Kenya - ICIPE

COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED OF THE HOST CENTERS BY THE WORLD FOOD PRIZE BORLAUG-RUAN INTERNS

Who will pick me up at the airport on the evening I arrive? Where exactly should I meet this person? How will I recognize this person?  Who would I contact and at what phone number if my flight is behind schedule and extremely late in arriving?

An icipe driver will pick up the interns on arrival at JKIA airport in Nairobi and bring them to the icipe Guest Centre in Nairobi. 

What is the weather usually like during the period June through August?

As you may be aware, weather varies according to the region, but Nairobi and the highland areas are normally cold/rainy from June – August. However, Western Kenya is considerably warmer during this period. Temperature is approximately 15oC at night and 25oC during the day.  For more details check out https://www.worldweatheronline.com/mbita-weather-averages/nyanza/ke.aspx

Describe the range of attire required during the internship:

Is the dress code business or casual?

Dress code is casual/smart casual.

Are shorts allowed on and/or off campus?

Work attire is usually long trousers (jeans are ok) and a shirt. For field trip, long trousers are best. You can wear shorts on campus at weekends, but generally, you should wear modest, practical clothes.

Will there be a need for more formal clothing?

Not necessary but bring one just in case.

What clothing is culturally accepted/common inside and outside the research station for foreigners?

You should wear modest, practical clothes in the field. Long trousers are acceptable in the field.

General description of accommodation:

Dorm-style housing? Home-hosting with a family?

Hotel-type/Guesthouse on the icipe campus, with your own room and bathroom.

Individual or common bathrooms?

Individual.

Will I need an electrical adapter for my small appliances?

Yes. In Kenya, we use 240V (13 amp), with square pin plug Type G (http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/typeG.htm).

Is there a telephone in my guest room where I will be living?

Yes, an outside line can be accessed through the operator, but you should acquire a local SIM card for convenience.

Will there be other high school or college students living and working there this summer?  

No, but there will be postgraduate students living and working on campus. You are welcome to interact with them.

Will I have Internet access in the office?

Yes, wireless is available in the offices/labs and the Guest Centre.

Is there mobile phone coverage throughout Kenya?  

Yes, most places in Kenya now have mobile phone coverage. Of course, you may encounter areas of little or no coverage if in the field. Get yourself a Safaricom or Airtel SIM when you arrive, as call and SMS costs are far cheaper from local providers.

Will I receive an orientation to local customs, where I should and should not go, wise safety practice for the area, etc.?  Would such guidance/mentoring throughout the summer come from a person other than my direct project supervisor? If so, who is the person and how do I contact her/him?

An induction/orientation tour of icipe facilities will be arranged for you by your host at icipe Mbita Point. You are always free to consult with your supervisors and key staff like the Guest Centre Manager at icipe Mbita Point. 

Is the workweek Monday through Friday? The typical workday consists of how many hours?  

Normally a 5-day work week (Monday-Friday), 8:00-5:00 PM, with lunch break 12:30-1:30 PM ; but this may vary according to work plans.

In case of a medical need or emergency, is there a clinic or medical facility near the place I will be working?

There is a clinic at icipe Mbita Point with a medical doctor on call. The Aga Khan Hospital is also available but a distance away (approximately 180 km) from the workplace.