We are excited to welcome you to the 8th AfriGEO Symposium to be held at the Regional Centre for the Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in Nairobi, Kenya between 12th and 15th August, 2024. We have assembled the information below to guide your participation.
1. Venue
The Symposium will take place at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD).
The address of the office is:
Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD),
Kasarani Road, Off Thika Road Nairobi Kenya
Telephone: +254 20 2614603 D/L
https://www.rcmrd.org
Map Location
Contact person(s):
Kenneth Kasera (Email: kkasera@rcmrd.org, Phone: +254 726764665) or
Peninah Njogu (Email: pnjogu@rcmrd.org, Phone: +254 714275185)
2. Registration
A registration desk will be set up at the venue. Conference participants are kindly requested to register on the first day (12th August, 2024) before the beginning of the workshop from 08:00 – 08:30 AM.
3. Flights (Only Those Covered by Support Team)
AfriGEO will cover the cost of one economy class return ticket from your country of origin to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya. The flight will be booked directly through RCMRD and once you have confirmed your participation, you will be contacted by an AfriGEO Secretariat colleague to finalize booking details.
Change of reservation on the ticket: Once the flight details have been agreed with RCMRD and the ticket booked, no further changes (e.g. itinerary changes or changes due to missed flight) will be covered by RCMRD. Any such changes will be for the participant’s account.
4. Accommodation
Participants are advised to book their accommodation in an area close to the venue. The area provides access to a range of accommodation options and restaurants to suit a variety of preferences. (List of accommodation options to be provided)
For AfriGEO-sponsored participants, rooms are pre-booked.
Participants who wish to arrive before or remain beyond the official meeting period will meet any expenses on their personal accounts.
5. Meals
During the Symposium days (12th, 13th, 14th & 15th of August, 2024), lunch and tea/coffee will be offered at RCMRD campus and will be catered for directly by RCMRD for all participants.
Note on Special Diets: For participants who may require special diets; kindly let us know in advance so that we can make prior arrangements with the hotel.
6. Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA)
During the meeting, sponsored participants will be provided with a daily allowance for dinner and incidentals per overnight stay for the duration of the meeting. The allowance will be paid to participants at registration upon presentation of your incoming boarding pass in dollars. Please note that DSA rates will be paid according to RCMRD policy and in USD.
7. Visas
Please also note that the Kenyan government scrapped the visa requirement and introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). You need to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) three working days before the trip using this link: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en (if you haven't already done so).
8. Ground Transportation
Participants will be provided with ground transportation allowance from the airport to the symposium venue and back to the airport and also from the hotel to the venue and back. The airport is approximately 22.5 kms to the symposium venue.
9. Local Language
The Bantu Swahili language and English are the two official working languages in Kenya.
10. Weather
August is a fairly dry month with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 23°C. However, July’s chilly weather (12°C and 23°C) might spill into the 1st and 2nd weeks of August. Participants are encouraged to consider the above when planning.
11. Local Currency & Exchange Rate
The official currency in Kenya is the Kenya Shilling (KSH). Approximately 1 USD is equivalent to 130 KSH at Commercial Banks, Foreign Exchange Bureaus, and ATM machines are available at the international airport and in the Kasarani area. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels.
12. Travel Insurance
All participants are strongly recommended to obtain Travel Insurance prior to travel. Emergency and hospital claims are NOT covered by AfriGEO in case of accident or illness.
13. Time Zone
Kenya observes East Africa Time (EAT), which is three hours ahead of Universal Time Coordinated (UTC+03:00).
14. Other Costs
Extra costs incurred such as additional meals, telephone bill, laundry, alcohol, massages, all tips and other costs will be the responsibility of the participant and must be settled when purchased.
15. Internet
Wireless internet will be available at the hotel as well as at the RCMRD campus. A code for accessing the internet will be shared with participants as relevant on site. No additional data costs or internet vouchers will be reimbursed by RCMRD.
16. Electricity
In Kenya the standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Kenya, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V. Please see an example of the plugs used below:
17. Security
Like many other large cities in the world, Nairobi has its share of security problems and you are advised to take the necessary precautions to avoid being the victim of crime:
Emergency Contacts: The emergency security number for Nairobi Police is 999 or 112. However, the following staff members can be reached in case of any emergency.
Please do not hesitate to contact Kenneth Kasera (+254 726764665) or Peninah Njogu (+254 714275185) for any help and/or clarification on logistical issues. (Email: kkasera@rcmrd.org and pnjogu@rcmrd.org). We look forward to welcoming you to the training workshop in Kenya.
18. Support Team Contact Information
In the event that you need to reach someone on the Support Team, our contact information is listed below:
Name: Kenneth Kasera
Email: kkasera@rcmrd.org
Telephone No: +254 726764665
Name: Peninah Njogu
Email: pnjogu@rcmrd.org
Telephone No: +254 714275185
Name: Joseph Odhiambo
Email: jodhiambo490@gmail.com
Telephone No: +254 746660282
We wish you safe travels and a warm welcome to Kenya.