Nairobi, Kenya

Concentrations: African Culture & Society

                               Business, Law & Diplomacy

                               Environmental Studies & Ecology Management

                               Journalism, Communications & Mass Media

                               Psychology, Sociology & Human Behavior

                               Tourism & Hospitality Management

                               Wildlife Management

The capital city of Kenya since 1905, Nairobi is the largest city in East Africa. Originally, the site was chosen as a stop on the railway between Mombasa (then the capital of Kenya) and Kampala (the capital of Uganda), and because its elevation was cool enough for comfortable living and does not sustain mosquitoes.

British colonial settlers were primarily interested in the big game hunting, and developed hotels, game reserves and safari companies. Nairobi quickly became known as the Safari Capital, a name which it still holds today. Although the Maasai tribe that originally inhabited the area were displaced by British settlement, the population continued to grow with settlers from other British colonies that flocked to Nairobi.

Today, Nairobi is a multicultural center for international organizations in East Africa. The UN has its East African headquarters there, as well as Coca-Cola, General Electric and other multinational companies. Wealth is unevenly distributed in Nairobi, and this disparity can be seen in the large mansions overlooking the slums.

Founded in 1969, United States International University is the first private secular university in Kenya. Originally in cooperation with Alliant International University, USIU became independent in 2004. The university is accredited in Kenya by the Commission for Higher Education and in the US by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

What makes USIU different?

• Classes in English
• Premier business school in East Africa
• 3,420 students, 55% female
• 50 nationalities, from Africa, Asia, Europe and America
• Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Beautiful secure campus, landscaped with native plants

Courses are offered at USIU. KEI students are integrated with Kenyan and international students from around the world. Courses are taught in English.

Most courses at USIU are awarded 3 credits. Program transcripts are issued by USIU. Students should consult with the study abroad and/or academic advisor at their university about course selection and approval, credit transfer, and program transcripts.

Internship placement is based on professional interests. Positions are available in business, marketing, finance, communications, environmental science, hospitality, journalism and public relations. Below is a sample list of companies where USIU students interned in the past. Actual placement may be at different companies.

• Kenya Breweries
• Nairobi National Park
• Nairobi Radio
• Coca-Cola
• Red Cross
• Wildlife Preserves

KEI students at USIU live in one of two university residence halls, known as hostels. These halls are typical dormitory-style, with double rooms along a hall and a common bathroom.

Each room has two beds, two desks, chairs and wardrobes. Occupants of four rooms share a communal bathroom. Common rooms, TV rooms and study rooms on each floor offer the opportunity to meet USIU students. RAs live in each hostel to guarantee security and to facilitate exchange among students.

Patrick Mulindi is the KEI On-Site Coordinator in Nairobi. Patrick is a professor of tourism and hospitality management at the university. His warm smile and welcoming personality make every KEI student's time in Kenya memorable.

Patrick will meet students at the airport, accompany the group during orientation and excursions, and mediate any problems or conflicts you might have. He is available at any hour by mobile phone. Patrick has plenty of experience working with international students, so don't be afraid to approach him with questions about Kenyan culture!

Each semester and summer, we organize a series of excursions designed to show you the breadth of Kenyan culture, environment and society. Destinations change often, but the following excursions recur nearly every semester.

KEI reserves the right to change listed excursions for destinations of equal value and interest. Excursions may change based on availability, local festivals, and interest.

• Nairobi National Park (NNP)
• Bomas of Kenya
• Maasai Mara Reserve
• Rift Valley
• Mombasa and the coast (overnight)