are over 40 tribal groups distinguished by two major language groups: Bantu and Nilotic. The largest tribes of the Bantu are the Kikuyu, Meru, Gusii, Embu, Akamba, Luyha and Mijikenda. The largest tribes of the Nilotic are the Maasai, Turkana, Samburu, Pokot, Luo and Kalenjin. A third group made up of Cushitic speaking peoples includes the El-Molo, Somali, Rendille and Galla. The coastal region is the home of the Swahili people.
Religion
Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and traditional beliefs.
Language
English (official), Kiswahili (national), multiple
YOUR GUIDE TO YOUR STAY IN KENYA
ethnic languages (Bantu, Cushitic and Nilotic language groups). Literacy: 85% of population over age 15 can read and write.
Government
Kenya is an independent republic with a democratically elected parliament. The President is the chief of state and head of government.
Currency exchange
Most hotels offer forex facilities, though sometimes at disadvantageous rates. Forex facilities remain open at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport daily from 7am to midnight.
Currency
Kenya shilling (Ksh); slang bob; coins: 50cts, KSh1, KSh5, KSh10 and KSh20; notes KSh50, KSh100, KSh200, KSh500 and KSh1, 000.
Exchange rates
As a general guide to exchange rates, the following rates applied as of January 2007 1 US$ 70 Kenya shillings 1 Euro 90 Kenya shillings 1 Pound Sterling 138 Kenya shillings
Banking
Foreign currency can be changed at banks, foreign currency bureaux or hotels. Banks in major centres are open from 09.00 to 15.00 Mon-Fri. 09.00 to 11.00 on the first and last Saturday of each month. Banks in coastal towns open and close half an hour earlier.
ATMs
ATMs are available country wide with 24-hour access. Most accept international VISA cards.
Credit cards
All major international cards are accepted. Credit card fraud occurs in Kenya, as in most other parts of the world, and the usual precautions should be taken.
Travellers cheques
Travellers Cheques are accepted at most banks, bureaux and hotels.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge.
Shopping centres
Nairobi has a number of large shopping malls, which are recommended for visitors since they offer optimum security. Those listed below offer: supermarkets, retail outlets, banks, forex bureaus, restaurants and bars. Mobil Plaza, Muthaiga Tel: (020) 3766418 Sarit Centre, Westlands Tel: (020) 3740329 (Cinema, Health Club) The Junction, Lavington Tel: (020) 3872881 (Cinema)
The YaYa Centre, Tel: (020) 2713360 Hurlingham The Warwick Tel: (020) 7120876 Centre (immediately adjacent to UNON) Village Market Tel: (020) 7122488 (5 minutes from UNON, Cinema)
Time
GMT +3 all year-round. Kenya maintains an almost constant 12 hours of daylight. Sunrise is typically 06.30 and sunset at 18.45.
Electricity
220-240 volts AC, with standard 13-amp three square-pin plugs.
Water
Kenyan tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is readily available.
Post offices
Opening hours are 08.00 to 17.00 weekdays and 09.00 to 12.00 on Saturdays. Stamps can be purchased at post offices, stationery and souvenir shops and hotels.
Media
The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) has radio transmission in English, Swahili, Hindi and African languages. The BBC World Service (which also transmits on 93.7 FM), Voice of America and Deutsche Welle all transmit on short-wave frequencies. Radio France International transmits on 89.9 FM and China International Radio on 91.9 FM. There are several commercial radio stations such as Capital FM and Kiss FM. There are also
locally produced television channels in English and Swahili, and digital satellite TV from South Africa. The two daily English-language newspapers are the Daily Nation and the Standard. The two Swahili newspapers are Taifa Leo and Kenya Leo.
two major marine parks: Mombasa Marine National Park and Malindi/Watamu National Park. Details on all Kenyan National Parks and Reserves can be obtained from: Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Tel: + 254 (0) 20 600800. Email: tourism@kws.org or http://www.kws.org.
Historical sites
Kenya has over 400 historical sites ranging from prehistoric fossils and petrified forests, to 14th century slave trading settlements, Islamic ruins and 16th century Portuguese Forts.
