Kenya can have sudden rain, muddy roads, and lots of dust.
The culture is an adjustment for the first few months. You learn to do without a lot of luxuries.
No packages or mail, even through couriers or Amazon. They don’t typically make it or if they charge huge taxes to the missionaries. Send small pre wrapped gifts or just put money on a card for holidays. Other missionaries aren’t receiving packages from their families, so it isn’t really necessary.
Clothing: Quick drying clothing is essential! Clothes are hand washed and air dried.
Recommendations for pants are: CRZ Yoga Stretch Golf Pants and Under Armour.
You mostly just want short sleeves. That’s what 95% of missionaries wear everyday. Bring 2 long sleeved shirts. They are only worn for conferences and baptisms.
Serve shirts and Alimen’s & Gentle (Amazon) are well liked.
Bring extra. Pants and shirts tend to wear out (typically at the year mark) with the hand washing. Consider saving some for your 1/2 way mark.
You walk a lot! Often on dirt trails and roads.
Bring 2-3 closed toe black sandals. KEEN Newport are by far the most used.
You will also want to bring good, WATERPROOF shoes for the rainy season. Recommended brands are Blundstone, Colombia water shoes, and Solomon Alphacross 5 Gore-Tex shoes. Some wear Crocs when it’s pouring and those are available there.
Bring shoes for church with good wool socks.
Tennis shoes are needed for Pday.
Take your doxycycline everyday if in zones of heavy mosquitoes. The mission provides all malaria medications.
Some medications are not available without a prescription or are hard to find and should be brought: A probiotic for your gut (it helps with the food and water adjustment and when on Malaria meds), electrolyte packets, pain relievers, cold medicines, antibiotic ointment, and stomach meds (Pepto Bismol tablets for sure).
They also do not sell toothpaste with fluoride or good deodorant. Deodorant is the number one most requested item to be sent. Bring enough for your mission.
Many missionaries are also unhappy with the shampoo options, laundry soap- Arm & Hammer power sheets are popular, razors, and shaving cream.
Sunglasses and a hat are good ideas.
Daily contacts can work as long as you are careful to wash your hands and know your water filter is working properly.
Many missionaries want taco seasoning and ranch powder. The big containers travel well. They also enjoy snacks from home.
Card games are allowed and encouraged for pdays and companionship bonding. Popular games are UNO, Monopoly Deal, and especially Catan.
Open a joint bank account before leaving with a debit card. It is highly recommended. Bring a backup debit card that is stored separately in case of theft or loss. You can have funds added if needed to the account.
Pack two rechargeable portable fans. Also a power bank or two. Power is often unreliable and fans will be a lifesaver.
Electrolyte packets like Liquid IV are wonderful. You get really drained in the heat with all the walking.
Apartments have filtered water, but a filtered water bottle is super nice to have with you all the time.
Missionaries use both backpacks and messenger bags.
Cameras are highly discouraged. They can make you a target for theft. The camera on the phone is sufficient. Missionaries are encouraged to keep phones out of sight.
Open a shared google photo account and family will see pictures automatically.
You don’t need a voltage converter but do bring a plug adapter. Adapters are not always available locally.
The mission provides missionaries with any malaria meds needed, mosquito nets for beds, DEET lotion, and permethrin.
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Tips on Vaccinations like Yellow Fever and Typhoid: The cheapest options mentioned are Costco, GoodRX (request coupon), Walgreens, and County Health Department. You often have to request these vaccines and may have to pay for a travel consult. One helpful tip is to ask your doctor to send in a prescription for the vaccinations — some have had insurance cover the cost that way. Because of taking Doxycycline daily to prevent Malaria, probiotics have been recommended as very helpful for gut health. The Doxy also makes you more susceptible to the sun, so sunscreen is important.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.