Kenya Embassy Newsletter

The Hague
2nd edition 2010

Karibu
Kenya
 Message from
the Ambassador

Prof. Ruthie C. Rono (Mrs.)

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2
The 2nd Edition of “Karibu Kenya” News-
letter marks yet another important mile-
stone in the Embassy’s efforts to share and
propagate useful information regarding
the Embassy’s diplomatic engagements in
The Kingdom of the Netherlands and the
Czech Republic.
The Embassy has embraced electronic
technology as an important alternative
mode of communication where appropri-
ate in order to enhance her reach beyond
the traditional hard copy paper distribu-
tion. This is in line with the embassy’s goal
to cut costs and save the environment
through minimizing the use of paper. It is
with this in mind that this 2nd edition of
“Karibu Kenya” is an e-magazine.
from political, trade and tourism promo-
tions, sports, culture as well as social
issues we consider relevant to our diplo-
matic work. The items presented cover
past events as well as present the diverse
opportunities Kenya has to offer in the
business sector as well as in leisure and
entertainment.
I am sure you will find this edition not only
informative but also insightful to the nature
of the work we do. We welcome any com-
ments and ideas you may wish to share
with us.

The issues covered in this edition reflect

the depth and breadth of topical events
which have taken place since the publica-

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tion of our last issue. The events range

Kenya
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3
About
the Embassy
Preamble
The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya
to the Kingdom of The Netherlands and
accredited to The Czech Republic was
opened in 1985. It is situated at Nieuwe
Parklaan 21, in the City of The Hague, as
both a bilateral and multilateral station.
The Embassy’s responsibility is to promote
and strengthen the relations between Ke-
nya and the two countries of accreditation,
namely, The Kingdom of The Netherlands,
and the Czech Republic, as well as to ar-
ticulate Kenya’s interests within the interna-
tional organisations in the host country.
Our mandate
To project, promote and protect Kenya’s
interests in the countries of accreditation
and amongst the international organisa-
tions based in the host countries.
Our vision
A responsive Mission embracing effective
diplomacy.
Our mission
To advance and safeguard Kenya’s stra-
tegic interests in support of sustainable
growth and development.
Our core values
Professionalism Responsiveness
Team spirit Dynamism
Discipline Patriotism
Integrity Honesty
Dignity Equity
Our core functions
• Projection of Kenya’s interests in the
countries of accreditation and international
organisations
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4 Kenya
• Promotion of Kenya’s interests in the
countries of accreditation and international
organisations
• Protection of Kenya’s interests in the
countries of accreditation and international
organisations
• Promoting economic, tourism, trade and
bilateral issues
• Safeguarding interests of Kenyans in the
countries of accreditation
• Consular services
• Protocol matters
Our customers
• The host governments
• International organisations based in the
countries of accreditation
• Citizens of the host governments
• Kenyans living in the Diaspora of the
host governments and international orga-
nizations of accreditation.
• Foreign Missions based in the countries
of accreditation
• Companies, Non-Governmental Organi-
sations and individual persons both in the
countries of accreditation and in Kenya
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters
and other Government Ministries and De-
partments in Nairobi
• Kenya Missions abroad
Our service standards
We are committed to delivery of efficient
and quality service.
1) Contact by telephone
• When you contact us by phone, we shall
be courteous and helpful at all times
• Answer your questions in full or if unable,
take details and call you later within a
reasonable time
• Return telephone messages promptly
2) Written correspondence/fax/e-mail
• Respond to you in a clear manner with
accurate information
• Ensure you receive full reply within one
week. If not, offer an explanation and
when to expect the reply
• Respond to e-mail queries substantially
3) Consular Services
•Issuance of visa applications forms
•Timely processing of Visa applications.
4) Visits
Customers visiting the Embassy will be:-
•Treated courteously and in confidence
•Met at the agreed time of the appoint-
ment
above: H.E. The Ambassador and staff
members
Customer obligations
• Be punctual at all times of appointment;
• Exercise integrity and commitment to
work ethics;
• Treat staff with respect and courtesy;
• Be open minded and sincere in their
engagements
• Respect the rules and regulations of the
Embassy
• Be simple and accurate
• Responsible at all times
Complaints, feedback and suggestions
The Embassy appreciates complaints,
feedback and suggestions as this provides
a platform for making improvements and
solid contributions to our vision and mis-
sion.
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 Karibu
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From
the Embassy
Ambassador Ruthie C. Rono presented her Ambassador Rono also held meetings with
letters of Credence to His Excelency, Mr. Director of Non European Department,
Vaclav Kaus, the President of the Czech Minstry of Industry and Trade Czech Re-
Republicv public, Ministry of Education, Association
of travela agencies eealing with Kenya and
Her Excellency the Ambassador Prof the Vice-minister, Ministry of Environment
Ruthie C.Rono set out to present her leter
of credence to His Excellency, Mr. Vaclav The Ambassador was accompanied by the
Klaus, and President of the Czech Republic Deputy Ambassador Ms. Khadija Issa and
on Wednesday 21st January 2009. Dur- Wycliffe Amukowa, Political Officer
ing this occasion Amb. Rona had a busy
schedule in which she held meetings wit
hthe Director of the Diplomatic Protocol of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech
Republic, Director, Department of Sub-
Sahara Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
before presenting her letters of Credence
to the President

After the presentation of the letters of Cre-

dence, Ambassador Rono later held Vin de
H’nour Reception for the members of the
African Group, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the The Czech Repulic, Kenya students
studying in The Czech Republic and other
distinguished personalities.