Landscape
The landscape of Kenya is distinctly divided into two halves - the eastern half which slopes gently to the coral-backed seashore, and the western portion, which rises abruptly through a series of hills and plateaus to the Eastern Rift Valley. West of the Rift is a westward-sloping plateau, and the lowest part is covered by Lake Victoria. The highest point in the country is the snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya (5,199 m), the second highest mountain in Africa. The coastline extends some 536 km from the Tanzanian border in the southeast, to the Somali border in the northeast. The main rivers are the Athi/Galana and the Tana. The major lakes are: Lake Victoria, Turkana, Baringo, Naivasha, Magadi, Jipe, Bogoria, Nakuru and Elementeita.
Flora
Kenyas flora is diverse. Coastal forests contain palm, mangrove, teak, copal and sandalwood trees. Forests of baobab, euphorbia and acacia trees cover the lowlands to an elevation of approximately 915 m. Extensive areas of savannah are interspersed with groves of acacia and papyrus, which characterize the terrain from 915 to 2,745 meters above sea level. Bamboo and camphor are common in the dense rainforest of the eastern and southeastern mountain slopes. The alpine zone (above 3,550 meters) contains many Senecio and Lobelia plants.
Fauna
Despite the tremendous losses inflicted by hunting and poaching during the twentieth century, Kenya teems with wildlife. There are 80 major animal species ranging from the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, lion and leopard) to tiny antelopes such as the dik-dik, which is slightly larger than a rabbit. At least 32 endemic species are endangered.
Avifauna
Kenya boasts around 1,137 species of birds. Spotting over 100 bird species in a day is not uncommon.
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Health certification
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required ONLY if you are arriving in Kenya from an infected area. For advice on vaccinations recommended for visitors to Kenya, please contact your doctor, or the UNON Medical Clinic. Telephone: (762) 2267. Emergency Line: (762) 5999
Malaria
Malaria is endemic in tropical Africa and protection against it is necessary. There are numerous prophylactics on the market, and it is recommended that prophylactics be taken. Use of mosquito nets is also recommended in endemic areas. Furthermore, use of mosquito repellents is recommended.
of heat exhaustion cool yourself with shade and/or cold water, and increase fluid intake. In the case of a heat stroke, cool yourself with shade and/or cold water; increase fluid intake and contact the emergency medical services, as heat stroke is a medical emergency.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a serious problem throughout Africa, and an estimated 7- 9 % of the Kenyan population is HIV positive.
Medical insurance
Travellers to Kenya are recommended to obtain medical insurance prior to arrival. The UN will not assume responsibility for any medical costs incurred by visitors. The Government of Kenya will also not cover any medical expenses incurred by visitors.
Personal Safety
Great efforts have been made of late by the Kenyan government to improve the security situation. However since Kenyan society is less affluent than that of the developed world, ostentatious or careless displays of wealth or valuables may attract unwelcome attention.
Personal possessions
Valuable items such as large amounts of cash, and irreplaceable documents should be locked in the hotel room safe. Handbags, cameras and jewellery are attractive targets for thieves, and street
muggings can occur at any time of the day or night, especially in Nairobi and Mombasa. Visitors should remain alert, and when possible take a taxi rather than walking. Never walk at night. Visitors are also advised to ignore the attentions of street children, or of any other persons who may approach them with unsolicited requests.
Security clearance
Kenya is currently at UN Security Phase 1 (precautionary phase). Certain areas may experience heightened security. For further details please contact the Security Control Room (762) 6666.
Sexual assault
Immediately contact the Aga Khan or Nairobi Hospital emergency rooms (see below) in the case of sexual assault. Both hospitals will provide anti-retroviral drugs that may prevent transmission of diseases. Treatment should start as soon as possible, and at the very latest, 24 hours after the event.
Where to Stay
One of Africas prime tourist destinations, and the longest established, Kenyas tourist infrastructure is well tried and tested. The spirit of Kenya is also exemplified by its tradition of hospitality. Few people in the world are as welcoming as the Kenyans. The range of accommodation is comprehensive ranging from budget travel to luxury hotels. Kenyas hotels vary enormously in price and facilities and it is recommended that travel arrangements be booked through a larger hotel chain.
Lodges
Lodges are located in the national parks and reserves and are usually expensive. The food and facilities, however, are generally of the highest standards.
