Kenya work trip (long, sorry)
I am due to travel to Nairobi, Kenya for work in early June. I would be there for 5 days. I will be 17 weeks. Work do not know I'm expecting. My role is to manage our global partner/distributor network and I'm going to set up a new partner, which a major part of is running training. I'm in a standalone role and it really should be me doing this. There are other people in the team who could deliver the training but I will have to pick up a lot of the extra set up remotely. If I wasn't pregnant, I'd be jumping at the opportunity. I have told the partner I'm expecting and they've been great. They have sent through a detailed itinerary with links to everywhere we will visit and the profile of the security firm they use. They have also reassured me that they don't want me to come if I won't be comfortable and will support whatever decision I make.
I've tried to do as much research and I waited until an early scan yesterday to confirm a heartbeat (mmc in 2021 before my son). I HAVE to make a decision by Monday to give time to any replacement to get vaccinated. I have also had my travel consultation at the doctors, who know I'm pregnant, and my midwife booking appt. Here's where I'm at:
Terror attacks: more common in cities but hasn't been an active issue since 2019. I naively don't feel worried about this. I won't be at any major hustly bustly parts of Nairobi and won't be going to any large events.
Kidnappings and violent crime: UK foreign office only advise against travel to near the Somalian border or near the coast, citing such risks. Nairobi Kidnappings seem to be more local and political. I will also have a private security firm looking after any travel I do there (which will be quite minimal).
Mosquito illnesses: slightly less of a concern in Nairobi. It's not a high malaria risk and no cases of zika have ever been reported in Nairobi. The only zika evidence they have is not from active outbreaks but from finding antibodies in people's blood, but only in villages bordering Uganda, which I won't be near. I'd still be super careful and DEET up etc but actually I'd be outside quite a limited time anyway.
Food hygiene: I can be as careful as possible in terms of what I eat and asking for well done etc but I have less control over how long buffet food has been out and whether people are rubbing their bodily fluids in my food in the kitchens (hopefully not of course) I think most of my meals will be at the hotel which is highly rated but this is still a consideration.
Hep A and Typhoid are the things I'd need to be vaccinated against. They are bodily fluid transfered so relate to the food concerns (as well as other illnesses). As far as I can see they're safe in pregnancy but naturally there isn't much data on it.
I'm either going to be at the hotel (where I'll be running training too) or at their offices (3 min drive) or spending half a day at a golf and Country club and then a reserve feeding giraffes, which is basically the only time I'll be outside unless I do try to get a bit of sun and swim time at the hotel pool the day I arrive. Edit: I actually think I would arrive too late for this!
I feel like I can mitigate the risks quite well but it obviously is still more of a risk than staying home and I don't want to be reckless. My husband said he doesn't feel super comfortable about it. He's more worried about the kidnapping whereas I'm more worried about the food/mozzies but he said he doesn't feel so strongly that he would put his foot down and say no.
Any thoughts and advice welcome!
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Ah this is such a tricky one. My gut reaction is don't go (does being pregnant make you a higher target for kidnap ... I don't know!). I gotta say the food would freak me out as well. It's a tough one but I'm not sure I would go but I'd be so gutted so fully appreciate that x
I think I would go. It’s a cool life opportunity for you and as a westerner on business you’ll be looked after so well. I’m sure you’d be staying at a top international hotel chain rather than some local place with chefs potentially lacking in hygiene quals.
It sounds like medically the risks are minimal with the vaccinations etc.
The food, you can be super selective about what you have.
As for the general security safety risk, you’re special just you on your own, if it’s something you’d do just you, I’d still do it me plus the baby inside me.
I would say not to go, as better not to risk anything (food, hygiene, toxins from overuse of deet etc) but only you can know in your gut what feels right for you. Listen to your instincts! Xx
I think it’s a go with your gut situation. If your worried about food, live on toast for 5 days. Pack packet foods in your case, as well as long life milk (if you’ve got a fridge in your hotel room). It sounds like you’ll be staying somewhere nice - what does the reviews say? If you’ve got a private security detail, I wouldn’t worry about kidnapping. Tbf, I went Kenya in 2011 on a safari trip and kidnapping never even crossed my mind. I knew the threat to get robbed but nothing happened at all.
But yeah, trust your gut and woman’s intuition.
I’m half Zimbabwean, and have traveled to Kenya and other African countries a number of times.
Personally I would feel comfortable taking this trip, but I would inform work that I was pregnant first. On this occasion, I would say they need to know to ensure they do a thorough risk assessment based on your situation.
Kenya is a beautiful country with amazing people, of course there are risks of travelling anywhere whilst pregnant but it given you have a clear travel itinerary from work the risks are significantly reduced.
I think the main thing to ask yourself, do you feel comfortable. If there is any looming anxiety hanging around, sit it out this time as it’s not worth putting yourself unnecessary stress.
I used to travel to Nairobi quite a lot when I worked in events and would go again if I had the opportunity. However if it’s going to cause you extra stress then maybe miss it.
Thank you everyone for your replies. I told work today about my pregnancy and the decision has been made that I won't go. The risk assessment process is quite complex and it's likely they would reject the travel request anyway. In that case it then becomes unfair on other colleagues having short notice for the trip, especially as they would need to get the vaccines. I'm gutted but also do feel I have had a weight lifted. Hopefully a family safari holiday will be on the cards in the future!
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