Top: Amb. Rono and Deputy Director of Proto-

col Czech Republic
Centre right: Amb. Rono with Khadija Issa and
Kenyan students at the Czech Republic
Centre left: Amb. Rono holds talks with Di-
recctor of Sub-Sahara African Affairs Czech
Republic
Bottom right: Amb. Rono, Khadija Issa, holding
a meeting with Vice Minister of Environment
Czech Republic.
Bottom left: Amb. Rono, with a visitor

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Celebrating
Jamhuri Day
This year’s 46th Jamhuri Day celebrations
took place on the 11th December, 2009 at
the Crown plaza Promenade Hotel in The
Hague. The event attracted by many for-
eigh diplomats, Kenya Diasporas living in
the Netherlands with their families and the
representatives of companies duing busi-
ness with Kenya. . During her welcoming
remarks, H.E. Prof. Ruthie C.Rono, thanked
the guests for attending the Jamhuri day
and welcomed them to a delicious kenyan
buffet prepared by Kenya’s own chef: Ken-
neth Marube.

Apart from the impressive turn up to the

Jamhuri Day , many people who have not
seen each other for the whole year used
the social event to network, make new
friends and caught up with the events of
the past year.

Jamhuri Days was celebrated by many Kenyans

living in the Nehterlands and with many guests
who where invited to celebrate with us.

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 Lake
Turkana

CH
Lodwar AL
BI
DE
SER
T
Marsabit
Y
E
L

Wajir
L
A
V

Kitale
KENYA
R
E

Lake Baringo
IV
R

T
A Lake Bogoria
Eldoret R
E
G
Kisumu Meru
Kericho M ount K enya
Nakuru Garissa
Lake Nakuru
Lake Naivasha
M ount Longonot

NAIROBI
Machakos
Lamu
plaatsen in kenyastuk Lamu
Arc hip elago

Malindi
Watamu Bay

Mombasa

Shimoni

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Kenya
Location and Size
in brief
Kenya is located on the East coast of
Africa. It lies on the equator and is bor-
dered on the north by Sudan, Somalia and
Ethiopia; Uganda and Lake Victoria lie to
the west; Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro
are to the south while the Indian Ocean
lies to the east. It is 582,646 sq km2 and is
the world’s 47th largest country.
Climate
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate experi-
encing moderate temperatures averaging
about 22°C throughout the year. It is hot
and humid at the coast, temperate inland
and dry at the north and northeast parts of
the country. There are two seasons: short
rains (October to December) and long
rains (March to June). Its hottest period is
from January to March.
Topography
Kenya has diverse physical features,
which are divided into: low lying arid and
semi-arid lands, coastal belt, plateau,
highlands and the lake basin around Lake
Victoria. The country is bisected by the
Great Rift Valley which extends for 8,700
km. on the surface of the earth from the
Dead Sea in Jordan to Beira in Mozam-
bique. Kenya has the second highest snow
capped mountain (Mt. Kenya) in Africa
rising to a height of 5,199 metres, after Mt.
Kilimanjaro.
Population
Kenya has an estimated population of
34 million people with approximately six
million people living in the urban areas.
Kenya has a diverse population comprising
of 42 ethnic groups.
Cities and Major Towns
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and
is the financial and services hub of East
Africa. The Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport (JKIA) which is the largest and busi-
est airport in East and Central Africa is in
Nairobi. It serves as a transit hub for major
airlines as well as the gateway for visitors
to Africa’s treasured game parks, cultural
heritage, scenic landscapes and business
opportunities. The airport also serves as
a major cargo center for both inbound
and outbound goods. The other cities are
Mombasa, the main port on the Indian
Ocean and Kisumu City on Lake Victoria.
Other major Towns are Nakuru, Eldoret,
Thika.
Public Holidays in Kenya
1st January - New Year
April Good Friday
April Easter Monday
1st May - Labour Day
1st June - Madaraka Day
10th October - Moi Day
20th October - Kenyatta Day
12th December - Jamhuri Day
25th December - Christmas Day
26th December Boxing Day
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Tea Seminar
The Kenya tea development Agency Ltd
delegates visited the Netherlands from
26th – 28th April 2009.
On the 27th April, KTDA held a tea semi-
nar at the Embassy Chancery, NW Parklaan
21, The Hague
The purpose of the tea seminar was for
KTDA to meet with tea traders/packers/
buyers and tea policy makers in the Neth-
erlands. The seminar attracted approxi-
mately 40 tea traders/buyers and Dutch
government officials and other participants
that were interested in the tea as a prod-
uct.
During the seminar, presentations were
made on the activities of Dutch Coffee
Roasters and Tea Packers Association
(VNKT); Private Sector Investment pro-
gramme (PSI) of EVD and its Matchmak-
ing Facility (MMF) and lastly Kenya Tea
Development Agency LTD explained in
large about its activities and joint venture
opportunities that the company is offering
to interest Dutch Investors.
During the tea seminar H.E. the Ambas-
sador Prof.Ruthie C.Rono on her opening
remarks welcomed the KTDA delegates
to the Netherlands and the Embassy. The
Ambassador said that the KTDA presence
and that of the Dutch government of-
ficials, tea packers and buyers, underlines
the important the government attaches to
the tea sector in Kenya. Kenya produces
the best teas in the world; however more
needs to be done on promotion of the
teas internationally. The creation of con-
ducive value addition policies which will
result in major international packers setting
up packing plants locally is needed. The
modern thing in this era of globalization
is competitiveness. The strategy should
be to expand our competitive strength in
supply value chain, production, processing
or manufacturing and marketing through
exploring joint venture opportunities.
She further informed that while the top
tea producers rely on their internal mar-
ket, Kenya relies on external markets. This
makes Kenya in particular vulnerable to
trading terms and conditions set up by the
consuming community and consumer or-
ganization in other countries. In this case,
Kenya would wish to trade on win-win situ-
ation with potential partners.
Finally, The Ambassador urged the pres-
ent participants to join forces with the
industry planners in promotion of Kenya
tea both locally and externally.
After the Seminar the delegates and the
participants interacted with each other
through networking.
Participants after the Tea Seminar enjoying the
good athomosphere and some snacks
Amb. Rono and Khadija Issa during the Tea
Seminar
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14 Kenya
Minister of State
George Saitoti

