When to Cancel Trips to Kenya?

Last week many British and European tour operators announced cancelling tours to Kenya and encouraged those in Kenya to come back as soon as possible.

As yet, I have not heard such an announcement from U.S. tour operators.

Though I have been privy to few discussions regarding the possibility of cancelling study abroad tours to Kenya for this spring 2008 semester, I have yet to hear of formal cancellations.

The situation in Kenya is bad. Bad is putting it lightly. In addition to regional [African countries] refugees in Kenya, Kenyans themselves are now refugees in their own country. Those who are not refugees may not be returning to their normal routines soon as expected. Many schools, colleges and universities have postponed the first day back to class after Christmas holidays. Dates to restart some institutions have been posted, but they may not be set in stone, as one article eloquently stated, "The university management said the security situation would not make it safe for students to travel from their homes to their campuses." (source) In one blog I follow, a housekeeper of an expat refused donations of items out of fear of being looted. People in slums have few possessions, and coming into a slum with bulging bags makes someone a moving target for looters.

When I studied in India, I was in slums two to four days a week. This was in a country that was stable and safe. Like any big city anywhere in the world in slums and 'bad neighborhoods,' one's personal safety is always at risk. Taking advice of my advisers and professors, I was never in harm's way. Now, some are questioning whether to send their children to Kenya for study abroad to work in the slums with the poverty and HIV/AIDS stricken. If the election and it's aftermath had not occurred, then going to Kenya would be quite safe for these activities (as I know they have been going on for years now without reports of harm to aid workers). But, now I am not so sure this can be said.

Of course, guaranteeing a tourist or a student would not be harmed is impossible. However, after carefully assessing current information and predictions from pundits in the area, it is safe to say that going to Kenya now and at least for the next few months would not be a good idea.


Related articles:
Travel Q&A: Take extra precautions in Kenya, UW expert says
Study-Abroad Officials Keep Close Watch on Kenyan Violence
Kenya: Varsities Postpone Opening Dates
Amid Violence, Kenyan Universities Postpone Opening
British Tour Operators Cancel Kenya Holidays
Our ex-askari paid us a visit from Kibera today
Travel Warnings- U.S. Embassy Nairobi

Resident of Nairobi Slum Graduates from University of Manchester, U.K.

by: Jennifer Kumar

Question everything. Anything is possible. Dare to expect the unexpected. Take the path less traveled. Go against expectations.

This is the life story of Sammy Gitau, a lifetime resident of one of Nairobi, Kenya’s poorest communities- a slum in the middle of the city. The story of his life is commendable. He has definitely seen times most of us are afraid to talk about let alone experience first hand.

He knew his studies would take him places. Though he has had only few years of formal schooling, he is now a proud college graduate from the University of Manchester in U.K. with a MSc in International Development Project Management (IDPM).

His story teaches us many things. One of the things that it teaches me is that “there are many ways in and many ways out” and some of those ways are far from conventional. I am sure, for instance the University was ridiculed for accepting such a student. After all, plenty of students ‘formally schooled’ and highly ranked also applied. What did the students think? But, the university took a risk on experience over test scores! How novel!

How did Sammy get to go abroad? Being from a slum, how could he afford the travel and living expenses abroad? Over his lifetime (currently at the ripe old age of 35), he has inspired his neighbors and fellow ‘slum dwellers’ to rise up and have better lives. Without studying books, but knowing his community, his people, and his country he created his own community development programs. These programs had international visitors over the years. His superior networking abilities roped in insurmountable international moral and financial support. It was through his track record on the ground, his grassroots effort paid off, literally. Now, to return to Kenya foreign educated at one of the world’s top institution.

So, two days after Kenya’s 44th Independence Day celebration, one of Kenya’s hardest working ‘regular Joes’ has achieved a new freedom of his own for himself and his people. I wish Sammy all the best in using his new found knowledge to enhance his family, his community, his country and his world!

For the entire article, titled From Slum Dweller to Miracle Graduate click here.
University of Manchester