Delegate Logistics & Travel Guide
Essential administrative, travel, accommodation, and venue information provided by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to ensure a seamless experience for all delegates.
Host Country Entry Requirements
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
All foreign visitors entering Kenya must apply for an eTA via the official portal before departure. Applications should be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to travel.
Official Portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/
Passport & Health Requirements
- Passport Validity: Minimum of six (6) months validity from entry date into Kenya.
- Blank Pages: At least two (2) blank pages required for stamps.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination: A valid certificate may be required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever risk zones.
Visa Support / Invitation Letters
International participants requiring an official invitation letter for visa support should contact KEBS with their full passport details:
Contact Persons: Mwaura G & Tobias O (KEBS) — mwaurag@kebs.org | Ololot@kebs.org
Required Details: First/Last Name, Gender, Passport Country, DOB, Passport No., Issue/Expiry Dates, and Organization.
Arrival & Transportation
Main Ports of Entry
- Moi International Airport, Mombasa (MBA): Primary, recommended gateway directly into Mombasa.
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (NBO): Requires a connecting domestic flight to Mombasa or rail transport via SGR.
Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) — Madaraka Express
Delegates arriving via Nairobi may utilize the passenger train service to Mombasa:
- Route: Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) to Mombasa Terminus (Miritini).
- Travel Time: Approximately 5–6 hours.
- Booking: Online via https://metickets.krc.co.ke/.
Ground Transfers & Local Travel
- Venue Airport Transfers: Transfers from Moi Airport (MBA) or Miritini SGR station can be arranged via local licensed taxis, ride-hailing platforms (Uber/Bolt), or directly pre-booked through Sarova Whitesands.
- Local Options: App-based rides (Uber & Bolt) operate widely. Licensed taxis, tuk-tuks, and boda bodas are also accessible.
Conference Venue & Recommended Hotels
Primary Venue: Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
Located along Bamburi/Shanzu Beach on the North Coast of Mombasa. Offers full-service conference halls, high-speed Wi-Fi, dining, and oceanfront accommodations.
Alternative Nearby Accommodation Options
1. Travellers Beach Hotel & Club
Vibrant resort set in tropical gardens.
- Phone: +254 (0) 41 548 5121 / +254 (0) 720 648 708
- Email: sales@travellershtl.com
- Web: www.travellersbeach.com
2. Bamburi Beach Hotel
Lively all-inclusive beachfront hotel.
- Phone: +254 725 388 444 / +254 722 203 600
- Email: info@bamburibeachkenya.com
- Web: www.bamburibeachkenya.com
3. Severin Sea Lodge
Traditional African village design with Makuti roofs.
- Phone: +254 746 995 690
- Email: reservations@severinsealodge.com
- Web: www.severinsealodge.com
4. Serena Beach Resort & Spa
Upscale luxury inspired by a 13th-century Swahili town.
- Phone: +254 (0) 20 354 8771 / +254 (0) 733 584 500
- Email: mombasa@serena.co.ke
- Web: www.serenahotels.com
5. Baobab Holiday Resort
Near Haller Park; hotel rooms and serviced apartments.
- Phone: +254 722 206 968
- Email: info@baobabholidayresort.com
- Web: www.baobabholidayresort.com
6. Plaza Beach Hotel
Boutique executive hotel offering an intimate atmosphere.
- Phone: +254 723 661 008
- Email: info@plaza-beach.co.ke
- Web: www.plaza-beach.co.ke
7. The Reef Hotel Mombasa
Iconic beachfront hotel with colonial architecture.
- Phone: +254 722 205 918 / +254 703 446 940
- Email: info@reefhotelkenya.com
- Web: www.reefhotelkenya.com
8. Kahama Hotel (Bamburi Beach)
Popular 3-star hotel with Swahili-style architecture.
- Phone: +254 720 593 388 / +254 734 771 133
- Email: info@kahamagroup.com
- Web: www.kahamagroup.com
Practical Local Information
Currency & Banking
Kenyan Shilling (KES). Visa and Mastercard are accepted at major venues and hotels. Foreign exchange centers and ATMs are widely available around nearby shopping areas.
Connectivity & Mobile Data
Safaricom and Airtel SIM cards are purchasable at the airport with a valid passport. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided across the conference venue and guest rooms.
Power Supply
Standard voltage is 240V (50Hz) using 3-pin rectangular Type G power outlets. Delegates are advised to carry universal adapters.
Time Zone & Languages
Mombasa runs on East Africa Time (EAT – GMT+3). Swahili and English are official and widely spoken.
Shopping & Tipping
Major malls include Nyali Centre and City Mall Nyali. Shops generally operate 09:00–18:00 (Mon–Fri). Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Emergency Support
KEBS will facilitate coordination with local emergency providers and Travel SOS centers in unforeseen incidents.
Post-Conference Excursions & Attractions
- Mombasa Old Town & Fort Jesus: Historic Swahili, Portuguese, and Arab heritage walking tours.
- Haller Park Nature Trail: Reclaimed quarry sanctuary with giraffes, hippos, and wildlife.
- Nguuni Nature Sanctuary: Sunset giraffe feeding and sanctuary views along Nguu Tatu Hills.
- Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise: Evening Swahili seafood dinner cruise along the coastline.
- Mamba Village: Africa’s largest crocodile farm and botanical gardens.
