The East African Center for Law and Justice has an Internship program that mainly seeks to work with students doing law and political science, although practitioners in different areas are welcome. People doing law, political science, advocacy and media are eligible to apply. This includes professionals who are working but want a hiatus or need international experience. The EACLJ exists to campaign for the civil rights of the Kenyan people through policy enactment and legislation. Its main goal is to be a credible and reliable source of information of civil rights such as Human rights, good governance, public interest litigation, policy making & implementation, conflict management & resolution, women issues & gender equality.
Kenya as a country has been going through several changes in the political, social, economic and religious sectors. EACLJ's role is to ensure that there is a smooth transition in these different areas. The people need to have adequate knowledge and understanding of the different processes involved and the role they can play as citizens of this nation. EACLJ's most recent project was educating the people regarding the choice they were to make in the Referendum of the New Constitution.
The purpose of the EACLJ internship program is two fold. Interns will provide useful assistance for the organization while also gaining on the job training that will assist them with their future career search.
The Program
Interns will be recruited from both national and international universities. They will work for a period of not less than 3 months. The Internship program will accept a maximum of 3 interns at a go.
Objectives
Providing a 2 week training program for the interns that will cover
• Basic information on the EACLJ
• A background of the relevant issues to be addressed
• Training on the local laws and methods
Providing interns with an opportunity to foster personal development and career prospects.
Providing interns with a deeper understanding of the diverse and professional duties of handling interpersonal relationships and work complexities
Providing the interns with an opportunity to make valuable contributions, which would then lead to them having a better understanding of the world as a global village. The intern's thinking and general proficiency will be increased by their participation in this bi cultural exchange.
Activities
The Interns will have an opportunity to
Tour the local courts and the Kenyan Parliament;
Visit Arusha. The international interns will have a chance to see the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), The African Court of Justice and The East African Court of Justice (EACJ). They will also see the East Africa Legislative Council for an experience of international legislation drafting and enactment.
Carry out surveys, interviews, sit on panels and write for the newsletter.
Establish focus groups to discuss legislation that is passed and how it will affect people's lives.
The EACLJ understands that students are seeking opportunities that will stimulate them and provide real experience. As such, the Internship program will ensure the assignment of challenging programs and tasks. These will be coupled with adequate supervision by an assigned EACLJ member of staff.
An internship can only be a true learning experience if constructive feedback is provided. So there will be an effective evaluation focusing on the interns learning objectives that were identified at the start of the internship. The supervisors, who will be EACLJ members of staff, will take time to evaluate both a student's positive accomplishments and weaknesses. If an intern was unable to meet their learning objectives, then suggestions for improvements will be given to them.
International Students
Karibu is Swahili for Welcome. Welcome to Kenya. This section will provide you with basic information you should know about Kenya. It is intended as a very general guide, so do not limit yourself to it. We encourage you to do more research to be well prepared for your stay in Kenya. Just as we would a new full time employee, it is very important that interns be provided with a warm introduction to our organization. It will help ensure that you have an amazing time in a new cultural environment and make the most of your time here.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
Currency: Kenya shilling (Kshs). 1 USD is worth approximately Kshs. 89 while the Euro is approximately Kshs 110. You can use your bank card from your home bank account at most ATMs to withdraw money. Check with your bank to see if your card is usable abroad. Credit cards (mostly Visa and MasterCard) are taken in tourist places and upper end restaurants and boutiques. It is more common to use cash. Bring cash in a major currency to exchange for Kenya shillings.
Electric Voltage: Current is 220/240AC 50HZ.
Languages: Swahili and English are the official languages in Kenya. Swahili is the national language while English is the official language of business. Kenyans speak other local languages as well.
Holidays & Business Hours: In addition to Christmas and Easter holidays, Kenya celebrates nine public holidays. Most businesses, banks, schools and government offices remain closed during Kenyan public holidays. Labor day - May 1st, Madaraka Day (Independence to self rule) - June 1st, Mashuja (heroes) Day - October 20th, Jamhuri (Independence) Day - 12th December
Temperature: 45 - 93°F on average.
Time Zone: GMT +3
Topography: Low-lying coastal region fringed with coral reefs and islands; some dry regions covered with savannah and thorn bush; rich plateaus (highlands) as high as 10,000 ft.; and arid and semi-arid northern Kenya.
Internet code: .ke
Mobile (Cell) phone service providers: Safaricom, Airtel, YU, Orange
Religion: Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Islam 10%, Indigenous 10%, Other 2%
Information about Kenya
Information about Kenya
The Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa; Kenya is bordered by Somalia Ethiopia to the north, Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south. Lake Victoria is to the southwest and is shared between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya has numerous wildlife reserves, containing thousands of animal species. The capital city is Nairobi. Kenya's area is 580,000 km2 with a population of nearly 39 million which is diverse: more than 40 different ethnic groups are present. The country is named after Mount Kenya, a significant landmark and second among Africa's highest mountain peaks.