Tented Camps
Comprising a small selection of permanentlysited canvas tents, which are roofed, pitched on a concrete base or raised wooden platform, and often have a bathroom to the rear, tented camps have little to do with camping. Most offer a surprising degree of luxury with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and electricity.
Sixeighty Hotel
Location: Central Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 315680/344000 Email: info@680-hotel.co.ke Website: http://www.680-hotel.co.ke
Holiday Inn
Location: Tel: Email: Website: Parklands suburb, Central Nairobi +254 020 3740920 admin@holidayinn.co.ke http://www.holiday-inn.com
Jacaranda Hotel
Location: Westlands suburbs, Central Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 4448713-7 Email: cro@jacarandahotels.com Website: http://www.jacarandahotels.com
Sarova Panafric
Location: Central Nairobi Tel: +254 020 2714444/2720822 Email: reservations@panafric.sarova.co.ke Website: http://www.sarovahotels.com
Hilton Hotel
Location: Central Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 250000 Email: hilton@africaonline.co.ke Website: http://www.hilton.com
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Intercontinental Hotel
Location: Central Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 3200000 Email: nairobi@interconti.co.ke Website: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com
Norfolk Hotel
Location: Central Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 216940 Email: Kenya.reservations@fairmont.com Website: http://www.fairmont.com
Panari Hotel
Location: Mombasa Road, close to airport Tel: +254 (0)20 6946000/828990 Email: info@panari.com Website: http://www.panari.com
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Getting about
Internal air travel Domestic flights are convenient, and minimize the time spent on Kenyan roads, which are often in poor condition. Frequent flights (both scheduled and charter) operate from Nairobis Wilson Airport and from Mombasa and Malindi to the main towns and national parks. Trains Kenyas single-track railway line runs from Mombasa to Kisumu (via Nairobi). Overnight trains depart the major stations of Mombasa, Nairobi and Kisumu around sunset and arrive at their destinations just after sunrise. The Deluxe option is recommended for rail travel. Matatus Most Kenyans use matatu as the primary method of transport. They are typically minivans following specific routes. Fares are regulated by stages and payment must be made to the tout who operates the sliding door. Matatus are privately operated, and although much safer than they used to be, they are not recommended for visitors to the UN. Night travel Night is not recommended due to poor road conditions, poor street lighting, a relaxed attitude towards operational headlights, and armed hold-ups.
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Taxis Taxis are plentiful outside the main hotels, shopping arcades, and central city points. There are a number of dial-up taxi companies in major towns. A tariff sheet should be available, and it is wise to agree the price of the journey before you set off. Recommended taxi contacts Hilltop Tel: (020) 2723218 Jatco Tel: (020) 4448162/4446096 Jim cab Tel: (020) 7122565/7120344 Kenatco Tel: (020) 230771/2 or 316611 Car Rental There are plenty of well-established and reputable car hire companies. To hire a car you must be over 23 and under 70 years and have had a driving license (International or Commonwealth are also valid) for a minimum of two years. Prices vary enormously. Kenyan motorists drive on the left and overtake on the right. Road conditions in many places are poor.
Useful numbers for car rental (when dialling from a mobile prefix the numbers with 020) Avenue Car Hire Tel: (020) 313297/317770 Avis Rent a Car Tel: (020) 244977 or 316061 Budget Car Hire Tel: (020) 652144-9 Car Hire Services Tel: (020) 822090 Concorde Tel: (020) 4448953-4 or 4448134 Hertz Rent-a-Car Tel: (020) 311143 Payless Car Hire Tel: (020) 652144-9
Driving in Kenya
Kenyans drive on the left side of the road, and defensive driving is recommended. Kenyans typically place broken tree branches on the road in the case of a breakdown. Note: Never leave valuables in the car, always lock the car, always padlock spare wheels and always put windows up at urban traffic lights.
Road accidents
Visitors are advised against stopping at the scene of a serious accident due to the fact that blame can sometimes be incorrectly apportioned, and violence may erupt.
Safety on Safari
Visitors wishing to go on safari should use a reputable travel agent to book the trip (see Travel Agents within the UNON compound).
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Fairview Hotel
Where: Centre of Town, Bishops Road. Tel: (020) 2711321 Wine cellar, Japanese Sushi Bar, Gourmet restaurant and outside European caf. Safe and secure parking.