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Visit Minister of Metropolitan
Hon . Robinson Githae

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Visit P.S. Agriculture
Dr. Romana Kiome
Dr. Romana Kiome, Permanent Sec- Bottom right: Dr. Kiome, Amb. Rono and a
retary, Ministry of Agriculture during Dutch enterpreneur at the HortiFair 2009
his visit to the Netherlands had several
meetings among others a meeting at the
Wagen¬ingen Agricultural University on
empow¬erment programme (capacity
building Institute for farmers) and there-
after dis¬cussed with the Lectures at the
University on the forth coming project to
be funded by the Dutch Government on
the setting of a Horticulture Farmers train-
ing centre of excellence in Kenya.

Top left: Dr. Kiome and officials from the minis-

try of agriculture
Bottom left: dr. kiome and the lecture at the
University of Wageningen

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22 Kenya
Trade & Investment
in Kenya
The Embassy has worked tireless the last
year to promote investment in The Neth-
erlands. We strive to provide exceptional
services, attract, facilitate and retain invet-
ment in Kenya. We aim for the highest
level of professionalism and intergrity in a
transparent and accountable manner.
In the Netherlands, the trade relation-
ship with the Dutch government is open
and friendly. Many Dutch investors have
invested heavly in the flower, fruit and
vegetables sector in Kenya. In this section
we welcome you to read about some of
the activities we have been undertaking
to keep involved with existing and new
Dutch investors in the Netherlands
PSI program
The EVD is managing a number of pro-
grammes which are financed by the
Minister for Development Cooperation mr
Bert Koenders, and are also accessible for
Kenya.
ORIO (www.evd.nl/orio) is a programme
that gives subsidies (up to 40% of the total
budget) to governments in developing
countries for infrastructure projects. Usually
the private sector - both in the Nether-
lands and in the country concerned - plays
an important role in design, implementa-
tion and management.
MMF (www.evd.nl/mmf) is a facility that
tries to assist Kenyan companies that
want to link up and cooperate with Dutch
partners.
PSI (www.evd.nl/psi) is a subsidy pro-
gramme for the private sector that assists
Dutch-Kenyan partnerships in setting up
new innovative and commercially sustain-
able activities in Kenya. The subsidy is 50%
of a maximum budget of EUR 1.5 million.
PSI is the successor of PSOM which was
launched in 1998. Kenya became part of
the list of eligible countries in 2004. Since
then, nine projects have been approved
under PSOM and five under PSI. Most of
them are in the horticulture sector - either
in primary production or in agro-services.
But also proposals from other sectors are
welcome and have successfully applied.
E.g. in 2009 an application in the solar
energy sector got approved.
Information about the criteria for PSI, MMF
and ORIO can be found on the above
mentioned websites.
The Minister for Development Coopera-
tion is financing two other interesting pro-
grammes for the private sector in develop-
ing countries.
One is PUM (www.pum.nl) that can attach
senior experts to local companies for busi-
ness development and training.
The other programme is CBI (www.cbi.
eu) which assists companies in developing
countries who want to export to access the
EU market.
For more information about PSI, please
contact the Project Advisor for Kenya
(Anton Jansen 070 - 778 8568 or jansen@
evd.nl)
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 Karibu
24 Kenya
Investment opportunities
in the Agri-sector
Q: How do I investment in Kenya? And
what do I need to enable me investment
in Kenya?
Well, we have selected some most freg-
uent asked questions (FAGS) to assist you
in making your choice.
Q : What is kenya’s government policy
on overseas companies doing business in
Kenya?
Kenya has drawn a development blue print
towards becoming an industrialised nation.
Vision 2030 is the country’s latest plan
aimed at tranforming Kenya into a newly
industrialized country by the year 2030
The vision is anchored on three pillars
sugar cane
- Economic: sustained economic growth of
10% per annum
- Social: a just and cohesive seciety enjoy-
ing equitable social development in a
clean and secure environment
- Political: issue based, people centred.
rEsultes orientaed and accountable demo-
cratic political system
With this three pilars, domonstrates
Kenya’s commitment to attracting inward
investmetns by providing free, confidential
services to prospective investors.
Q: How do I register and establish my
company?
It is a straightforward process to establish a
company in Kenya and there are no sepa-
rate rulse for foreign Nationals. To register
a company, certain mandatory document
such as the “Memorandum of Association”
and “Articles of Association” must be filed
with the Registrar of Companies within the
Kenya State Law Office. You can contact
the Trade Department at the Embassy for
the procedures, cost of registration of a
company and the duration taken for regis-
traiton.
Q: Do I need a local partner to opeprate
any business in Kenya?
No. an investor is free to choose to oper-
ate their business with either 100% owner-
ship or in a partnership with local investor
Q: are there ristrictions to doing busi-
ness in Kenya? sweet potato
No. but there is blanket restrictions for for-
eign investment in the telecommunication
and insurance sectors which are subject to
specific requirements on the percentage of
ownership.
Q: Are there any government projects or
companies available that an investor can
buy or invest?
Yes. These will mainly be infrastrucre proj-
ects that are promoted by the government
on the baissi of private public partnership
(PPP) specific information can be provided
by the Embassy.
For more information on taxes levied by
the government and labour laws, please
peruse the websites provided below: www.
kra.go.ke/index.php ; www.labour.go.ke
If you require more informaiton on any
topic that has not been covered here
above, please contact the Trade & Tourism
department at the Embassy.
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 Karibu
26 Kenya
Amsterdam RAI
HortiFair 2009

