Right after finishing college, I got the chance to work with an American Missionary family that was stationed in Thika, a town located about 25 miles from Nairobi, Kenya. Having lived in Kenya all my life, it was a great joy interacting with the family and learning their culture. In the 2 years that I spent with them, I got to understand some of the fears and worries that they had when living in Kenya. One of the things they were most concerned about was helping the missionaries who would come visiting prepare adequately for their mission trip to kenya and ensure that they had everything they needed to be comfortable.
I am sure you must have a lot of questions about preparing for your mission trip to Kenya and In this post, I have prepared a packing list for a short term mission to Kenya. This means missionaries that will spend roughly 2-3 weeks in a mission ground that has hosts that have taken care of the essentials like accommodation, food, and transport.
Essential Items
1. Passport
You will obviously need your passport when travelling to Kenya. However, you need to actively think of how you will carry it with you during your entire stay. A designated bag or pouch that will not easily get dropped, stolen or forgotten is essential.
You will not need to carry your passport everywhere you go when you arrive so also plan to use luggage that has locks to safely store your passport and other valuables.
2. Spending money & Wallet.
You will need about $200 to $300 depending on the length of your stay. Make sure your dollar bills are 2006 and newer. A good wallet will help you keep track of what you have so come with that too.
You will need to change your Money to Kenyan Shillings and one thing you will notice is that Kenyan Notes are bigger than american ones. When choosing a wallet, Have this in mind.
3. Tipping money for wait staff and guides
Plan to tip about 10% of your food bills.
You will need to plan adequately for tips since people will be expecting them and it may get awkward if you don’t give a tip, especially in places where a tip is expected.
4. ATM Card
There are many ATMs available in Kenya’s urban areas. Most ATMs accept most major cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx)
5. Copies of Passport, ATM card and printout of contact information
Make copies of the picture side of your passport, your ATM Card(s). Also, print out a copy of your “in Case of Emergency” information and store one set of copies in your check in luggage and the other in your carry-on.
These will be useful in case you misplace your passport or ATM cards and you need to report them as stolen.
6. Bible (mid-Sized)
Carry a Bible that is not too bulky but also not too compact. In some settings, a bigger bible signifies that you have more spiritual authority and are truly a missionary and carrying a small Bible might send the wrong message.
7. Camera, charger, extra memory sticks and a transfer cable
You will take a lot of pictures during your mission to Kenya. Please carry extra storage to avoid being forced to delete footage because of low capacities.
You may want to get extra storage when you arrive but keep in mind that there are a lot of fake electronic equipment in kenya being shipped from China and you might not be able to tell the difference.
8. A power adapter or adapter extension cables for charging with 3 prong UK plugs
Kenya uses the 220-240 V and works with the 3 pronged Square UK style outlet. You will need to get a converter that works with this outlet type and that will also convert the voltage to 110V. Plan ahead and buy a high-quality outlet since a poor choice in this can damage your electronic equipment. I have also gotten in a situation where the the converter fails after using it for a few days.
Try shopping for an adapter/converter combo and look for a brand that has good ratings.
9. Flashlight and extra batteries
During your mission, you will need to walk outside in the dark. Either when coming from an evening meeting or using an outhouse if the mission ground does not have indoor plumbing. A good flashlight will be invaluable in this situation. Carry extra batteries or get a rechargeable flashlight if you are sure that your mission station has dependable electricity.
10. Pen and a small notebook
When arriving in Kenya, you will go through customs and Immigration and these will require you to write. You, most likely will not have access to a place to get a pen and having one with you will be vital to clearing the arrivals terminal smoothly. Carry this with you in your carry on luggage.
Personal Items
1. Toiletries
Carry the basic Shampoo, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Ladies toiletries, Makeup etc. Most of the popular brands of toiletries will be available in the local supermarkets but if you are particular on using a particular brand, carry it with you.
2. Medication:
Make sure you get a full prescription of your medication that will last the entirety of your stay. Carry an original prescription with you as well in case you need to get a refill. (This may not be cheap or easy so carry your full dose)
You will also need to pack Anti-malaria medication prescribed to you by your doctor. Kenya has a lot of mosquitoes and malaria is prevalent, especially in the coast and western regions. Please come prepared for this.
While we are here, please find out if your host has treated mosquito nets for your beds. On top of exposing you to the risk of getting sick, mosquitoes can be really annoying and a good net will help keep them away.
3. Sunscreen & lip balm with sunscreen
Kenya gets really hot and the sun will give you sunburns in a few hours. Carry enough sunscreen. I have not seen any in the supermarkets since its normally used by light skin people so come with enough to last you the entirety of your stay.
4. Sunglasses
The sun here is bright and you will find a good pair of sunglasses invaluable especially when you will be working outside in the sun.
5. Wide Brim Hat
Same reason as Sunglasses and sunscreen. A wide brim hat will keep your neck protected too and give some nice shade.
6. Portable Water Bottle
Your host has, most likely figured out what to do about safe drinking water. However, the places you will visit during the day may not. Tap water is not safe to drink and you may not easily find a place to buy safe drinking water. A Water bottle is an absolute essential.
6. Travel-size WetWipes
These will be useful in the times when you run out of toilet tissue or don’t have soap or water to wash your hands. (trust me, this might happen).
7. Portable Antibacterial wipes
Carry small packs that you can put in your bag to carry around when you are travelling around the country. You can use them before meals in restaurants if you don’t want to use their water or in the case when you are offered food and not given the chance to wash your hands.