Haandi Restaurant
Where: The Mall, Westlands Tel: (020) 4448294 An authentic north Indian cuisine. Safe and secure parking.
Mediterraneo
Where: At The Junction Shopping Mall, Ngong Road or in Westlands. Tel: (020) 4447494 (Westlands) 3878608 (The Junction). Mediterranean-styled restaurants offering a wide range of international dishes, pizza and pasta.
Restaurant Misono
Where Lenana Road, Hurlingham Tel: (020) 3868959 An authentic Japanese restaurant. Safe and secure parking.
Tamambo
Where: The Mall, Westlands Tele: (020) 4448064. Email: info@tamambo.co.ke Tamambo is a slightly more relaxed version of the famous Tamarind (above). European and global cuisine. Safe and secure parking.
The Carnivore
Where: Langata Rd near Wilson Airport Tel: (020) 6059333-7 The Carnivore is probably Nairobi most famous restaurant, voted amongst the worlds top 50 restaurants, a must for every tourist. Large, busy, efficiently run with excellent service, the Carnivore specializes in Kenyan traditional cuisine, namely BBQd game meat such as ostrich, zebra, gazelle and crocodile as well as the more normal choices
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of chicken, beef, mutton, lamb pork and fish. There is also a disco at the Simba Saloon, which hosts a Rock Night on Wednesday and Soul on Sunday evenings. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Safe and secure parking. The International Casino and Toona Tree Restaurant Where Museum Hill, Central Nairobi Tel: (020) 3740802 International casino and restaurant. Safe and secure parking. The Lord Erroll Where: off Limuru road, Runda Tel: (020) 7121308 An elegant restaurant with an international clientele, set in urban surroundings, serving a varied menu with barbecue, Italian, oriental and European dishes. Safe and secure parking. The Pavement Club n Caf Where: off the Westlands roundabout in the Westview Centre Tel: (020) 4441711 A combined restaurant caf and coffee shop with a buzzing bar and disco. Theres a choice of Japanese, Thai and Mediterranean food and European grills.
The Tamarind Restaurant Where: National Bank Bldg, Harambee Avenue, central Nairobi Tel: (020) 251811. Email: info@tamarindmsa.co.ke Part of the Tamarind Group, this is another of Nairobis most famous and most respected restaurants with an international clientele spanning all age groups. Wide menu: seafood as well as a broad range of global choices. Safe and secure parking.
Village Market
Where: Gigiri (five minutes from the UN), Limuru road The Village Market offers a wide range of cuisines, some in formal restaurants, some in the central fast-food mall. Busy, totally international and also offering a wide range of shops it offers; Italian, Chinese, African, Burgers, a German Pub and more. Safe and secure parking.
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The Railway Museum Where: To the west of Nairobi station and visible from Uhuru Highway Open: Daily 08.15 to 14.45. Established in 1971 to preserve and display the steam locomotives and rolling stock of the then East African Railways, the museum has an eclectic collection of memorabilia from the history of the Uganda railway, from its infamous beginnings, when numerous workers perished at the jaws of the man-eating lions of Tsavo, to the present. The Karen Blixen Museum Where: Karen Road, 10 km west of the city centre Tel: (020) 882779. Email: karenblixen@bidii.com Open: Daily 09.00 to 18.00. Home of Karen Blixen, author of the famous novel Out of Africa, who lived here between 1914 and 1932. Donated by the Danish government in 1963, the house is now a museum. Theres a museum shop on site and the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden is close by. Rahimtulla Museum of Modern Art (RAMOMA) Where: Rahimtulla Tower, Upper Hill Road Tel: (020) 2729181. Email: ramoma@africaonline.co.ke Open: Mon-Fri: 09.30 to 16.30. Sat: 09.30 to 13.00. Entry free. The RAMOMA gallery hosts a series of revolving exhibitions by Kenyan and international artists displaying mainly paintings and sculpture. Art workshops are also regularly held in the gallery space.
