All travel involves an element of risk - lost bags, illness, theft.
International travel increases the risk - including communication issues, identification papers, etc.
International travel to economically developing countries adds further complexities.
We believe that the benefits of travel often outweigh the risks.
Moreover, appropriate precautions can greatly mitigate the risk.
Travelers to Kenya should be aware of U.S. State Department concerns regarding health and safety.
U.S. Department of State Consular
Information Sheet
Some of these warning may be political in nature.
It is worth noting that the British govenment does not have a similar warning on their Kenya consular
information sheet.
British govenment consular sheet
New York Times 2005 article with a discussion of the situation in Kenya and elsewhere.
Links on the U.S. State Department site include other useful information about general travel health and safety
Overall, as indicated above, we believe the benefits of taking the class in Kenya outweigh the risks.
Below, I have outlined some of the major areas of risk so that informed decisions can be made.
More details will be forth-coming both on the web site and in the prefield preparation.
In the meantime, please contact us if you have any additional questions.
Motor vehicle accidents
Theft
Muggings and assaults
Scams
Terrorist activity
Infectious illness
Other forms of illness
The following strategies will be used to minimize risk.
We will not be staying in large cities - notably Nairobi or Mombasa.
We have engaged a local travel company which we have used successfully in the past.
Most transportation, including airport pick-ups, will be done by private vehicle rather than public
transportation.
We will be accompanied on all outings by large Kenyan partners.
All students are required to obtain an approved form of malaria prophylaxis (mefloquine, malarone, or
doxycycline).
In keep with Stanford policy, e require all students to purchase travel insurance with emergency evacuation.
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Last modified: January 4, 2008
Created: December 26, 2007