The Kenya delegation that attended the Agriculture) , dr. Serem of HCDA, dr. Mbith
2009 Hortifair in the Amsterdam Rai was of FPEAK and dr Hatchisson Board mem-
led by Dr. Romana Kiome, Permanent ber FPEAK, Florence Jelagat (HCDA) and
Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture. During Jayne Ngige from the Flower council
his visit to the Netherlands, Dr. Kiome met
with Flora Holland officials and thereafter
toured the Flora Holland Flower auction in
Aalsmeer, where he visited several compa-
nies from kenya who had come to exhibit
during the Hortifair. Further dr. Kiome
also had a meeting at the Wageningen
Agricultural University on empowerment
programme (capacity building Institute
for farmers) and thereafter discussed with
the Lectures at the University on the forth
coming project to be funded by the Dutch
Government on the setting of a Horticul-
ture Farmers training centre of excellence
in Kenya.

Among those that accompanied the PS

were; Mr. Nehemia Chepkwony (Ministry of

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28 Kenya
Mombasa welcomes Martinair
Martinair Inaugural flight
In the beginning of November Mombasa
welcomed Martinair back in Kenya. Marti-
nair operates ths route in codeshare with
Kenya Airways. In the highseason, twice a
week and in the low season once a week.
In the rainy season there will be a short
stop, but the flights will be picked up
again at the beginning of the summer.
The inaugural flight was a four day celebra-
tion. Martinair Managing Director Paul
Gregorowitsch invited top representatives
of the travelindustry. Mrs Rono, ambas-
sador of Kenya in the Netherlands was a
guest of honor and also boardmembers of
KLM and transavia.com.
After a warm welcome at the airport with
speeches of the Minister of Tourism, the
airport, Kenya Airways and Martinair, the
guests went to stay at Serena Beach hotel.
To show that Martinair cares about the
people of Kenya, the first day was spent
left page:
top:
at the Shanzu Orphans Home in Mombasa
where everybody helped out to
improve the housing of the orphans. And
off course presents were handed out like
a bicycle and shoes. Serena Beach hotel
provided a very nice lunch for all workers
and kids which they enjoyed very much.
After this rewarding afternoon a formal
dinner together with guests of Kenya
Airways took place at Tamarind. The next
days ware spent on getting to know the
beautiful nature and culture Kenya has to
offer as a holidaydestination. The magnifi-
cent combination of splendid beaches,
wildlife and culture is unique.
Martinair together with Kenya Airways
hopes to bring a lot of tourists to
Kenya.
below left:
below right:
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 Karibu
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A tourist hub
Mombasa City
Mombasa city is right on the Indian Ocean a museum, overlooks the Indian Ocean.
coast. It’s the second largest city in Ke- Mombasa travel isn’t complete without
nya,. Most visitors use Mombasa as a hub having visited at least a few of these sights.
to the beach resorts on the Indian Ocean
coast, and Mombasa’s beaches are in- Safaris from Mombasa
deed great. But Mombasa has a lot more If you are in Kenya for a safari adventure,
to offer. The region is home to the world you may find more nearby choices from
famous Swahili culture – the cultural mix Nairobi rather than Mombasa. The Tsavo
coming from thousands of years of inter- East and Tsavo West National Parks are lo-
actions between African, Arab, European cated at a half days drive from Mombasa.
and Asian peoples in the region -, histori- They are the largest wildlife parks in Kenya,
cal towns and ruins, and some fine nature, and due to their large open plains wildlife
wildlife and marine parks. is easy to be spotted here. A little closer
to the city is the Shimba Hills reserve, only
The Beaches 50km from Mombasa. It’s a rain forest park,
The sandy beaches around Mombasa are and home to elephants, antelopes and
everything you would expect from a tropi- many more animals that you might not see
cal destination: white soft sand beaches in the plains environment of more northern
with coconut and palm trees Kenya parks. The Bamburi Nature Trail is
There are some differences between just a short drive away from Mombasa
beaches in Mombasa South Coast and Well come to Mombasa, the island in the
North Coast. The North Coast is very ocean
crowded with lots of activities, bars and
activities, while South coast has a few small  
beach resorts where you’ll have the beach
almost to yourself
Interesting Sights
Throughout the coast region, you will
find the traces of thousands of years of
invasions by African, Arab and European
peoples. In Mombasa’s Old Town, the
history of the region comes alive in the
pecular mix of African, Arab and European
architectural styles. .