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Gallery Watatu Where: City Centre, Lonrho House, Standard Street Tel: (020) 228737 Open: Mon-Sat: 09.00 to 18.00. Sun: 10.00 to 17.00. A formal gallery and regular showcase for sculpture, paintings, screen prints and etchings. MatBronze Where: 2 Kifaru Lane, off Langata South Rd, Karen Tel: (020) 891251 Open: Mon-Fri: 08.00 to 15.30. Sun: 10.00 to 17.30. Matbronze is a gallery displaying bronze sculptures, mostly of wildlife. Pimbi Gallery Where: General Mathenge Close, off General Mathenge Drive, Westlands Tel: (0)20 4183682. Mobile: 0722 650666/764085. Email: magadistone@yahoo.com. The gallery displays sculptures made from scrap metal by Kioko Mwitiki whose elephants may be seen on the roundabout at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. An artist first known as the junk man and then the elephant man his visionary work as a sculptor is now recognized in collections in the US and Europe.
Places of interest
AFEW Giraffe Centre Where: Koitobos Road, Langata Tel: (020) 891658 Open: 09.00 to 17.30. Daily. Email: info@giraffecentre.org An African Fund for Endangered Wildlife project, the giraffe centre features a number of Rothschilds giraffes, the most rare of Kenyas giraffes. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Where: Magadi Road Telephone: (020) 891996 Open: 11.00 a.m. to noon daily Website: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org World-renowned for its work with infant orphan elephants and black rhinos, the Trust rescues and raises orphaned herbivores and oversees their reintegration into the wild. Orphans that are still highly dependent can be seen at the nursery in Nairobi. The Bomas of Kenya Where: Forest Road off Langata Road; Tel: (020) 891802 Open: 09.00 to 16.30 daily. Email: Bomas@africaonline.co.ke A cultural and entertainment centre, the Bomas of Kenya showcases African culture and dance. Theres also an African theme village and the nyama choma boma restaurant serving traditional Kenyan food.
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Kenya National Theatre Where: Central Nairobi, opposite the Norfolk Hotel Tel: (020) 225174 The National Theatre showcases a wide range of contemporary and classic events. Nairobi Arboretum Where: Located on Arboretum Road, off State House Road and Uhuru Highway Open: Daily entry free and unlimited. The Arboretum offers a collection of more than 350 species of indigenous and exotic plants, as well as over 100 bird species. Footpaths, jogging trails and picnic spots. Nairobi National Park Where: KWS Headquarters, Langata Road, Nairobi. Tel: (020) 600800, 602345 Open: 06.00 to 19.00 daily. Email: kws@kws.org (http://www.kws.org) Just 10 minutes from the city centre, Nairobi National Park is unique in that it is the worlds only major national park located adjacent to a capital city. An oasis of green and rolling plains it offers over 100 recorded species of wildlife to include rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, crocodile and hippo. Easily accessed by 2WD vehicles including taxis, it offers a mini Kenyan safari, which can easily be done in a morning. The park also offers the Safari Walk, restaurant facilities and an Animal Orphanage (Open 8.30 to 17.30 daily).
do elsewhere. Mount Kenya is also one of only a small number of great mountains whose summit is accessible to non-climbers. Mount Kenya National Park 175 km from Nairobi Home to the highest (5,199m) mountain in Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park contrasts warm savannah with glaciers and snowstorms. Both the Kikuyu and Masai regard the mountain as the home of their Supreme Being, Ngai, and on her slopes the plants grow 100 times bigger than they do elsewhere. Mount Kenya is also one of only a small number of great mountains whose summit is accessible to non-climbers. The Aberdares National Park 180 kms from Nairobi Gazetted in 1950 this park is one of the oldest in the country and famous as the place where Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II whilst staying in the original Treetops Lodge. Its prize inhabitant is the Bongo Antelope, it is also home to the second largest population of indigenous black rhino; and features miles of high moorland scenery, tumbling waterfalls and sensational views. Tsavo East National Park 230 km from Nairobi A true wilderness evoking vivid memories of Africas forgotten grandeur and encompassing arid plains, savannah and scrubland. There are over 8,000 elephants in some of the largest herds in the country and Tsavo entered frontier lore at the turn of the century when two maverick man eating lions devoured over 50 Indians working on the Kenya.
