Kenya

Kenya is a country of extraordinary cultural, economic, and geographic diversity. The capital of Nairobi, with a population of three million, is headquarters for the United Nations in Africa and an important base for CARE International, Save the Children and many of the world’s largest NGOs. Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki recently upgraded the country’s GDP forecast to 5 percent this year and 6 percent for 2011, in part because of the historic passage of Kenya’s new constitution in August of this year. A recent McKinsey Global Institute report, ”Lions on the move: The progress and potential of African Economies”, identified Kenya as one of the leaders of Africa’s economic growth. Between 2000 and 2008, Africa’s collective economies grew 4.9 percent annually, making it the third highest growing region behind emerging Asia (8.3%) and the Middle East (5.2%).

Nairobi is one of Africa’s easiest capitals to reach with direct flight options from a dozen European and Asian cities. For lodging in Nairobi, we recommend either Masai Lodge (www.masailodge.com), an eco-lodge overlooking Nairobi National Park, or the more upscale and centrally located Fairview (www.fairviewkenya.com). Either hotel is secure, convenient and has conference facilities.