Fort Jesus
Built by the Portuguese colonizers in 1593,
is a real must see as well. The fort, once a
military fortification and a prison and now

Karibu
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 Karibu
32 Kenya
Tourism Talk
Buro Six
Since January 8th 2010 BuroSix Communi-
cations has been appointed by the Kenyan
Tourist Board to represent Kenya. Manag-
ing Director Peter de Jonge: “We look
forward to represent Kenya in the Benelux
market. It is a beautiful and divers destina-
tion and it will be a pleasure and challenge
to promote Kenya and make it a desirable
destination amongst consumers.”
BuroSix is a no nonsense communications
agency, with a team of highly educated
consultants. It is founded in 1987 by Six
van Leeuwen. BuroSix has over 30 years
of experience in PR and communication.
BuroSix has built a high quality, long term
worldwide network of media and travel
trade.
BuroSix offers different kinds of activities
and expertise: PR, market representation,
tourism consultancy, strategic planning
for internal and external communication,
creative concept development and design
for interactive media, internet and regular
communication.
Clients of BuroSix can be found amongst
international tourist management organi-
zations. The agency is known for their PR
and communication activities and orga-
nization of events for tourist destinations,
destination management organizations,
airlines, tour operators and hotel organi-
zations. BuroSix also works for clients in
other fields: from design agency to build-
ing constructor and from event company
to coffee brand.
Plans for Kenya
BuroSix has developed a cross media
strategy to position Kenya as a preferred
tourist destination year round for Ben-
elux travelers. In addition their strategy
is focused to enlarge the awareness of
Kenya as a diverse, but also as a safe and
accessible holiday destination. “Kenya
is well-known for the ‘Big Five’, beautiful
national reserve parks and safaris, indig-
enous tribes, splendid white beaches with
a tremendous underwater world and that
is exactly what we must show potential
travelers. With the extension of flights last
winter, which created a variety of orga-
nized trips with different budgets, makes
Kenya accessible for a all different kinds
of travelers. To inform and trigger these
potential travelers it is important to carry
out the right combination of PR, market-
ing, communication and sales tools at the
right time.” BuroSix is looking forward to
start their promotion activities and to work
with the Kenyan Tourist Board.
For more information about BuroSix visit:
www.BuroSix.nl or contact them via:
team@burosix.nl, +31 (0) 182 39 44 55
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The ultimate
destination
Discover the North Rift!
Welcome to the North Rift, a world of con-
trasts. From the hot springs and wildlife of
Bogoria and Baringo up to the cool high-
lands of Kabarnet and Kitale.The Great
Rift Valley is one of the natural wonders of
Kenya. The North Rift has become a major
draw for sporting tourists. This is the home
of many of Kenya’s world famous run-
ners. This is probably the finest place on
earth for high altitide athletic training, and
many international athletes visit training
camps around Iten and Kaptagat. But the
real beauty of these Highlands lies in the
solitude, peace, and isolation to be found
in the hills.
The North Rift Valley is one of the wonders
of the world. The staggering view, as you
approach from Nairobi, Kenya is quite
unbelievable. The ground suddenly disap-
pears from under you to show the huge
expanse of the great rift, stretching for
thousands of miles in either direction. The
North Rift valley is amazing in itself, actu-
ally descending and exploring the Lakes
area of the Rift in Kenya is a “not to be
missed” opportunity. We welcome you to
discover this great region part of Kenya.
Tourist from the Netherlands visiting
Kenya
Despite the global recessition that had
dominated the world last year, The Dutch
tourist visiting Kenya increased slightly.
This slight increase is due to the reduc-
tion of visa fees by the Ministry of Tourism
in 2009 and the stability that Kenya has
enjoyed since the post election conflit of
2007/2008.Statistis show that there has
been a speed recovery of about 60% of
Dutch tourist visitng kenya. In July 2009
there was an increase of 9%.
Karibu
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1. Kericho Town

2. Eldoret Town

Karibu
36 Kenya
Things to do
while in Kenya
Once you decide when to go to Kenya,
you will then have to decide what you are
going to do once you get there. The list
of things to do in Kenya could be quite
long, as there are many favorable Kenya
attractions to choose from. A Kenya vaca-
tion usually involves enjoying the great
outdoors in one way or another, and often
times, the outdoor pursuits are many. The
following list highlights some of the top
Kenya attractions and offers up a few ideas
for things to do in Kenya. Hopefully it will
help you figure out how to spend your
time wisely in this amazing country of vaca-
tion destination.
1 Kericho Town
Kericho is one of the best places in the
world. Infact it is one of the the most
beautiful places to visit while you are in
kenya.It is very green and productive,
the beautiful scenery has earned it a nick
name;Switzerland. Pay a visit to Kericho
(Switzerland) and you will never forget it.
There are good hotels like Mid west and
Tea Hotel where you can get excellent ac-
commodation.
2 Eldoret Town
Eldoret town is the 5th largest town in the
North Rift area, and boasting the Eldoret
international airport. It has all the conve-
niences and is a good place to stock up for
your explorations of the Western High-
lands. .
It is on the way if you are heading north
to Mount Elgon National Park or the
Cherangani Hills. If you are southbound
on a Safari, to the Masai Mara or Aberdare
National Park you may want to break the
journey with a stopover at Eldoret..
The name Eldoret is derived from the
Maasai word ‘eldore’, which literally means
stony river. The river bed of the Sosiani Riv-
er is very stony, whence the town derives
its name. The town came into being in the
year 1910 with the construction of a post
office on a site, which was known to the
white settlers as Farm 64, or Sisibo.
The residence at that time referred to the
town as Farm 64, or Sisibo because, the
town of Eldoret was 64 miles away from
the newly established Uganda Railway
railhead, located at Kibigori
Eldoret is a hub for business, serving the
north rift region. It has most of the banks
and financial institutions present as well as
most of the telecommunications players.
It also boasts of having the Eldoret Inter-
national Airport – a symbol of strength for
the region. It is also home to most of the
famous athletes to emerge from Kenya.
This is attributed to the many high altitude
training camps in its surrounding.
Karibu
Kenya 37
White Rhino at Camp David Game Reserve
near Eldoret

