In a week from today (May 2 at 6:10 p.m.) is my departure to Kenya for the 5th time in 9 years. I must say that I’m a little nervous because of the many things that must still be done by then, but I’m also starting to get excited.
I thought today I would answer the questions that I am asked most frequently. Some I answered in my report to our church in Kitchener, and perhaps some did not get all of the information. For me, as I get mentally prepared, it is a good review!
F.A.Q. About Kenya
What is every day life in Kenya like?
Speaking only for myself – it is in many way similar to our life. Once I get there, I will notice and comment on the differences. I will live in a bungalow provided by the college free of charge – the same one I used the other times. I am responsible for the cost of electricity, gas, and water. Electricity is expensive by Canadian standards, and there usually is a power outage once a week which can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. I have a rechargeable headlamp that I use after dark in such situations.
I don’t drive a car in Kenya as I find the left-hand traffic and the erratic habits of motorists overwhelming. I use a reliable taxi whenever I need to travel off the campus. The house and the administration building where the lecture halls, offices, and library are, are a short walk away – on very uneven turf mind you – so I always use a walking stick.
What is the climate like? Is it hot?
Kenya is in east Africa, directly on the equator. There are only 2 seasons – wet and dry, and they are now heading into the wet season. The average daytime temperature fluctuates between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius depending on the elevation. The coastal regions are the warmest. Eldoret, where I am going is on a higher elevation (varying from about 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) at the airport to more than 2,700 (8,900 ft) in nearby areas. The temperatures in Eldoret are more on the lower end of the scale. I have never been uncomfortably hot in the 4 times that I have been there. At night it can get down to 14C which is cold for Kenyans but just fine for me. The high altitude makes Eldoret an ideal training ground for medal-winning athletes – particularly runners. The city is known as “The City of Champions”.
What about religion in Kenya?
As of 2019 , over 85% of the population identified themselves as Christian among which 33.4% were Protestants, 20.4% Evangelicals, 26% Roman Catholic and seven percent from African instituted churches. Furthermore, nearly 11 percent of Kenyans are Muslim. Other faiths practised in Kenya are Bahai, Buddhism, Hinduism, and traditional religions Only 2% said they identify with “no religion”.
Do you feel safe in Kenya?
Yes I do feel safe, although I take all the necessary precautions like never walking alone at night, not carrying valuables with me, etc. People who look like tourists are easy prey for pick pockets or armed robbery even. My taxi driver – a Christian gentleman is always kind enough to accompany me if I have to go to the bank or other business. On the campus itself are security guards who monitor the comings and goings at the gate and patrol the campus at night.
Is there religious freedom in Kenya?
Yes, everyone is free to practice whatever religion they wish. The Kenyan constitution states that there shall be no state religion and that religious discrimination is prohibited
What kind of a school are you teaching at? Is it a Bible college?
It is a Bible School started in 1986 especially to train missionaries and pastors. It is affiliated with the denomination “AIC” which stands for “Africa Inland Church” – a conservative evangelical denomination.
What exactly will you be teaching there?
I will be teaching a first year class a course entitled Introduction to Ministry (Pastoral Theology) and a third year class of B
What about money?
The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. At the moment $1 CDN is worth 96.91 KsH. I can use my Canadian debit card in most stores that I use or I can withdraw KsH at any ATM. Kenyans also have a unique way of transferring money with their cell phone via an app called M-Pesa available from Safaricom – the largest Kenyan phone carrier. The app can be loaded from a bank account or with cash at a Safaricom booth, of which there are many. Very convenient. You can send money to anyone who has it, or pay bills such as at a supermarket check-out by entering the “till number”. I had an e-sim card added to my dual sim smart phone so that I can have both a Kenyan and a Canadian phone number. Finally, I would like to thank everyone for your prayers, and your words of encouragement assuring me of your prayer. The se mean more than you will ever know.
I will let you know once I have arrived safely. Yours in Christ’s service,
Dieter Reda