Moving house let alone country is a daunting prospect so we hope this page will answer any concerns or questions you may have.

Freight Allowance

The school will give you a freight allowance of 250GBP, this can either be used for freighting via air or sea, dependent on how much you wish to bring. The school secretaries will work closely with you, recommending a freight company who specialise in shipping for teachers to Africa.
It is essential you come with what you need for a few months as your freight could take this time to come through and clear customs.

Getting here

The school will take care of booking your flights from your home country to Nairobi where a member of staff will meet you and bring you to Greensteds.

Housing

Housing is provided within the school compound, all the homes have basic furniture and the kitchen will be equipped with kettle, pans, crockery, cutlery, cooker and fridge etc. It is advisable to bring your own bedding and pillows as such items are expensive here. You may find that once you are here you wish to make it more homely; many staff have had new curtains and cushions made once they have arrived. It’s worth packing a few books and photos in your freight initially so your home feels like home. Nakuru has some wonderful craft stands so batiks and wooden goods can be purchased cheaply to add your own touch. You might want to invest in TV, electronics and possible satellite TV at a later stage.
None of the houses have telephone landlines so mobile phones are commonplace. Again it is worth bringing a mobile from home and local SIM cards can be bought here. If you do have your own laptop it is worth bringing your own, most of the houses have their own internet connection.
Washing (which is usually done in the bath!) and cleaning can be done by a house worker whom you’ll employ yourself at about £35 per month. Washing machines are available but very expensive and members of staff know many honest and reliable ladies who will be happy to get some work.

Healthcare

You must check with your doctor to get professional advice on what inoculations are required. Mosquito nets are not provided as standard so bring your own. As well as having a sanatorium on site there are well equipped chemists in Nakuru.
If you are coming with a family there are hospitals in Nakuru but Nairobi has very good paediatric and specialist hospitals.

Specific family requirements

If you are coming with a young family then you can be guaranteed that you are making the right decision. Greensteds is a wonderful place to bring up children, with fields, horses, shamba to pick vegetables it is a natural environment for children to grow and feel safe. The school has an intermit reception class where they will be nurtured as well as able to enjoy the facilities the school has to offer. It is advisable to bring your own car seats, strollers and cot if you are coming with very small children. Childcare will be the most important aspects of your move here and again there are many experienced ladies who will be happy to take on all aspects of running your home and caring for your child whilst you are working.

Social Life

Whether coming as a family or on your own you will have plenty of opportunity to explore what Kenya has to offer. You can travel north to Lake Baringo to see hippos and crocs, climb Mt Kenya or go south to relax in a villa on Diani beach or watch the big cats of the Mara. Nairobi is a couple of hours drive away so weekends off can be enjoyed watching films at the cinema or shopping and enjoying a latte at one of the malls. If you don’t want to travel then on site we have a staff bar where you can enjoy Tuskers whilst overlooking the Rift Valley, and if you fancy more then Nakuru has local bars and discos.

Transport

The school has a bus that takes staff into Nakuru on a regular basis for shopping and errands.
If you want to invest in a car then it is worth talking to staff once you are here to get advice. Cars are not cheap here but they do hold their value, you will need to invest some time looking around and maybe travel to Nairobi to purchase a decent car.

Please also be aware that there are plenty of us here who have done exactly what you are about to embark on and will help you adjust and settle into your new home. Coming to work here will be one of the best decisions you make, Greensteds and the country has so much to offer, it will be an adventure of your life.