Houston Trade Mission to Kenya – November 2026

Join Councilman Edward Pollard in building bridges between Houston and Kenya through infrastructure, trade, energy, and urban development. Houston brings unparalleled strengths as a strategic partner for Kenya's Vision 2030 development goals. As America's fourth-largest city and a global capital of energy, healthcare, aerospace, ports and international trade, Houston offers proven expertise, capital, and scalable models that align directly with Kenya's priority sectors.  

Why Kenya?

• East Africa's Economic Hub - Kenya is the gateway to over 300 million consumers.  It is also home to the largest port in East Africa (Mombasa) and a strategic location for regional trade.
• Rapid Growth and Opportunity - Kenya has a growing middle class and urbanization and is home to the Silicon Savannah the tech capital of Africa.
• Strong US-Kenya Partnership - The US and Kenya have a strong Strategic and Investment Partnership (STIP), have shared democratic values and growing bilaterial trade.

This trip is organized by Africa ls Open (AIO) in partnership with Houston City Council and the Government of Kenya.

This is a bucket-list trip pairing East Africa's largest city, cosmopolitan Nairobi, with a once-in-a-lifetime safari in
the Maasai Mara. The 10-day itinerary blends business and cultural experiences.

You home base while in Nairobi will be the Tribe Hotel. A luxury hotel in Nairobi’s upscale Gigiri neighborhood, within walking distance of Village Market the largest mall in East Africa and two miles from the UN East Africa HQ complex and the US Embassy.  Daily breakfast is included.

After one night in Nairobi, you will take a 60-minute flight from to the Massai Mara Game Reserve where you will be met at the airstrip by a Safari Guide. He will take you to the Mara Serena Safari Lodge. You will most likely see your first wild animals during the 10-minute drive to the lodge.

While in the Mara you will stay at the Serena Safari Lodge, the only lodge located within the Mara Triangle.  The lodge offers sweeping views of the savannah and the Mara River. Inspired by the circular design of a traditional Maasai manyatta homes, the lodge blends traditional architecture with contemporary comfort.  Three delicious meals per day will be included with your stay. 

While in the Mara you will take game drives around the Maasai Mara Game reserve in the morning and/or evening when the animals are most active.  Have your camera ready for photos of a lifetime.  You will also get a chance to visit a real Maasai village and learn about their culture and traditions.

After your trip to the Mara you will return to Nairobi and the Tribe Hotel.  On the day following your return to Nairobi you will participate in meetings with governmental and business officials in Private and Public sector. 

To wind down the governmental and business meeting we will have a farewell dinner at the home of the Honorable Ochieng Mbeo (Former Kenyan Senator & East African Congress Member).

Before returning home to the US you will have an opportunity to visit the Nation Museum of Kenya, Giraffe Center to get photos feeding Giraffes and shopping to pick up art, clothing or other souvenirs to take home.

Nairobi Tribe Hotel

Tribe Hotel Guest Room

Flying to and from the Maasai Mara

Mara Serena Game Camp Room

Game Drive in the Maasai Mara 

Massai Village Visit

Business Meetings

Will I need a Visa to visit Kenya?

All visitor who are not from Kenya or other East African

countries will need an eVisa (Electronic Visa ). To apply for the eVisa you will need proof of you round trip

airline ticket to Kenya and booking confirmation of your hot el or other initial accommodation in Kenya.

You can appl y for an eVisa for $32.50 USD at the link below.

https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

Are vaccination required for Kenya?

Vaccinations are not required to visit Kenya . It is advisable but not required to take anti-malaria pills if

visiting areas outside of Nairobi. These pills can be obtained from your own doctor or obtained without a prescription after arrival from any pharmacy in Kenya.

Will I need to exchange money before arriving in Kenya?

No. American Express, Master Card and Visa are widely accepted at major retailers and restaurants in Kenya. You will also be able to use MPESA which is digital currency and the primary way that most people pay for goods and services in Kenya .  To use Mpesa you will need to download the WAVE app on your US smart phone. For small retail purchases such as souvenirs  you can obtain Kenyan Shilling after arrival from ATMs which are available throughout the country.

What is the typical temperature in Nairobi and in the Masai Mara?

Nairobi has one of the most pleasant climates in Africa because it's about 5,900 feet (1,795 m) above sea level. For comparison, Nairobi's weather feels more like spring in Southern California than a typical tropical African city.

Typical temperatures:

Daytime: 70°F to 79°F

Nighttime: 50°F to 59°F

What should I wear on the trip?

• Maasai Mara - While on safari, early morning game drives can feel quite chilly. But daytime can reach highs of upper 70s. Dress in layers that can be easily removed. Casual attire such as tee shirt or short are fine. Please wear comfortable closed toe shoes like athletic shoes or boots to navigate uneven or rough surfaces.
• Nairobi – While in Nairobi are like the Mara with cool mornings and evenings and warm day. Keynan government and corporate officials typically wear business attire. Please wear business attire for meetings. Please wear business casual for evening event and casual attire for all other outings in Nairobi.
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What US cell phone services work in Kenya?