Logistics

Participant logistics note

Conference Venue

Travelling to Nairobi, Kenya

Visa

Before leaving their home country, participants should complete all formalities regarding entry and transit visas which they may require for the journey to Kenya. Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) applications for Kenya should be submitted at least 3 days prior to travel to ensure adequate time for authorisation.

Travellers can submit their applications up to three (3) months prior to travel. It is mandatory to submit your application using the Government's official website: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en. Applications submitted via third-party websites will be automatically denied.

Participants are responsible for their own visas to enter Kenya, including transit visas (where applicable). The invitation letter issued can be used for visa application purposes. Participants requiring visas are advised to apply as early as possible.

How to Apply

All visitors including infants and children who intend to travel to the Republic of Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey.

Exemptions: Certain persons may be exempt from the eTA requirement. To check whether you qualify, please visit https://etakenya.go.ke/general-information.

Please have the following documents ready before starting your application.

For all travellers

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity with at least one blank page)
  • Selfie or passport-type photo
  • Contact details (email & phone number)
  • Travel itinerary (arrival & departure details)
  • Accommodation booking confirmation
  • Credit card, debit card or other means of payment

Based on your purpose of visit, the following may also be required:

  • Conference invitation/participation letter
  • Vaccination(s) or test results certificates

For business travellers

  • Invitation letter from the company
  • Copy of registration of the company

Processing time is three (3) working days, but in some cases it may take longer.

Step-by-step eTA guidance for participants

  1. Visit the official Kenya eTA website: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
  2. Click 'Apply Now' and choose the option that best reflects your situation.
  3. Select 'Individual application' or 'Group application' (note: group applications require all individuals to share the same country of residence).
  4. Follow the instructions, proceeding through Passport, Photo and Contact Information.
  5. Trip Information — Reason for Travel: select 'Conference / Meetings / Seminars / Training', then fill in your flight and accommodation details.
  6. Required documents: upload (1) accommodation booking and (2) flight booking. For the remaining two document slots, upload your forum invitation letter twice.
  7. Proceed to confirm and receive your eTA Reference Number.

For more information — Website: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en | Tel: +254 717 436 070 | Email: etakenya@ecitizen.go.ke

Vaccination

Be prepared to show proof of a yellow fever immunization card upon arrival in Kenya if you are travelling from, or have transited through, a yellow fever endemic country. Some airlines may also verify this document before boarding.

Travellers to regions where yellow fever is endemic are recommended to get vaccinated. Ensure that you receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before your departure.

Accommodation

Participants are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements and covering the cost. We have provided a list of recommended hotels in Nairobi. We suggest booking as early as possible as October is peak season in Nairobi.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill★★★★★

Elgon Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi

  • Superior Room (Twin or King bed, up to 2 adults + 1 child) — USD 149/night (tax excluded), negotiated rate, breakfast included

Rate excludes taxes.

Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill★★★★★

Kenya Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi

  • Superior Room, King bed, 29m², City View — USD 130/night (negotiated rate)

Reservations: Hellen.KARANJA@accor.com

Mercure Nairobi Upper Hill★★★★

Longonot Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi

  • Classic Room, King bed, 30m² — USD 130/night (negotiated rate)

Reservations: Hellen.KARANJA@accor.com

Fairview Hotel Nairobi

Reservations: peter.waiyaki@fairviewkenya.com

Contact the hotel directly to reserve your room.

Best Western

Promo code: IEGHX9Y

Registration and Badges

Registration desks will be located at the main entrance of the Forum venue and will be open from 07:00 on Day 1 (5 October) and on Day 2 (6 October). All participants will be issued a badge, which must be worn at all times during the Forum.

Prepare your ID/passport to collect your badge at the registration desk. Badges will be printed in advance; last-minute changes cannot be accommodated on the day.

Airport Transfers

Participants are responsible for arranging their own airport transfers to and from the Forum venue. Local transportation options include taxis, Uber, or Bolt, which typically cost around USD 15–30 from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Nairobi CBD.

Some hotels offer transfer services for their guests upon request. Please confirm availability and cost directly with your hotel at the time of booking.

For group or individual transfer arrangements, you may also contact Event Designers Ltd., the event management company organising the Forum:

Weather

During October, Nairobi experiences the short rainy season. Temperatures are mild, with average highs of around 24°C (75°F) and overnight lows of approximately 14°C (57°F). Participants are advised to carry a light rain jacket. Mornings and evenings can be cool — a light sweater is recommended.

Electric Plug & Socket Type

In Kenya, the associated plug type is G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Kenya operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz. Participants from countries using different plug types are advised to bring a universal travel adaptor.

Currencies

Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES) as its official currency. ATMs are easily accessible throughout Nairobi, and credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and major outlets. For current exchange rates, visit https://www.centralbank.go.ke/rates/forex-exchange-rates/.

M-Pesa is Kenya's widely used mobile money service, accepted for taxis, restaurants, and everyday purchases. SIM cards (KES 50–200) are available at JKIA on arrival from Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom — bring your passport.

Telecommunications and Internet

Kenya has extensive 4G/5G coverage. SIM cards from Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom are available at JKIA on arrival upon presentation of a valid passport. eSIM options are also available for compatible devices.

The Forum venue will offer complimentary high-density Wi-Fi for all participants (details to be shared on arrival).

Security

The organisers are working closely with Kenyan authorities to ensure all precautionary measures are in place at the venue. However, participants are personally responsible for their own safety and movements. If you intend to stay in a hotel, please choose from the recommended list.

For your own safety

  • Maintain a high state of vigilance at all times.
  • Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur at any time of day or night.
  • Do not carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewellery in public.
  • Keep to main roads; avoid shortcuts through back alleys.
  • Avoid walking alone at night — always take a taxi.
  • Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.

Contact Information

For all logistical questions, please contact:

ContactDetails
Event Designers Ltd. (Event Management)