Visiting Double Joy – FAQs

Who is eligible to visit?

We prioritise prospective Double Joy visitors to those already supporting Double Joy, either by donation, fundraising or writing to the children. If you wish to visit we invite you to get involved as suggested. This will mutually benefit yourself and Double Joy. Please contact Chrissie, Glyn or Eric (see contact details) if you want to know how to help, or have some fresh ideas of your own

We are asking visitors to contribute £50 per person for the first week at Double Joy and £30 per person for each subsequent week's stay.

Costs for additional transport, electricity, water, shopping trips etc, previously absorbed by FoDJ, are leading to unprecedented extra demand on resources as we have had (2011) an increasing number of visitors .

We hope you understand the need for FoDJ’s donations to be optimised for the benefit of children and 'older people’ living there.

How do I get to Double Joy?

When visiting Kenya you will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International, in the capital, Nairobi. Then take an internal flight direct to Kisumu (30-45 mins). This can be booked in the UK along with your international flight. You will need a visa, fill ‘Entry to Kenya Form’ in during flight and pay on arrival at JKI, Nairobi. Cost 50USD or 30GBP or KES equivalent.

Bring an unlocked (not tied to one network in home country) mobile phone and buy a Safaricom prepaid SIM card (300KES) and some credit (say 200KES worth). Ask vendor for assistance with loading credit and entering PIN number of new account.

Let Mary know airline and flight arrival time at Kisumu Airport and you will be collected. Stay at the airport and phone Mary’s mobile number. 0733514461

Will I be safe travelling in Kenya?

Though Nairobi has a bad reputation, it is possible to visit Double Joy, avoiding it, by taking an internal flight from Nairobi to Kisumu, on arrival. If you do spend time in Nairobi try to avoid looking like a tourist, use taxis to get around, avoid wearing jewellery and watches, and keep other valuables hidden. Kisumu is safer than Nairobi though sensible precautions still apply as in the area around Double Joy.

Where will I stay at Double Joy?

Visitors stay in the guesthouse. It comprises, two bedrooms (a bunkbed in each), a large sitting room, kitchen and toilet/washing area. Water for cooking and washing is brought in buckets from the tank. During the dry season, water is scarce so needs to be used sparingly. Mosquito nets and bedding are provided.

Electric power is 240 volts using British Standard plugs, with backup solar lighting, due to intermittent power cuts. The kitchen is equipped with a two-ring gas stove and an electric grill (broiler) for cooking with sufficient pots, pans and utensils (n.b. no sink). The facilities may be basic by western standards, but by rural Kenyan standards are well appointed. The toilet, which is a western style pan, not plumbed to a mains supply, needs ‘the knack’ to flush well with grey water.

What should I wear?

It will be hot, so wear loose cotton clothing.. To respect custom and culture, dress conservatively and avoid showing too much flesh,(no cleavage!). Women should wear long skirts/dresses (knee length and below). Mens’ shorts should be knee length and baggy. Evening wear is long trousers and sleeves to protect from mosquitoes.

What medical protection will I need?

Check vaccinations and inoculations are current. Bring vaccination certificates with you. You need anti-malarial tablets. Insect repellent can be bought in Kisumu. When you are picked up you will be taken shopping.

Visitors require health insurance, covering medical treatment. There is an excellent hospital in Kisumu.

Effective handwashing is essential, and, as shaking hands is polite here, carrying small proprietary handcleaner may help.

What will I eat and drink?

It is important to be careful what you eat and drink. A colonial adage: "If you can cook it, boil it or peel it you can eat it, otherwise forget it" is helpful here, although food cooked by those used to westerners' delicate stomachs can be fine.

Bottled water can be bought in Kisumu, bring a supply with you to Double Joy to keep you going for the first few days. Water filters are provided in the guesthouse and you will be taught how to filter and boil water before drinking. It takes a little time to adjust to these procedures so an initial supply of bottled water is sensible.

In town, tea (served sweet and milky) is very safe to drink, bottled Coke and Fanta, less so. Chips (french fries) are safe standard fare in cafes.

Supermarkets in Kisumu supply most of the food you can buy back home. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be bought in Kisumu and in Aram, (the local market 1 mile from Double Joy). You will be expected to pay for your own food and bring all the money you need from home. If you need to change money, do so at Nairobi airport, before leaving the Customs Hall

What if I have any difficulties with cooking or housework?

Margaret Okungu is in charge of looking after guests. She will orientate you to Double Joy and the guesthouse, and is available to assist at most hours of the day. She will also be happy to cook for you subject to her busy schedule and for an agreed price. The house is cleaned once a week and you can leave a tip or small gift for those involved, usually Margaret and the older girls. If you desire, a cook can be hired.

How can I be of use if I stay for more than a short holiday?

This depends on your skills and interests. The most common activity for guests is assisting with the literacy class and one-to-one tuition. You could also help out with recreation, craft and sport activities. The children love to dance and sing so anyone who is musical and/or plays an instrument would be valued.

Should I bring gifts? 

There is no need to bring gifts as your presence will be enough!

What is the currency and exchange rate?

There are approximately 110 Kenyan shillings to the pound.

How much money will I need?

This depends on your lifestyle, but you should aim to bring around £30-50 per week. This should cover food, souvenirs, medicine, trips out, and those extras you forgot to bring or suddenly discover you need.

How can I contact home?

Double Joy has a wireless phone link and SMS works fairly well. There are cyber cafes in Kisumu. Posted items can take a week or longer.

Will I have any language difficulties?

English is widely spoken in Kenya. All staff at Double Joy speak some English and are used to conversing with visitors. Some older children can speak English and Swahili is also spoken. Staff and children are happy to teach you some of their mother tongue, Luo. Speak slowly and clearly, enunciating all the letters in every word.

Etiquette - Appropriate behaviour for guests, compiled by Mary Hinde

• Go out of your way to be respectful, including dressing modestly. (Just as sparsely-feathered birds looks unsightly, so do scantily-clad guests)!
• Do not give an opinion, even when asked (especially about Kenyan politics).
• Discuss such safe topics as weather, crops and football (soccer).
• If you ask a child his/her age, don’t be surprised to be asked your own.
• Don’t over complain about household pests (insects, lizards etc.)
• Don’t overreact to being touched by the children.
• Physical contact should be confined to: holding hands with children and shaking hands with adults.