Health and Safety

World Learning is committed to keeping you healthy and safe during travel and throughout the duration of your seminar. If you are uncertain whether a situation should be handled as an emergency, please contact your World Learning program staff. If you are feeling ill, but do not need immediate help, please inform a World Learning staff member so that they are aware of your illness and can take action if your condition worsens. World Learning staff will guide you on the appropriate steps to address a potential emergency situation or illness.

Personal Health

During the seminar, remember to:

• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water!

• Get plenty of rest – rest in between sessions and make sure to get a good night’s sleep.

• Eat nutritiously – seek out nutritious meals that make you feel healthy and strong.

• Be flexible and adaptable – sometimes things don’t go as planned, so remember to stay positive and flexible in the face of change.

• Stay active – walk, stretch, or run at the hotel gym or outside if possible.

• Wash your hands often.

High-quality care is generally available at private medical facilities. A deposit up front may be required to access medical care. Below you will find more information about the health insurance provided for those not currently residing in Kenya. 

Vaccinations to Enter Kenya or Re-enter Your Home Country:
Please note that the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control categorize Kenya as a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. As a result, you may be subject to entry requirements for Kenya or re-entry requirements to return to your home country.

Entry to Kenya: If you are traveling from or through countries designated as yellow fever-infected areas, you will need an International Health Certificate for Yellow Fever Vaccination to enter Kenya. You can find the list of countries here: https://www.passporthealthusa.com/vaccinations/yellow-fever/. Currently, this includes citizens of Niger who must present the International Health Certificate for Yellow Fever Vaccination to enter Kenya. Please note: You will be required to bring your physical certificate with you for entry. 

Return to Home Country: As yellow fever is endemic in Kenya, your home country may require an International Health Certificate for Yellow Fever Vaccination to re-enter after visiting Kenya. All participants are responsible for researching and meeting any re-entry vaccination requirements for their home country. Based on the information available to date, the following countries may require that citizens present an International Health Certificate for Yellow Fever Vaccination to re-enter after traveling to Kenya: Algeria, Egypt, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, and Zimbabwe. Please note: You will be required to bring your physical certificate with you for re-entry. 

Make sure to check that you are meeting any re-entry vaccination requirements for your home country. All participants should also reconfirm the requirements for travel to and from Kenya and their home country one month prior to departure in case of changes to vaccination or travel policies.

World Learning may reimburse participants for the cost of the yellow fever vaccination if it is necessary for entry to Kenya or re-entry to your home country. Please note that reimbursement only covers the cost of the vaccination itself. To be considered for reimbursement, you must submit an itemized receipt. Only reasonable costs will be eligible for reimbursement. Please contact the World Learning team at GlobalUGRADAlumni@worldlearning.org if this applies to you. 

If you have extenuating circumstances related to the yellow fever vaccination, please reach out to World Learning as soon as possible to discuss.

The following additional vaccines are recommended but not mandatory:

• Routine vaccines: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Polio, DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Influenza, Varicella (Chickenpox), Shingles. 

• Hepatitis A & B: Especially if visiting rural areas or staying for extended periods. 

• Typhoid: For areas with poor sanitation. 

• Rabies: If you will be in contact with animals or visiting remote areas. 

• Cholera: For regions with recent outbreaks or poor water sanitation. 

• Meningococcal Disease: Kenya is part of the “Meningitis Belt” in Africa. 

• Chikungunya: Due to current outbreaks in Kenya. 

• Malaria Prophylaxis: Recommended for rural and coastal areas. 

The information above is provided for logistical planning purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All participants should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance on vaccinations and travel health recommendations. In addition, please note that entry requirements are subject to change at any time, so World Learning recommends that all participants review entry requirements to Kenya and re-entry requirements to their home country two weeks before travel. 

General Safety Tips

• Maintain a low profile. Avoid displaying money, wearing jewelry, or carrying valuables such as laptop computers or cameras.

• Carry a mobile phone programmed with numbers that would be useful in an emergency (e.g. World Learning, police, etc.).

• Walk in groups or at least with one other person. 

• Understand the basic geography of your destination and familiarize yourself with key routes and high-crime areas. If you find yourself disoriented, be discreet when consulting a map – or ask for directions from someone in public.

• Avoid disputes, demonstrations, political rallies, and commotions on the street.

• Carry cash in more than one pocket and keep a small amount in a top pocket to hand over to a robber if one confronts you.

• Obtain small denominations of currency and keep cash/cards in a money belt.

• Ignore verbal “bait” from others – do not get into an argument. If you think that you are being followed, enter any public place and call for help.

• Maintain a high level of information security. Do not give out personal information. Do not discuss your plans with strangers.

• If walking at night, walk in groups and well-lit areas.

• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Always keep your food and drink in sight in entertainment venues.

Review travel alerts and warnings for your destination. Go to http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html to review travel alerts and warnings from the U.S. Department of State. 

Emergency Protocols

World Learning is committed to keeping you healthy and safe during travel and throughout your seminar. If you are uncertain whether a situation should be handled as an emergency, please contact your World Learning program staff. If you are feeling ill but do not need immediate help, inform a World Learning staff member. World Learning staff will help you take the appropriate steps to address your illness.

In case of an emergency, call the local emergency numbers for Kenya below: 

• Police: 999 or 112 

• Ambulance/Medical: 1199 

• Fire: 999

After you have called the emergency number, complete the steps listed below. 

1. Contact a World Learning staff member and inform the staff member of the situation. World Learning staff will immediately assist you. 

2. Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Global Solutions to inform them of the situation and enlist their support. 

3. Remember to always carry emergency numbers and your BCBS Global Solutions card with you. World Learning will continue to work with you, BCBS Global Solutions, and local emergency services to ensure that you receive proper treatment and care.

Weather-Related Emergency

In case of flight delays, cancellations, or rebooking due to harsh weather, please contact World Learning staff (contact information shared in your arrival email) to notify them of your updated arrival time. Participants who are stranded in transit should speak to an airline representative immediately to adjust your itinerary and then contact World Learning staff to discuss interim arrangements.