Chipu - the official mascot of the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009 in Kenya
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JWRT Venues


1. RFUEA Grounds

The famous Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) ground has been the home of the Kenya Rugby Football Union since 1955. The inaugural match in the same year saw the British Isles touring team, The British Lions, run in 11 tries to beat East Africa 39-12.

The RFUEA ground is a world class rugby venue which hosts Africa’s premier rugby 7s tournament, the Safari Sevens; Africa’s premier rugby 15s franchise tournament, the Rugby Super Series; men’s and women’s 7s and 15s world cup qualifiers, the finals of Kenya’s domestic 7s and 15s seasons as well as school rugby championship finals. The grounds are also used for mini rugby as the Kenya Rugby Football Union illustrates its commitment to the development of rugby throughout the country.

The venue hosts over 15,000 rugby fans over the Safari Seven weekend each year and extensive improvements to the grounds are currently taking place in readiness of the JWRT. These include an improved playing surface, a brand new media centre, medical and anti-doping facilities as well as brand new spectator sitting.

2. Impala Club

Impala Club is adjacent to the RFUEA grounds on Ngong Road in Nairobi. Impala Club is one of the largest sports clubs in Kenya with extensive sports facilities. Impala Club is the home of  Impala Rugby Football Club one of the oldest Rugby Clubs in East Africa.  Its roots date back to the early 1930's when alumni of the former Prince of Wales School, today known as Nairobi School, formed the team.

The Club acquired its own home ground in 1949 on Ngong Road, which is now one of the landmarks in the area.  It was in 1956 that the Club first played as Impala Club (the name Impala derived from the "Old Cambrians" emblem which was an Impala) and started to establish itself as a major rugby club in the region. The Club grew in stature and its best years were undoubtedly the early and mid-seventies when Impala was virtually unbeatable winning consecutive League and League Cup titles besides several seven-a-side tournaments.

Due to its proximity to the RFUEA grounds Impala Club is the ideal second venue for the JWRT as fans, officials and players will all benefit from the improved facilities at RFUEA such as the state of the art media centre and brand new medical and anti doping facilities.

Impala Club is undergoing extensive improvements for the JWRT including a new playing surface and improved spectator seating.

Magical Kenya

No other country on earth can offer the visitor as much to see and do. Within the borders of a single country, you will find savannahs rich with big game, timeless cultures unchanged by the modern world, pristine beaches and coral reef, equatorial forests and mighty snow-capped mountains, searing deserts and cool highland retreats and endless opportunities for adventure, discovery, relaxation; more than you would ever expect.

Visit Magical Kenya the official Kenya Destination website: http://magicalkenya.com/

Nairobi

Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun."

Nairobi is the most populous city in East Africa, with an estimated urban population of between 3 and 4 million. Nairobi is currently the 4th largest city in Africa. Nairobi is now one of the most prominent cities in Africa politically and financially. Home to many companies and organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme and the UN Office in Africa, Nairobi is established as a hub for business and culture.

For more information on Nairobi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nairobi

Climate

Although Kenya lies astride the Equator, many of its climatic zones are typical of the tropics, with the country's geographical features exerting considerable influence on weather patterns. Kenya's climate is best described as monsoonal, being affected as it is by both the northeast and southeast monsoons. During April and May when the JWRT is scheduled rainfall amounts are high but it is frequently warm and sunny for part of the day and often, it may not rain at all for two or three days at a time.

More information at the Kenya Meteorological Department: http://www.meteo.go.ke/

Airport

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the biggest Airport in East and Central Africa, and is the focal point for major aviation activity in the region.JKIA, located 18 kilometres from the city centre (a one hour drive due to heavy traffic). JKIA has direct flight connections to Europe, the Middle East, Far East and the African Continent.

For more information on JKIA: http://www.kenyaairports.co.ke/kaa/airports/jkia/

Transport

To and from the airport


Inside the international arrivals terminal there is a customer service desk for taxis that have been registered to operate at the airport; travellers are strongly advised to use these taxis. The taxis charge approximately 1600 Kenya Shillings (USD 20) from the Airport to the city centre. Car hire services are also available at the main lobby. Using public bus transport from the airport is not advised.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available. Try and take licensed taxis. Always confirm the fare in advance if there is no meter and before getting into the vehicle. Never take a lift from a stranger. It is, wise to ensure that the taxi is from a reputable company. If in doubt consult the information desk at your hotel.

Matatus and Buses

Public transport is not readily available or reliable and should be avoided at peak hours as most transportation is filled to more than its capacity. You are strongly advised not to travel in these at all, however exciting they might look.

