Country Profile:
More than forty ethnic groups, many retaining ancient traditions and unparalleled ecological diversity, have made Kenya one of the top tourist destinations in the World. In addition, Kenya’s relative stability, ideal climate and geographical location on the Indian Ocean have made it the business hub of Central and East Africa.
Prior to the British colonization of the interior, the coastal ports of what we now call Kenya served as trading centers for Chinese and Arab sailing vessels. Subsequently, after Europe carved the continent with borders to demarcate their territories, British colonists and companies invaded what is now known as Kenya and established huge farm estates of coffee and tea frequently marginalizing indigenous peoples. As a result, Kenya’s recent history is marked by rebellions against the British occupation and colonial rule which led to national independence in December 1963.
Though the country has been a rare success story of democratic governance in Africa, it has also been marred by ubiquitous corruption among the ruling elite. However, the recent election to power of a coalition of opposition parties has proven the health of the democratic process in Kenya and helped to perpetuate Kenya’s high ranking business, tourist, and political reputation on the continent.
Population:
32 million.
Ethnic Groups:
Kikuyu - 22 %; Luo - 13%; Luhya - 14%; Kalenjin - 12%; Kamba - 11%; Kisii - 6%; Meru - 6%; other African - 15%; Non-African, Asian, European and Arab - 1%.
Languages:
Officially English and Kiswahili, although many people speak ethnic dialects and may not understand either English or Kiswahili.
Religions:
Protestant - 45%; Roman Catholic - 33%; Muslims - 10%; others - 12%.
Currency:
Kenyan Shilling -- (Ksh)
Exchange Rate:
75Ksh / 1USD
Average Annual Income:
$280 USD / year
Population with inadequate access to clean water:
51%
History of FHI/Kenya:
Food for the Hungry International Kenya (FHI/Kenya) began operations during the traumatic years of 1976-1980, when thousands of refugees fled to Kenya from neighboring countries. During those years, FHI provided food relief across the country, later transitioning to community development programs. FHI/Kenya’s work over the last twenty years has been concentrated in Northern Kenya, primarily in the Marsabit District, which ranks among the least developed regions in the country. FHI/Kenya currently focuses on programs of education, water and sanitation, HIV/AIDS, health/nutrition, and agricultural marketing and extension. The goal of FHI’s work is to help churches, leaders and families progress into sustainable patterns of living and ministry that will take them beyond meeting their basic needs.
Practicum Selection Overview:
Work site 1
- Week 1 -- Orientation(Nairobi)
- Weeks 2-4 -- Marsabit
Work site 2
- Week 1 -- Orientation(Nairobi)
- Weeks 2-4 -- Korr
Work site 3:
- Week 1 -- Orientation(Nairobi)
- Weeks 2-4 -- Meru
Work site 3:
- Week 1 -- Orientation(Nairobi)
- Weeks 2-4 -- Nairobi
Preparatory Week:
Orientation (1st week)
- (DAY 1) Visitation #1: Introduction to FHI Kenya staff and philosophy of Christian development strategies. The day begins with staff devotions, followed by time with the Country Director and brief overview by program managers.
- (DAY 2) Variable (according to Practicum needs such as HIV/AIDS Visitation): FHI staff take students to visit various NGOs working with HIV affected people in the capital, or take students to visit Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest slums.
- (DAY 3) Practicum Preparations
- (Day 4) Practicum Preparations
- (DAY 5) Cultural Orientation: Brief orientation on the history, culture and life in Kenya, current challenges and opportunities, and the need for incarnational, holistic ministries.
Work Practicum: Marsabit, Korr, or Meru (2nd, 3rd and 4th Week)
- Students will depart shortly after orientation in Nairobi to their practicum sites. Options for the practicum will occur at one of three sites, as described later.
- Students will perform their appropriate duties for the three practicum weeks, while also completing a study program approved by an advising professor from his or her college/university. The study program will be designed according to the regulations of the student’s home institution (e.g. number of credit hours, work required, necessary steps to successfully complete learning contract).
Debriefing: Nairobi (2 days, following return from Practicum)
After completing the three weeks in the field, students will return to Nairobi for a two-day debriefing. This time will allow for reflection, sharing and consolidation of survey data.
Specific requirements for interns placed on FHI/Kenya field
- Willingness to adapt to local food (starchy and oily; fresh fruits and vegetables available); in some regions a vegetarian lifestyle will be very difficult.
- Adjusting to limited resources (i.e. water and electricity)
- Working with translators if necessary
- Patience in adapting to a different pace of life
- Enthusiasm in working with local families, leaders and churches
- Willingness for communal life and little personal privacy (e.g. share meals/bedroom/tent)
- Creativity in teaching children
- Empathy/sympathy for children who are victims of HIV/AIDS
- Desire to communicate Christ cross-culturally
- Openness to learn from other cultures
- Courage to transform values
- Teachable heart in relating to local people
Medical facilities and availability
- There are several local clinics available for minor sicknesses and injury.
- The hospitals for emergency and extensive care are in the regional town of Nairobi. MAF transportation to these hospitals is available for emergency.
Other important information!
- There is a travel advisory for Kenya. Before choosing a practicum site in Kenya, check to see if your school provides the necessary insurance or liability waivers.
- Students should explore their areas of interest prior to arrival in Kenya.
- FHI project managers and/or training coordinators will be responsible for hosting Practicum students under the guidance of a Go ED. Country Coordinator.
- If possible, English teachers at local primary schools will accompany the students in order to share teaching methodology and to help with translation.
- Prior to orientation for TESOL students, teaching materials and textbooks used at the primary schools in the FHI/Kenya project areas will be provided.
- Students may need to secure the appropriate funds for their overall activities and expenses such as teaching aids, handouts, etc. Extra funding needs will be discussed, after the student has picked his/her work practicum, and adjusted according to work plans and project needs.
- Kenya, especially within Christian and Muslim communities, is more conservative than the western world, and students should dress accordingly. Ladies should bring long skirts and blouses, ensuring that they are not too revealing or tight fitting. Men should bring pants and shirts, with ties for special occasions. Shorts and tanktops are not appropriate. Sweaters are advisable for June and July, the cold months in Kenya.
- All Kenya practicum students are required to read, Culture and Customs of Kenya by Neal Sobania. The ISBN for this book is, 0-313-31486-1.
- Students must be self-motivated, flexible and eager to be of service and to learn from the local people.
Select from the following practicum options below. While these are recommended practicums, there is some flexibility in the actual assignments. If you have any questions concerning a site, please email the Food for the Hungry Kenya Coordinator.