3. Kitale Town

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38 Kenya
3 Kitale town
Kitale is not only a good base to visit
Mount Elgon National Park and Saiwa
Swamp National Park, but the town itself
had also something to offer like the Kitale
Museum. The Museau illustrates gallery il-
lustrates the human evolution, with specific
reference to discoveries in East Africa
In the spacious gardens with labelled
indigenous trees you can find a gallery ex-
hibiting an ethnographic collection. There
are also displays of animals, birds, reptiles
and insects of the area. Another attraction
of the museum is the snakepark.
In the museum area you can see also a
display of traditional homesteads of the
Lubya, Nandi, Luo and Sabaot. And you
can walk a nature trail, where you can
watch the birdlife and the original forest,
that covered once this area.
3. Kitale Town
Adjacent to the Kitale Museum is theOlaf
Palme Agroforestry Centre with an indig-
enous tree nursery, an arboretum, educa-
tional displays and agro-forestry demon-
strations.
Kitale is a lifely town with a big market, a
lot of shops, some restaurants, small hotels
and lodges , a place to .
do some shopping while transiting
Mount Elgon in the west or heading north
to the west-side of Lake Turkana.
The town dates back to the 1920s and ‘30s
when the fertile land surrounding the town
was heavily settled. Before that to the 19th
century when the settlement of Quitale
was a slave-trading centre. As a result,
one can still see the trees in the area to
which slaves where shackled when conveys
stopped on their journey to the Indian
Ocean.
Karibu
Kenya 39
 4. Lake Baringo

5. Lake Bogoria

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40 Kenya
Discover the amazing lakes of Kenya
The Great Africa Rift Valleys runs from
North to South through the whole of
Kenya. Its’ narrowest point is just north of
Nairobi and the whole area contains sev-
eral lakes, extinct volcanos and small game
parks. The views are absolutely breathtak-
ing particularly at the viewing points just
north of Limuru and the main Naivasha
and from the top of the Mau escarpment
on the Kericho road.
4 Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo is the most northerly of the
rift valley lakes, being 1168 sq kms in size
and having a maximum depth of 12mtrs.
The area is one of Kenya’s most popular
locations for bird-watches, with over 470
species in the area being spotted; includ-
ing flamingos, Goliath herons, Verreaux’s
eagle, great white egrets and a wide
variety of hornbills. The lake is home to an
6. Lake Nakuru
abundant variety of fish, hippos, crocodiles
and monitor lizards.
5 Lake Bogoria
Lying just south of Lake Baringo, Bogoria
is a long, thin soda lake with boiling hot
springs and steaming geysers set in rocky
outcrops creating a magnificant scene. It
is also a popular birding spot and there
are plenty of flamingos, especially when
Lake Nakuru’s water level is low. At Lake
Bogoria, you can be surprised to encourter
the rare greater kudu, as well as cheetah,
hyena, jackal and leopard in the area.
6 Lake Nakuru
The park entrance lies 6km from Nakuru
town and the main attraction is Lake Naku-
ru, a shallow alkaline soda lake set beneath
the high cliffs of the eastern Rift Valley. It
is an ornithologists’ paradise offering the
spectacular view of up to 2 million flamin-
gos at one time (during the season) along
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Kenya 41
 7. Lake Naivasha

8. Longonot

Karibu
42 Kenya
with hundreds of other species including
birds of prey. An area of 190 sq km around
the lake is fenced in as a national park and
has been made a sanctuary for Rothschild
giraffes and black rhinos.
7 Lake Naivasha
This is the largest freshwater lake along the
Kenyan section of the Rift valley. Because
it is the nearest lake to Nairobi it attracts
many residents as well as tourists. Fishing
here is good but it’s main attraction is the
bird life, best observed by taking a boat
trip to the wildlife sanctuary on Crescent
Island. Opposite Hippo Point, a few kms
past Fisherman’s Camp is Elsamere, the
former home of the late Joy Adamson
of the Born Free fame, the area is now a
small meseum and conservation centre.
The Naivasha vineyards are located on the
southern shoreline.
8. Longonot
8 Mount Longonot
This is the highest of the Rift volcanos at
2,886mtrs. The crater is 1km in diameter
and can be seen from the main Rift view-
point. The climb is steep but can be done
in six hours from the range station and
round the circumference of the rim.
Hells Gate
Located very close to Lake Naivasha, the
National Park covers a small area, but the
landscape is impressive and can be ex-
plored on foot. The entrance to the gorge
is marked by Fischer’s Tower, a 25mtr tall
volcanic pinnacle. Girafffe, hartebeast,
zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, buffalo, eland
and impala can be seen grazing on the
grasslands.
Karibu
Kenya 43
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Karibu
44 Kenya
Engaging
the Diaspora

Madaraka Day 1st June 2009 was celebrat- with each other and for those who have
ed in style byall Kenyan diaspora living in not seen each other for perpahs the whole
the Netherlands. H.E. The Ambassador year, it was a chance to renew acquitance.
invited them to a special afternoon on 31st
May 2009 to celebrate this very important
date in the Kenyan History. In the Neth-
erlands there are more that 400 Kenyans Photo captions shows many kenyans that
who are studying, working or residing attended Madaraka Day 2009
here permanently. The well attended by
many kenyans from all social works of life,
Madaraka Day was the social event for the
year, it gave them a chance to network