Car Hire

Most international car hire companies are represented in Kenya. Rates vary on a daily or weekly basis depending on the type of vehicle. Only hire cars from a reputable car hire firm. You can then be certain that you have the right insurance cover, the vehicle has been maintained and it will be in reasonably good condition. Full payment for the period of hire and for the estimated distance is to be made when taking over the vehicle. An International or Commonwealth driving license is valid in Kenya. If you have any questions please consult the information desk at your hotel.

Health

General Well Being


Because Nairobi is at a high altitude (1,700 m or 5,500 ft) this could be tiring at first and it might take some people a few days to adjust. Those who are not used to hot climates should avoid strenuous outdoor exercise in the middle of the day during the hot season. The equatorial sun-rays are quite strong and persons with sensitive skin should use suntan lotions and suitable head covering.
In the major hotels and restaurants of the city, food can be consumed without reservations. However, it is advisable to drink only boiled or mineral water.

In case of an emergency, the following three hospitals are recommended for urgent treatment:

Nairobi Hospital: Tel: 272 2160
Aga Khan Hospital: Tel: 374 0000
M.P. Shah Hospital: Tel: 374 2763
Tournament Medical Doctor: Dr. Mwirigi Kinagwi +254.722.857.210

For more information on health in Kenya ask Kenyan Doctors on www.askadoc.co.ke

Yellow Fever

Travellers from the East African Community Partner States, Europe, Asia, North America, Australia, North and South Africa do not require a Yellow Fever certificate to enter Kenya.

The Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory for travellers over one year old arriving from Yellow Fever infected countries mainly in central and West Africa, South and Central America, South East Asia, India, Nepal Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and vaccination should be given 10 days prior to departure for Nairobi.

For more information on health in Kenya ask Kenyan Doctors on www.askadoc.co.ke

Malaria

Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country however there is little risk in Nairobi and the highlands (above 2,500 m). Many types of mosquitoes do not carry malaria, notably those found in Nairobi and other areas higher and colder than Nairobi. Mosquitoes bite mainly at dusk and during the night. The anopheles mosquitoes, the carriers of malaria, are common to the coast and most parks. The best prevention, of course, is to avoid being bitten. It is, therefore, recommended to wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening and sleep under the mosquito net. For specific malaria medication and other vaccinations, please consult your local doctor before you embark on your travel.

For more information on health in Kenya ask Kenyan Doctors on www.askadoc.co.ke

Immigration

All travellers arriving in Kenya should have a valid passport.

There are various types of visa regulations depending on your country of origin. If you do require a visa to enter Kenya we suggested that you apply at the Kenyan Embassy or High Commission in your country before you embark on your travel.  For complete visa requirements including regulations for all countries please visit the Kenyan Department of Immigration website:

For visa requirements please see http://www.immigration.go.ke/index.php?id=13
For full immigration information: http://www.immigration.go.ke/  

Local Currency and Foreign ExchangeThe basic unit of currency is the Kenyan shilling, which is divided into 100 cents. There are copper coins of 5 cents and 10 cents, and nickel coins of 50 cents and 1, 5, 10 and 20 shillings. Notes are issued in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings.

The commercial banks in the city centre provide exchange facilities. Most banks are open between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the first and last Saturday of the month. Hotels also offer exchange facilities but at a slightly disadvantageous rate. For those who may need Kenyan currency immediately on arrival, the banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, open 24 hours a day, will change foreign currency into Kenyan shillings. Money can also be exchanged at the numerous foreign exchange bureaus that can be found at the airport, through out down town Nairobi and at most large shopping malls.

Travellers’ cheques are widely accepted. These can be changed at banks, some hotels and foreign exchange bureaus. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

A number of credit and debit cards (Visa, Barclaycard, American Express, MasterCard) are valid in Kenya. Kenya has an extensive ATM network. Most ATM's serve these international credit cards. We advise you to consult your card issuers before travel for information on which ATMs you can use in Kenya.

Credit and debit card fraud is rising in Nairobi as in many other large cities, so commonsense rules should prevail. Try and ensure that credit card slips are endorsed in your presence and if you have to use a slip as a deposit, always fill the amount in and check that you get the slip back.


Useful websites:

Kenya RFU http://kenyarfu.com/
Magical Kenya – The Official Kenya Destination website  http://magicalkenya.com/
Ministry of Health, Kenya - http://www.health.go.ke/
Department of Immigration, Kenya - http://www.immigration.go.ke/
United Nations Nairobi guide: http://www.unon.org/welcome/index.html