Address and Info

So here is a brief description of my first few days in Kenya and what they will be like. My address for sending things while I'm at my training site (till the end of July) is below. I'll put up some mailing instructions soon!

Loitokitok, Kenya is my training city...check it out on the map! 


Packages go to the capital:

Volunteer’s name, Peace Corps Trainee

P.O. Box 698-00621

Village Market

Nairobi, Kenya 

Arrival:  Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) look for one of our staff who will be holding a Peace Corps sign.  If you do not see him or her at the gate, please proceed through immigration, collect your luggage at the baggage carousels and proceed through customs.  Peace Corps staff and current Volunteers will meet you outside of customs and will be displaying Peace Corps signs.  You will then travel by bus to AFRALTI, which is approximately a 30 to 60 minutes drive from JKIA depending on traffic.  There, you will have a light meal and a good night’s sleep.   

Day One:  Thursday, May 27, 2010

Breakfast will be served 6:00 – 8:00 a.m.  The first session starts promptly at 8:30 a.m.  You will receive a Safety & Security briefing by Nuru Zuhudi, Safety & Security Coordinator (SSC).  You will meet with Amy Byerwalter, Administrative Officer (AO), and Isabella Maisiba, Volunteer Records Clerk.  They will provide instruction on how to complete various administrative forms.  At this time, they will also collect your Peace Corps passports and 12 passport photos.  During the morning, you will also meet the following Peace Corps Kenya senior staff as part of your orientation:  Steven Wisecarver, Country Director (CD); Enos Radeny, Associate Peace Corps Director Education (APCD); Joseph Maruti, Training Manager; other staff and current serving Volunteers. The Medical team will share with you a detailed immunization program. You can expect to get your first shots.  Peace Corps Medical Officers (PCMOs) will also hand out malaria prophylaxis, give vaccinations, and start the medical sessions. 

Day Two:  Friday, May 28, 2010

Breakfast will be served 6:00 – 8:00 a.m. The first session will start at 8:30 a.m. You will receive information on where you will be for your 2 years of service.  A detailed description of your work assignment will also be shared at this time.  During the day, you will learn more about your host families and meet the Host Family Coordinator.  

Day Three: Saturday, May 29, 2010

Breakfast will be served 6:00 – 8:00 a.m. Please have all your luggage packed and ready for loading after breakfast.  We will give you instructions where to bring your luggage for loading. You will depart for Loitokitok by bus at 8:30 a.m.  The trip to Loitokitok will take approximately 6½ hours (270 kilometers).  If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend that you take medication before traveling.  (Please bring this medication with you from the U.S.)  We will be providing a box lunch and drinks for the trip. Petrol stations/rest stops are not frequently found on this route.  The bus will stop as needed; however, please be prepared that a pit latrine/toilet may not be available where you stop.  You may need to walk off-road to relieve yourself. 

Once in Loitokitok, you will have dinner and overnight at the Outward Bound Trust of Kenya (our training hub).  You will share a dorm style room with 9 other trainees. 

Day Four:  Sunday, May 30, 2010

Breakfast will be served 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. and the first session starts at 8:30 a.m.  The day will focus on preparing you for entry into your host family communities as well as getting to know the training staff in several one-on-one meetings. You will also be introduced to your Language and Cross-Cultural Facilitators.  Lunch will be served 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. During the afternoon, you will be introduced to your host families.  You will overnight at your home stay.