Karibu
Kenya 45
 Karibu
46 Kenya
Kenya Day
for NGO’s
Kenya Day is an yearly event that is or-
ganised by Sosurwo Fonds of Rotterdam.
The day is for all NGOs that have projects
all over Kenya. In 2009, The Kenya day
took place on the 21st of November 2009.
The foundations come together to ex-
change to network and follow workshops
on various topics related to development
in Kenya. These years theme was “the
effect of the Dutch development coopera-
tion in Kenya” . About 70 Ngos participat-
ed in this event and in total more than 200
participants attended the Kenya Day.
The issues on how to strenghten develop-
ment in Kenya was discussed during the
workshops.
There were 4 workshops:
1. The challenges of Water and sanitation
in Kenya by A.E.Groeneveld - Clean Water
Now
2. Gender and communication – how do
one communicate with the local people
and how to involve women in the project
by Max Kofi
3. Capacity builiding- team capacity build-
ing for your organisation and the volun-
teers who work for the organisations is cru-
cial for the growth of an organisation- this
workshop was facilitated by Lucy Kamau of
Oxfam Novib
4. Small-scale business en micro financier-
ing - by:
Karibu
Kenya 47
 Karibu
48 Kenya
1. drs Rentia Krijnen-Hendrikx - sticht-
ing Kenya project Etten-Leur shared with
the participants about widow project in
kusumu. They assist the widows with loans
to start their business.

2. Mr.Ron de Zwarte - Jansen Poultry

Equipment in Barneveld shared with
about starting a poultry farm in Kenya for
the ngos

Music and dance was done by the Kenya

Performing Arts Group (KPAG) from Kenya

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Karibu
Kenya 49
 Karibu
50 Kenya
Engaging
the NGO’s
Nundoroto Farm Services Project – one of of some 130 farmers were ploughed and
the projects of the Stichting Christelijke planted. Most of the farms are small: 1 or
Hulp in Kenia (SCHiK) 2 acres each. With small farms like that
The Nundoroto Farm Services Project the farmers (many of them women) cannot
started in October 2006 when a small trac- afford a tractor and implements of their
tor and a plough were bought for Nundor- own. Yet the possibilities of proper farming
oto Farm, close to Plateau Station, about are now within their reach because of this
15 km South-East of Eldoret. During the project.
previous season we had again experienced
that it was almost impossible to hire a trac- Drs. E. van den Ham
tor in the surrounding area to do the work Chairman , Stichting Christelijke Hulp in
on the farms in the area of Plateau – simply Kenia (SCHiK)
because they were not there. It was only E-mail: info@hulpinkenia.nl
possible to get a tractor when in fact the Website: www.hulpinkenia.nl
ploughing and planting season was over
and tractors from other areas came to earn
a few shillings extra.
The demand was that high, that we (some
friends living in The Netherlands) decided
to start a foundation: the Stichting Chris-
telijke Hulp in Kenia (SCHiK) and to elevate
the small tractor to the beginning of a seri-
ous project.
The boardmembers of the foundation
knew the history of the problems in the
area through their chairman, who has been
living for almost eleven years in the same
area. As the principal of a theological col-
lege with around 50 acres of land, he had
experienced the same problems as the
surrounding farmers: no tractors available
to plough the land in time!
Since then the project has shown a remark-
able progress. In 2007 another – bigger
- tractor was added, able to pull a bigger
plough. Other implements were added: a
harrow, a planter, a maize sheller, spraying
equipment, trailers etc.
During the 2009 season about 450 acres

Karibu
Kenya 51
 Karibu
52 Kenya
Sports & Culture
Diplomacy

Fortis Marathon Rotterdam – Netherlands

During the 2009 Fortis Marathon, H.E.
The ambassador Prof Ruthie C. Rono was
invited by the Mayor of Rotterdam His
Worship the Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb to
participate in an event that turned to be
very spectacular.
Top: H.E.Prof Ruthie C. Rono and Rotter-
dam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb.

Duncan Kibet wins the 29th Fortis Mara-

thon Rotterdam with the best time 2009:
2.04.27.
The Kenyan beat fellow countryman James
Kwambai in a unprecedented spectacular
event.

