Experience Kenya

          An International Mission/Cultural Immersion Program

     July 7 – 20, 2024 (approximate)

2 weeks of total cultural immersion

  • 11 days of well scripted, non-stop local engagement
    • Carefully guided scenic, cultural and experiential tours
    • Multi day placement with a local host
    • Work with local parents in refurbishing a village primary school classroom.
    • Jointly facilitate a full day Teacher Development conference
    • Option to jointly facilitate a health and wellness clinic in the village
    • Enjoy a three-day full package safari.
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Trip Costs

The entire program costs $4800. This covers airfare, hotel, host family expenses, local transport, main meals, and 3 day safari). You are responsible for expenses related to travel documents, immigration, vaccinations, travel insurance or anything not stated above as a covered expense.

For more information, contact Dr. Peter Gitau, at pgngatia@gmail.com or (859) 907-7409.

Program Overview

The intent of this education abroad program is to provide participants with opportunities for international and multi-cultural experiences through immersion in Kenya’s world-renowned culture. Using service learning as a foundation for critical inquiry and reflection, this intensive program will use a trans-disciplinary approach with global intercultural competency as an expected outcome.

This program offers a comprehensive sampling of Kenyan culture and the vastness of its diversity. The program begins with pre-departure orientation sessions that will introduce participants to the nation of Kenya, its peoples, language, geography etc. in order to build some basic competencies.

The preference will be for all participants to depart from Spokane international airport but plans can be made for departures from other airports. Upon arrival in Nairobi, participants will experience a gradual introduction to Kenya through a guided exploration of the city and its many cultural, educational, historic, business and other attractions, all the while, sampling local cuisine. We will examine shopping as a social/cultural experience by visiting Masaai market where participants can purchase cultural artifacts and other items of interest as they learn how to barter and use their newly acquired local language skills.

We will transition to the village via a scenic route that cuts through agricultural lands comprising of tea, rice, coffee farming. The group will spend one four days at Mwichuiri village in Naromoru, Central Kenya. This is an agricultural, rural community on the slopes of Mt. Kenya, about a three hour drive from Nairobi. During this period, participants will be hosted in Kenyan homes. The homes are in relative proximity and all breakfast and dinner meals will take place at the home of the host. You are encouraged to participate in the daily life of the host family as much as possible. We will debrief regularly.  This is a prime opportunity to really get to know Kenyan people, right where they live.

Our service project in the village will involve renovating a classroom at Mwichuiri primary school. The project involves an intentional partnership with local people who will work side by side with the American group. Participation in this project provides an opportunity to cement bonds of cross-cultural friendship and understanding with Kenyans as wells as the chance to give back to the community that will have hosted the group. For those talented in teaching there will be ample opportunity to interact with students and teachers inside and outside of the classroom.

The other side of our service project will involve facilitating a full day Teacher Development Workshop for Principals of primary schools in the county. AIFEE has partnered with the Ministry of Education, the County Government, the Teachers Service Commission and Mount Kenya University to support the professional development of teachers in the county through targeted workshops. The theme of the workshop is Engaging Learners for Success.

The program will conclude with a three-day excursion to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, located about 5 hours from Nairobi. This is a transnational vastness that stretches into Tanzania (where it changes its name to Serengeti) and home to the ageless Maasai people. Participants will take daily guided drives into animal territory to gain an appreciation for wildlife preservation and ecological practices. This Safari is planned to coincide with the annual wildebeest migration. To further enhance cultural study, participants will have optional opportunities to visit original Maasai villages.

Participation and contact information

The program is open to any interested participants. If you are interested, just contact me on my email at pgngatia@gmail.com

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