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Tsavo West National Park 230 km from Nairobi Also offers a glorious diversity of habitats but the biggest attraction by far is Mzima Springs, a fount of cool clear water that has gushed hundreds of miles from beneath Mount Kilimanjaro before bursting out of the rocks at Mzima at the rate of 250 million litres a day. Amboseli National Park 230 km from Nairobi Amboseli provides the classic Hollywood image of Africa: vast herds of buffaloes and elephants ranging across the open plains and set against the glorious backdrop of a snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. At 5,896 meters, the Shining Mountain is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and is topped by one fifth of all the ice in Africa. The Maasai Mara 270 km from Nairobi Often described as the greatest of natures stages, the Masai Mara, with its huge dramatic skies, is perhaps the most popular of all Kenyas game parks. The landscape, which is mostly savannah, hosts around 22 families of lions and 3,000 elephants while the Mara River is one of the best places to observe crocodiles and hippos.
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UNIC, UNCRD, UNOIOS and UNPOS. The 140-acre UN Gigiri Compound, an oasis of green in the suburbs of Nairobi, is a peaceful place, offering the chance of observing local wildlife such as red duikers, squirrels, marsh mongoose, vervet monkeys and olive baboons. Easily spotted bird species include: Crowned cranes, Egyptian geese, Crested eagles, Green pigeons and Hoopoes. Areas of special interest The Seasonal Swamp is an ideal place to spot water birds and Crested cranes. The Gigiri Nature Trail is managed by a group of local volunteers. The Nature Trail showcases 600 indigenous tree species, and a wildlife and flora checklist can be obtained upon request. The Memorial Garden is a garden of remembrance and offers an area of peaceful contemplation. It was inaugurated in commemoration of the victims of the Nairobi bombing of the United States Embassy. Whats on and where? Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) screens are located at strategic points throughout the UNON Compound. These give details of all events taking place within UNON on the given day. Using the UNON telephone system The UNON has a central switchboard (762) 1234. The first three digits (762) should be dialled when calling from outside the UNON Compound (followed by the last four digits i.e. 1234). The last four digits indicate the internal extension number. When dialling from inside the UNON Compound
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use only the last four digits. (When using a mobile phone prefix all numbers by 020).
General Services
The UNON Medical Clinic (inclusive of emergency assistance and first aid) Emergency assistance, first aid and medical assistance, including on-call (24 hour) ambulance services, are available. On-site medical assistance is available during all meetings, conferences and events. The UNON clinic also offers general medical assistance, vaccinations and a broad range of medical services. Where: Block F, Room 117 Tel: (762) 2267. Emergency Line: (762) 5999 Open: Mon-Thur: 10.00 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 16.00. Fri: 8.30 to 13.30 and during meeting hours. No service on weekends. For assistance at the weekends please dial the 24-hour UNON Control Room on (762) 6666. The UNON Security Control Room The Security Control Room should be the first point of contact for all visitors requiring emergency assistance. Visitors involved in security incidents should immediately call the 24-hour UNON Control Room on (762) 6666 and advise the officer on duty that they are visitors to UNON. This officer will contact the relevant police and/or emergency services for the visitor. Where: Block G, room 105
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Tel: (762) 6666/2999/2334/2860 Mobile: 0720 629999 or 0733 629999 Open: All day. Every day. 24-hour coverage. Banks within the UNON compound There are two banks within the UNON compound. The United Nations Federal Credit Union offers primarily internal financial services and does not offer cheques encashment or forex services. United Nations Federal Credit Union Where: Lower Concourse Tel: (762) 1036/7 Services: Internal banking services. ATM (Automated teller machines). Open: Mon/Tue/Wed: 08.30 to 16.00. Thur: 08.30 to 17.00. Fri: 08.30 to 15.00. Kenya Commercial Bank Where: Lower Concourse Tel: (762) 1170/1179/2670 Email: ungigiri@kcp.co.ke Services: All general banking services including forex services and ATMs Open: Mon-Fri: 09.00 to 16.00. No weekend service. The UNON Post Office Where: Lower Concourse. Tel: (762) 2452 Services: General postal services: Speed Post (EMS), fax, telex plus purchase of phone cards (Celtel and Safaricom). Open: Mon-Fri: 09.00 to 17.00. No weekend service.
