KEI students live in the university residence halls, known as hostels.
These halls are typical dormitory-style, with double rooms along a hall and a common bathroom.
Each room has two beds, two desks, chairs and wardrobes.
Four rooms share a common bathroom.
Lounge rooms, TV rooms and study rooms on each floor offer the opportunity to meet USIU students.
Resident Assistants (RAs) live in the hostels to facilitate safety and exchange among students.
USIU offers two meal plan options at its central cafeteria: a 5-day plan for $295 for the entire semester, and a 7-day plan for $395.
However, most students prefer to pay as they go.
The cafeteria serves traditional Kenyan food and some international dishes.
There are several cafes just outside of campus, the Safari Park Hotel a few minutes walk from campus, and numerous restaurants in downtown Nairobi.
Kenyan cuisine is centered on nyama choma, or roasted meat of all kinds.
On the coast, seafood is also abundant.
Vegetarians will find their food options limited.
However, Kenya has a large Indian influence with many restaurants serving vegetarian dishes.
Nuts, beans, ugali (a flat bread), potatoes, rice, maize and yams, are all staples of Kenyan cooking.
Tropical fruits such as mangoes, papayas, pineapples and bananas are often served as dessert.
The Student Affairs Council governs student life, and organizes activities throughout the year.
Sporting activities at USIU range from varsity and intramural rugby, basketball, hockey and soccer to indoor games like pool and table tennis.
There is also a modern gym and aerobics room.
Clubs are alive with action that support community development.
Students are encouraged to participate in campus sports and clubs.
Sports
Clubs
Basketball
Hockey
International Students
AIESEC-USIU
Rugby
Soccer
Africa Peace Initiative
Business
Taekwondo
Track and field
International Relations
Information Technology
Lawn tennis
Badminton
Peer Counseling
Red Cross
Squash
Pool
Hotel Tourism
Michezo Africa
Volleyball
Table tennis
Rotaract
ENSO
Mini-Olympics (spring semester)
People Living With Challenges
French
Matatus, privately-owned minibuses, are the main form mass transit in Nairobi. Matatus are convenient and inexpensive, but are often crowded. Larger City Hoppa buses are also available, but tend to run on limited routes.
USIU also provides a free shuttle service between campus and downtown Nairobi.
The shuttle operates during business hours.
Taxis are available and relatively inexpensive, although meters rarely work.
At night, always take a taxi for safety.
KEI will provide a prepaid mobile phone shortly after your arrival. The phone will have a small amount of credit to get you started. The KEI On-Site Coordinator will show students how to place calls. Additional minutes can be purchase at the Orange telecom and most convenient stores.
USIU�s campus has wireless internet.
The new library and computer labs are the best place to pick the signal.
The signal may be weak in the residence halls.
Patrick Mulindi is the KEI On-Site Coordinator in Nairobi.
Patrick is a professor of tourism and hospitality management at the university.
His warm smile and welcoming personality make every KEI student's time in Kenya memorable.
Patrick will arrange the airport welcome and transportation to campus, accompany the group during orientation and excursions, and mediate any problems or conflicts that may arise during the program.
He has regular office hours and available at any hour by mobile phone.
Patrick has plenty of experience working with KEI students, so don't be afraid to approach him with questions about Kenyan culture!
The On-Site Coordinator will arrange an airport welcome and transfer to the campus.
The intensive orientation begins shortly after your arrival.
The orientation covers basic needs for living and studying in Kenya:
getting around
academic expectations
safety and security in Nairobi
cultural adaptation
the history and culture of Kenya
a few social activities to meet your fellow students
If you have any questions, be sure to ask your On-Site Coordinator!