8. Antibacterial gel to carry around
This will serve the same purpose as the wipes and will help you protect yourself from getting sick.
9. Fanny Pack or small backpack to carry things during the day
When out and about, you don’t want to keep carrying stuff in your hands or pockets.
I would advise that you carry a fanny pack that will be right in front of you instead of a backpack. This is unless you are carrying heavy stuff like your laptop or Bible.
The reason for this is because it will be more difficult for pickpocketers to take valuable items from a fanny pack compared to taking stuff from a backpack.
If you do carry a backpack with you, carry it on the front when walking in crowded places to deter pickpocketers. Being a foreigner makes you an easy target to spot so taking any precautions ahead of time will keep you safe during your mission trip to Kenya.
10. A towel that will dry quickly
Kenya may generally hot but some months can get cold. On top of this, most laundry is done by hand and dried in the sun. This means that thicker laundry will take longer to dry in the cold months and this may leave you with a wet towel the next day.
Avoid this by getting a towel that will dry easily when hung out to dry in between your showers.
11. Lightweight Sleeping Bag
Your host might have extra guests once in a while or may not have a designated bed for you in their house. An sleeping bag will allow you to crash on their couch or on the floor without feeling cold.
Clothing
What you wear to your mission trip to Kenya is really important and it will play a big part in influencing how your message will be taken by the people you will be ministering to and how you will be treated by the locals.
The key word in chosing your clothes is MODESTY. Avoid very expensive and flashy clothes and keep the colors neutral and muted to avoid calling too much attention to what you are wearing.
Carry enough clothes to last a week and a half before laundry. This is because laundry is usually done once a week and there may be bad weather that may delay the clothes from drying.
Below, I have broken down some clothing suggestions for men and women and lists of the pieces of clothing the will need to bring with them.
Clothing Men:
For Men, avoid sleeveless shirts and t-shirts that have a lot of graphics on them. Some christian circles are sceptical of strange markings and may misunderstand an innocent piece of graphics on your t-shirt.
1. Strong pair of Hiking Boots or sneakers
These will be useful for when you will be walking in the villages or working on rough, muddy or rocky areas.
2. Normal pair of shoes
You may not want to wear your hiking boots to church and this is where your normal shoes come in.
3. Long or short sleeved shirt
Avoid Sleeveless shirts and t-shirts.
4. Long Pants
( Khaki preferably) Choose something that will not need ironing
Avoid distressed jeans as these may be considered provocative.
5. Good supply of socks that will last one week.
Your laundry may take a while to get done and you will need good breathable socks since you are likely to be sweating a lot especially if you will be walking a lot.
6. Bandana
This is great for protecting your neck and ears
Clothing Women:
For ladies, You will need to avoid wearing skirts that are shorter than the lower parts of your knees and long pants that are very tight. You will also need to avoid sleeveless tops and if you wear them, you will need to put something on top of them.
1. Skirts or dresses
These need to be below the knee and longer and not tightly fitting.
2. Loosely fitting long pants
(Not very advisable though)
Avoid distressed jeans as these may be considered provocative.
3. Minimal jewellery & makeup
Displaying wealth may work against your goal of ministry and may be a distraction. Keep it to a minimum.
4. Strong pair of Flat shoes
These will need to be sturdy enough to endure rocks, tripping and a lot of walking. Avoid open shoes since you will expose your feet to dust (there is a lot of that here).
There is also the possibility of tripping on a stone and exposed feet may get hurt
5. Socks that breath well
It will get hot and you will sweat. A good pair of socks that breath will help with this.
6. Light Scarf
This will help to protect your neck and ears especially in the hot sun.
Sleepwear
- Sweat pants or long underwear
- Light shirt
- Light socks
Optional Items
Below are some optional items that are good to have and will make your trip more comfortable.
1. Laptop and phone
When communicating with your loved ones back at home, a skype connection using wifi will be your cheapest option. If you have your phone with you, you can call them through a wifi connection through WhatsApp or Google Hangouts.
A word of caution: Your laptop and phone will be a target to pickpocketers. Avoid carrying it around with you when going to public places. You may also need to have a lockable bag or suitcase to store the items when you are away. Enquire from the host before bringing these devices with you.
2. Earplugs
you can use in the flight and useful if you are a light sleeper
3. Musical instruments
Carry an instrument that you will be playing like the guitar or tambourines. It is very possible that you will not always have a power connection so carry an instrument that does not rely on power to work.
Make sure you don’t check your guitar in with the rest of the luggage. I have read about how damaged guitars get when travelling in the cargo hold. Do your research and find out how you can safely carry it with you in the flight.
Bonus Tips:
- Carry everything on the plane that you will require for the first 48 hours just in case of delays in luggage
- Avoid carrying valuables like non-essential electronics & jewellery with you. It will attract unneccessary attention or get stollen.
- If you have extra luggage capacity, carry old clothes and shoes to leave behind.
- Don’t carry plastic bags. These are banned in Kenya and you will need to surrender them at the point of entry.
- Start packing early to avoid last minute rushes. Last minute packing will result in you forgetting something important. Remember also, to weigh your luggage to avoid being charged extra for overweight luggage.
- Temperature variations in different parts of Kenya. Plan ahead and carry an extra sweater and jacket for cold nights
- Kenya is hot and humid. Shop for clothing that is comfortable for you to wear in Kenya that you can afford to leave behind. This will offer the opportunity for you to travel light on the way home and not worry about losing or ruining your favourite things
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