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Telkom Kenya at UNON Where: Lower Concourse, in the Post Office. Tel: (762) 2454 Services: National, regional and international telecommunications services. (Pay phones operational within office hours only). Open: Mon-Fri: 09.00 to 17.00. No weekend service. Free wireless internet access (WiFi) Free wireless hotspots are available in: the upper and lower library; the main cafeteria; the main entrance lobby, the upper and lower concourses; the press centre, the delegates lounge and conference rooms 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 and 14. To use this service select VISITORS-LAN from the list of available wireless networks. Courier Service Where: DHL Courier Mail Service, Lower Concourse, next to the Post Office Tel: (762) 2580/2579 Services: Worldwide courier service. Open: Mon-Fri: 08.00 to 17.00. Freight Service Where: Global Freight Services, Upper Concourse, next to the Staff Lounge. Tel: (762) 4756/7 Email: globalfreight@unon.org Services: Import/export, clearing and forwarding and general freight services. Open: Mon-Fri: 08.00 to 17.30.
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Video Conferencing Service Videoconference facilities are available in a series of dedicated rooms. Those wishing to use this service should email: videoconferencing@unon. org, stating when the service is required and giving relevant telephone numbers. Where: Lower Concourse. Tel: (762) 3081 or (762) 1888/2484 Services: Global video conferencing service. Open: Mon-Fri: 09.00 to 17.00. Library Where: LB Block. Lower Concourse. Tel: (762) 1017 Services: General reference services. Cyber Caf (internet services) for reference only. Note: the library also offers guided tours of the UNON compound. To book a tour call: (762) 4387 Open: Mon-Thur: 08.00 to 16.30. Fri: 08.00 to 14.00. No weekend service. Press Centre Where: LB Block. Lower Concourse (beneath the library). Tel: (762) 1102 Services: General media services including press conference services. Open: Mon-Fri: 08.00 to 16.30. No weekend service (other than when functions are in progress). Delegates Lounge Where: Lower Concourse adjacent to conference room. Tel: (762) 2441
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Services: Meeting and relaxation area. Tea, coffee and snacks available. Open: The lounge is open at all times during conference sessions.
The UNON Commissary The UNON commissary is open to all entitled staff members and visitors (visitors will require prior clearance to use the commissary, for further details please contact tel: (762) 1040). Where: Lower Concourse, opposite the Post Office. Tel: (762) 2622 Services: Sale of imported retail goods. Gift Shop and Sports Shop. Open: Mon-Fri: 09.00 to 17.30. Sat: 10.00 to 16.00. The UNON Petrol Station Where: Adjacent to Main Gate. Tel: (762) 1022 Services: Sale of petroleum products available only to those with UNON purchasing clearance. For clarification call: (762) 1040. Open: Mon-Fri: 07.00 to 18.00. Sat: 09.00 to 16.00.
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Caf Royale
Caf Royale operates 5 coffee stations throughout the UNON compound (offering tea, coffee, toasted sandwiches and pizzas). They also operate a bar in Block W (offering fries, salads, cakes and pastries), and a tented caf (Lower Concourse between Blocks T and U) offering hot and cold buffet, salads, fruit, tea and coffee. Opening times vary. A broad range of event catering services are also offered. For further details contact: Tel: (762) 3840.
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control, remote transmission of documents, accommodation and transportation arrangements for delegates, catering, entertainment, etc. Organizer advice and support. Translation and Editorial Section Where: Block R and S Tel: (762) 3350 Services: Translating and editing of documents and publications. Provision of report writers and editors. Terminology and reference advice. On-line support in document editing, printing and circulation. Publishing Services Section Where: Block D and P Tel: (762) 2518 Services: Design and desk top publishing: production of CDs and DVDs, booklet andbrochure production. Reprographics, photocopying, printing, binding, finishing and presentation services. Preparation of diplomatic correspondence. Documents distribution. Pre-press services. Exhibition and display: Support and advice on layouts, supply of exhibition and display accessories (panels, lighting, furniture, banners, fascias etc).
49
Interpretation Where: Block CE, CW Tel: (762) 2433 Services: Simultaneous interpretation services in: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
T o L im uru /
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UN OFFICES Gigiri
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The boundaries and names shown on this map do not imply o cial endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations Map prepared by GRID-Nairobi, March 1995
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