RDI Membership Meeting 2026

Do I need a visa or travel authorization to enter Kenya?
Most travelers need an eTA to enter Kenya. You can find information relevant to your country of origin here. Please ensure that you apply for the eTA as soon as possible to ensure that you receive it on time. To apply, you will need a copy of your passport, a copy of your flight booking and a reservation confirmation from the hotel. If you are missing these documents, please email Tihany.

Do I need any vaccines to enter Kenya?
Some people may need proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter Kenya. You can find the list of countries where yellow fever is considered endemic here. The vaccination must be completed 10 days before your arrival. People who are pregnant, allergic to eggs, or have a medical condition may be able to obtain a waiver. However, this must be given by the authorized authority in your country. For other recommended vaccines, such as Hepatitis A, please check the information on recommended vaccines from your government or speak to your doctor.

Do I need to arrange transportation from the airport in Nairobi?
No, RDI will arrange transportation to and from the airport, provided your stay coincides with the dates of the membership meeting. You will receive information about the airport pickup and dropoff times before the event. We will provide wheelchair accessible transportation to those members who have informed us of this need. If you require special assistance but did not indicate this on your registration form, please email us to let us know.

Where is the meeting being held?
The meeting will take place at the Novotel Nairobi Westlands. Westlands is an urban district with many shopping malls. 

What meals will be provided?
RDI will provide dinner on Tuesday, 30 June, lunch and dinner on Wednesday 1 July and lunch on 2 July. Your hotel reservation includes breakfast. There will also be coffee breaks on Wednesday and Thursday.

Are there risks tied to the Ebola outbreak in Africa?
The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and the African Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has classified it as a Public Health Event of Continental Security. Kenya is one of 10 countries named by the African CDC as “at risk” of being affected by the Ebola outbreak. As of today, 9 June 2026, there have been no cases of Ebola reported in Kenya. The nearest outbreak is over 2,000 km away. RDI is monitoring the situation closely and will inform you of any changes that may affect our Membership Meeting or your travel to Kenya. It is possible that you will undergo additional health screening at the airport to protect against the transmission of Ebola, similar to what you may have seen during the Covid-19 outbreak (heat sensors, cameras, etc).

Do I need to take medication to prevent malaria?
The RDI Membership meeting will take place in a hotel in central Nairobi, which is not considered a risk area for malaria. Late June/early July is also not considered to be a high season for mosquito-borne illnesses. However, you should still try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by wearing long-sleeved clothing outdoors and using mosquito repellent. If you are traveling outside of Nairobi, please be informed of the malaria risk in the area you are visiting, as risks are higher outside of Nairobi. Please note that RDI will not cover any expenses, such as vaccines and malaria prophylaxis, associated with travel/tourism unrelated to the Membership Meeting.

Do I need to get any other vaccines?
As mentioned above, some people may need proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter Kenya. You can find the list of countries where yellow fever is considered endemic here. The vaccination must be completed 10 days before your arrival. For other recommended vaccines, such as Hepatitis A, please check the information on recommended vaccines from your government or speak to your doctor.

Does RDI provide health or travel insurance?
No, RDI does not provide health or travel insurance to members. You are strongly advised to ensure that you are covered by travel insurance that covers medical care in Kenya as well as medical evacuation.

I have a medical condition. Is there anything I should do to inform the team?
Please prepare a brief summary of your medical condition, including any special precautions that must be taken and any medications that you are currently taking, and keep this document with you during your stay in Kenya. We will provide you with information on emergency medical services during your stay. If you live with a condition that could make it difficult for you to communicate, such as epilepsy, please let us know. We will keep this information confidential and only share it with the medical staff. 

Please ensure you have sufficient medication for your trip and carry a copy of your prescription.

Refrigerators are available in each room if needed to store medication.

Is it safe to drink the water in Nairobi? 
It is recommended to drink only bottled or boiled water in Kenya. It is safe to use the tap water to brush your teeth, but you are advised not to drink it. The hotel provides each room with 2 bottles of water daily.

Is it safe to eat fresh fruits and vegetables?
It is generally safe to eat raw fruits and vegetables in the hotel or established restaurants, but as in many other parts of the world, you should be cautious when purchasing food from street vendors and opt for fruits that can be peeled and packaged items. 

Do I need to worry about security?
The area around the hotel is safe, but please take precautions as you would in any urban environment. There are two large shopping malls nearby, and both have heightened security measures, such as searching of bags upon entry. 

Petty crime remains the primary concern for visitors, particularly in Nairobi’s central business district and tourist areas. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid walking alone at night, and use reputable transport. Uber is safe to use. 

Please ensure that you keep your passport and other important documents in a safe place, such as the hotel safe. It is generally advisable when traveling to keep a copy of your passport just in case it is lost or stolen.

Currency
The currency is Kenya is Kenyan Shillings (KES). You can pay for most purchases with a card. 

Electricity
Kenya uses Type G plugs (UK-style, 240V). 

Communication
Local SIM cards (Safaricom) are affordable and available at the airport. The hotel has wifi. 

Do I need to prepare anything for the meeting?
Members are asked to prepare this slide to introduce your organization on Tuesday evening. Everyone will be given two minutes maximum to present their organization, one recent achievement, and one goal. To give everyone a chance to share, we will adhere to a strict 2-minute time limit. We will also share the slides with attendees after the meeting. Please email your completed slide to comms@rarediseasesint.org. If you have any issues inputting the photos, feel free to attach them to your email and we will insert them for you.

If you would like to provide more information about your organization, feel free to bring printed materials to distribute, or to send additional information to be included in the digital member information packet to be distributed to attendees after the meeting.

What is the dress code?
There is no particular dress code for the Membership Meeting itself. We will hold the Aurora Awards Dinner on Wednesday 1 July. We encourage you to wear something special to the dinner – whether it’s a a smart elegant outfit and/or a traditional or unique touch from your country or culture.  

The average temperature in Nairobi in late June is 18 degrees celsius. We recommend that you dress in layers as it can be cool in the evenings, with occasional rain.

How can I visit Nairobi after the meeting?
Accessible Travel offers wheelchair-accessible visits to local attractions in Nairobi.