Karibu
Kenya 53
Golf

Boating

Karibu
54 Kenya
What to do
in Kenya in sports
Kenya is known for its sports activities
starting from athletics, deep sea fishing,
golfing, football, cricket, hockey, basket-
ball and others Safaris.Visiting places like
the Kipchoge Keino athletics training cen-
ter and Lorna Kiplagat training camp in
Iten, the Nandi Hills. These areas have and
still produce the Kenya’s world athletes.
There are several sports you can undertake
while visiting Kenya. Some of which have
been listed below
Golfing
Kenya has a number of beautifully sce-
nic golf courses at various altitudes from
Sea Level right up to the nine-hole Molo
course at 2740m (8989ft). Windsor Golf
and Country club is one of the attractions
and The Railway golf club in the center
of Nairobi city. The most recent is the
Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in
Naivasha which apart from golf also offer a
variety of activities for adventurous guests,
including Game and Bird walks with our
resident guides, Fishing and Boating on
Lake Naivasha. The oldest is the Royal
Nairobi Golf Club. The “Royal” title was
bestowed on the Nairobi Golf Club in
1935 by King George V. Other golf courses
include the Muthaiga and Karen Golf Clubs
each with championship courses .While in
Lake Victoria region, you might wat to visit
the Nyanza Golf club. In Mombasa, Golf
enthusiasts will be at home at the Mom-
basa, Nyali and the Leisure Golf Club.
The Great Rift Valley lodge known by host-
ing the recent PSC constitutional Reforms
meeting in 2010
Boating and Boat Rowing contest on
Lake Victoria
This is a very exiting event which is orga-
nized annually as a sports event on Lake
Victoria Beaches. It brings together other
awareness programs as the HIV / Aids
awareness along the beaches.
Horseback Riding Events in Kenya
Horseback riding safaris in Kenya are
without a doubt the most exciting and
adventuresome of all. Strong riders, con-
fident at all paces on broken terrain riding
athletic horses will be in their element
here. The opportunity to see big game
and interact with wild animals on splendid
horses is thrilling. Sometimes in the Masai
Mara huge herds of wildebeest and zebra
extend as far as the eye can reach. The op-
portunity to see picturesque native tribes-
men whose culture is dramatically fascinat-
ing in remote areas unspoiled areas.
Athletics Events in Kenya
Kenya is known worldwide as the athlete
country of the world. . The most renowned
athletic event in Kenya is the annual
Standard Chartered Marathon which at-
tracts marathoners from all over the world.
Another interesting places to visit is the
Kipchoge Keino training center in Eldoret
Bull Fighting Events in Kakamega
Bull fighting events in Kakamega are a re-
cent tourist attraction in western Kenya. It
pulls tourists to western Kenya as an event
of its own nature in Kenya and East Africa
as a whole. This event is usually done in
the early morning before mid-day. This is
an interesting event worth seeing while in
Kenya. One wonders why the bull fighting
is done early in the morning. The people
Karibu
Kenya 55
 Football

Athletics

Karibu
56 Kenya
of the area believe that the animals are mid year just outside of Maralal town;
hyper and energetic in the early day of the The World famous Maralal International
morning and they are ready to fight with Camel Derby was inaugurated in 1990 as a
each other. Another reason is that the fight sporting event, with the added advantage
is done before mid-day to allow people of sensitizing the pastoral communities of
attend to other matters of the farms. the camel as a key environmental tool in
combating the degradation of the environ-
Men and Women Football & Volley Ball ment. It is Africa’s best known and most
Tournaments prestigious camel race, attracting both
Kenya has two main international sports local and international competitors. The
centers namely: - Moi International Sports event is a major draw for spectators as well
Center - Kasarani and Nyayo National Sta- as racers, and the competition is fierce.
dium. From these sports centers, interna-
tional events take place annually. They also
house swimming pools and gym activities.
Football is an upcoming sport in Kenya. Volley Ball
Currently, women football tournaments are
gaining ground as the most exiting and
thrilling in the tourism industry.
Deep sea fishing, Scuba diving & snor-
keling, yachting, water surfing in Indian
Ocean and Lake Victoria
The Kenya Coast is a paradise for beach
sports which include; deep sea fishing and
water surfing in Indian Ocean. The Kenya
coast harbors the best hotels which un-
dertake the activities of scuba diving and
snorkeling. Lake Victoria is another place
for water surfing and deep sea fishing
which you can access from the Lake Vic-
toria islands namely: - Mfangano, Takawiri
and Rusinga Islands.

International Marathon Events

This is the latest tourist attraction in Kenya.
The most famous is the Standard chartered
Marathon which is conducted by the Stan-
dard Bank annually. The race usually starts
in Nairobi and it incorporates every indi-
vidual both physically impaired, the blind,
the normal office executive and lately the
tourists from foreign countries.
All these participate in the marathon and
everybody who finishes is a winner in his
or her own kind. Trophies are given to all
finishers of the event.
The Maralal International Camel Derby
This is an annual international event held

Karibu
Kenya 57
VISAS AND CONSULAR SERVICES
One of the principle offices at the mission is the
visa and Consular section that handles a varie-
ty of consular services including the issuance of
visas to Dutch nationals, as well as nationals of
other European Union countries resident in The
Netherlands, traveling to Kenya for various
reasons, including tourism, business, official
government visits, studies /internships, and
many more. The Embassy also processes visa
applications for nationals of countries on refer-
ral visa regimes as well as stateless persons.
The Consular section also processes the rene-
wal of Kenyan passports, additional informa-
tion endorsements and amendments on Kenya
passports, issuance of Emergency Certificates
(EC) as well as Certificates of Identity and Na-
tionality (C.I.N) to Kenyan citizens who have
lost their passports and urgently need to travel
back to Kenya.
Additionally, the mission handles the proces-
sing, for transmission to the department of
immigration, ministry of immigration and
registration of persons, Nairobi, applications
for New Kenyan Passports as well as requests
Karibu
58 Kenya
for Certificates of Good Conduct. Services
rendered also include processing, for transmis-
sion to the Office of The Registrar of Persons,
applications for issuance of Certificates of no
Impediment to Marriage.
The mission also assists in the Interpretation
of The Kenya Immigration Regulations for all
interested parties, as well as Immigration Infor-
mation dissemination
Additional Information on Visas, Immigration
and Consular matters may be obtained from
the Embassy’s Visas and Consular section
through the following address:
Kenya Embassy
Nieuwe Parklaan 21
2597 LA The Hague
The Netherlands
Tel. (0031) 070 350.4215
Fax (0031) 070 355.3594
info@kenyanembassy-nl.com
www.kenyanembassy-nl.com
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