December 22, 2010
Dear All,
As you may be aware, there was an explosion this week at a bus station in Nairobi, Kenya The blast happened as security officials tried to search a piece of luggage bound for Uganda.
At this time, Earthwatch expects to field all 2010/ 2011 teams on its “Samburu Communities and Wildlife” project as planned. The project is located far from Nairobi outside the town of Wamba. There have been no reports of any disruption or unrest in the vicinity of the project.
All volunteers travelling to Kenya are strongly encouraged to exercise caution and to adhere to the following advice:
- Travel to Kenya can continue.
- Be prepared for travel delays at transport hubs due to stringent security measures.
- Carry personal identification documents (i.e. passport) at all times to ease passage through any security checkpoints.
- Secure your identification documents in a locked safe in your hotel room if available. Be sure to have a photocopy of your personal identification documents.
- Never use buses or public transportation. Utilize a taxi arranged by your hotel, or through the Kenatco taxi booth at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi as noted in your Expedition Briefing Rendezvous section.
- Report suspicious behavior or unattended packages to authorities.
- Avoid all protests and public demonstrations as a basic security precaution.
- Monitor local news media and utilise local resources such as your hotel and local contacts to ensure that you remain alert to the current situation.
- If involved in an emergency or a serious security incident, contact the security coordinator at your hotel or your embassy for support.Register your travel and contact details with your local embassy or state department before you travel so that they can reach out to you and offer assistance in an emergency.
- Be sure to carry your International SOS card with you when you travel. As an Earthwatch member you can call ISOS for advice, information, and assistance at any time before, during, or after your trip.
We are committed to caring for the safety of all participants in Earthwatch programs worldwide and we will continue to monitor the situation and will notify volunteers if there are any further developments.
Thank you,
Kim Hoff