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SIMPACT PACKING

What to pack? If you are thinking that this is a difficult task, you aren’t alone! Even seasoned missionaries find that packing can be overwhelming. Hopefully, this suggestion list will help reduce some of the stress of preparation.

Spiritual
Kitchen and linens
Clothing
Ministries specific
Health supplies
Electronics
Food
Miscellaneous
Blood type and health insurance information
Student ID

Spiritual

Bible
Journal(s): they can be purchased here inexpensively.
Bible study literature: if there is a study that you have been wanting to do, this is a good chance to start. Sometimes the extra structure helps in a new environment.

Kitchen and Linens

These will be provided for you. You do not need to bring any, unless you would like more than the one towel and washcloth provided fresh each week.

Clothing

You will probably find Nairobi to be a modern city and you will likely see a wide range of clothing styles. We do stress that our missionaries dress modestly. We are here as Christ's servants and we do not need to be fashion trend setters. That doesn't mean we don't dress nicely or smart at the appropriate time, but we prefer to error on the side of caution. The SIM Kenya Dress Code should be reviewed as a part of your preparation for packing clothes.

Ladies: While you will see many, many women in jeans and dressier trousers (Note to North Americans: “pants” in Kenya refers to underwear), there will be times that it will be advisable for women to wear skirts or dresses.

Men: You have an easier time with dress, as trousers and shirts are fine. Depending on your ministry, you may need to have dressier trousers and shirts. A tie may be needed, but you may wish to inquire first.

There are very good used clothing markets here, and if your luggage is filling up with other things, bringing an extra bit of money to purchase locally is a good option. That being said, the type of clothing you will need, whether brought or purchased here, are as follows:

• Shoes: sandals, good walking shoes, closed shoes, sports shoes - if you can combine these into a couple of pairs, that is great.
• Sweaters (jumpers in the UK)/jackets: Nairobi and areas that are higher in altitude can be quite cool at times see Kenya Climate page, particularly around July and August.
• Trousers: In Nairobi and many of the larger urban ares, trousers are acceptable for women. Blue jeans may be too casual for most church functions, but are fine for most everything else.
• Tops: these should be tasteful with due consideration given to necklines, logos and length. Women should be sure that tops do not show tummies, lower backs, or cleavage. Shoulders should also be covered. T-shirts are fine, and a Christian message is a great conversation starter. Nicer tops, button or collared shirts and blouses are suggested for church.
• Dresses and skirts: when sitting, knees should be covered and slits taken into consideration. Make sure to bring a slip!
• Swim wear: should be modest! Women will need some kind of wrap or cover and men should wear a t-shirt - both are inexpensive here.

Ministry Specific

There may be areas where people are ministering that a specific type of clothing is required.

• All medical people, not just doctors, need a white lab coat.
• In rural areas women normally should not wear trousers, and in some areas will also need to wear head coverings.

There may be some items that you can bring that will be helpful in your ministry. Be sure to ask about this.

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Health Supplies

If you use it at home, you may want to bring it here (except for a bar of soap). Health supplies are somewhat expensive here, but a good variety is available.

• Anti-malarial - we can provide you with doxycycline very inexpensively but be sure to consult a physician about side-affects and other recommended prophylaxis as well.
• First-aide kit: Complete with adhesive bandages/plasters, antiseptic cream and a medical thermometer.
• Medication for stomach upsets, diarrhea, colds, and allergic reactions.

Electronics

• Camera (see information on Photo page)
• Computer (see the Internet and computer section of the Communications page)
• Mobile Phone (see mobile section of communications page)
• CD/MP3 player, if you wish for your music. Batteries are available here, but good quality batteries are a bit pricey.
• Battery operated alarm clock (many people use their mobiles as their alarm clocks)

Food

Special treats are nice to have, especially if you are not staying in Nairobi, though there are plenty of snack items and sweets in all the larger cities and even in the smaller towns.

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Miscellaneous

• Flashlight/Torch and extra batteries
• Backpack with zippered pockets
• Small wallet
• Calendar
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Water bottle
• Something to do in free time

Blood type and health insurance information

We will be making an ID card for you when you arrive for you to carry and if you haven’t already sent me your blood type, bring that information along as well as your health insurance information.

Student ID

One last reminder to bring your student ID, if you have one. This allows you reduced fees for almost all Kenyan attractions.

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