Kenya is a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President is both the head of state and head of government, and of a multiparty system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. On 28 February 2008, Kibaki and Odinga signed an agreement on the formation of a coalition government in which Odinga would become Kenya's second prime Minister. The office of the PM has the power and authority; to co-ordinate and supervise the functions of the Government. Kenya is a country of 47 counties each with its own government semi-autonomous to the central government in the capital, Nairobi.
The country's geography is as diverse as its people. It has a long coastline along the Indian Ocean and as you advance inland the landscape changes to savannah grasslands, arid and semi-arid bushes. The central regions and the western parts have forests and mountains while the northern regions are near desert landscapes
Transport
Transport
Transport in Kenya is affordable. There are various means of transport but you have not experienced Kenya until you experience the 'Matatus'.
Matatus
In Nairobi matatus, which originally meant, "thirty cents for a ride" (nowadays much more) are privately owned minibuses, and the most popular form of local transport and generally seat fourteen to twenty-four. Matatus operate within Nairobi and from Nairobi to other towns. Matatus plying specific routes have specific route numbers. Matatus were easily distinguishable by their extravagant paint schemes.
Buses
Buses are increasingly common in the city. The three bus companies operating the city routes are the traditional Kenya Bus Service (KBS), and newer private operators Citi Hopper and Double M. The Citi Hoppa buses are distinguishable by their green livery, the Double M buses are painted purple while the KBS buses are painted blue.
Smartbus
Smartbus-Kenya is the latest bus operator in Kenya and serves Nairobi and the areas around it. Passengers have a smartcard which they must swipe in order to gain access to the vehicle. Passengers top up their smartcard and the fare is deducted from the amount of money in the account. The fare is determined by the point at which the passenger enters and the point at which the passenger exits the bus.
Taxi
Taxis are available in most parts of the city. They are costly in comparison to matatus and buses but are a safer and more convenient form of transport. They park outside most hotels, at taxi ranks in the city centre and at shopping malls.
Travel Arrangements
Travel Arrangements
Visa Information
Before you buy your airline ticket to Kenya, you want to be sure that you either have everything you need or will be able to get it once you arrive in Kenya. Depending on your nationality or country of origin, you may need to apply for and receive a visa before visiting Kenya. It is important that you do so immediately upon making the decision to travel to the country, and that you make sure your visa does not expire during your travel. You can apply for and get a Kenya visa from your nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.
If you are an American or European citizen, you will need a visa to enter Kenya. Also, make sure you have a current and valid passport, that it is not about to expire. Expect that your passport could take up to six weeks to arrive, so make sure you plan well in advance for your passport needs. As a rule, your passport should expire no sooner than six months before the end your travel.
When making preparations for your passport, it is advisable to make several copies of the actual passport or visa (in addition to the original). This is for your own safety because the last thing you want to do is to be out of your home country without any way to provide proof of your identity, should you lose your passport. You should leave one of the copies at home before you travel, just in case. When you travel with the original passport, always keep it locked up safely, in a hotel safe or other secure location.
Health
Before you travel to Kenya, make sure that you are up to date on all immunizations. Although there are currently no inoculations that you must have when travelling to Kenya, if you intend to visit other countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Egypt, or other such areas that may be deemed infected, you will need inoculations. In such cases, you should make sure you have the following immunizations (depending on the specific area you intend to visit):
Hepatitis (A and B)
Typhoid
Tetanus
Yellow Fever
Malaria Prescription
Other health advice when travelling to Kenya is to make sure you protect yourself from Mosquito bites, which could lead to malaria. Some protective measures against mosquito bites include wearing long sleeved shirts/blouses and long pants, using mosquito repellent with a minimum of 30 percent DEET, and using mosquito nets. If you will be travelling to the Kenyan coast or Western Kenya, it is advisable to take anti-malaria pills.
Look into purchasing travel and medical insurance while abroad, just in case something happens. These types of short-term insurance services are available through some travel agencies and medical insurance companies. They may also be part of the services you already receive with your credit cards, so check with your credit card company. It is better to play it safe than end up sorry.
Accommodation
EACLJ will help you find a place to stay. Generally you can expect to pay roughly 215 USD a month for your room. Apartments are not luxurious, but they are clean and comfortable.
Work Ethic
Work Ethic
Your Responsibilities as an Intern
Do your job with a positive attitude and to the best of your abilities
Complete expectation setting with us so we both can ensure we are meeting each other's expectations.
Help us help you. This is only possible if you communicate with us about any problems, concerns and expectations. Many things may not be obvious to us and we need you to tell us. Ask us lots of questions!!!
Never miss a social event because this is where you get to interact with members of different communities.
Our Responsibilities as Hosts
Communicate with you before you arrive to ensure you are prepared for your trip.
Pick you up at the point of your arrival.
Help you with arranging accommodation
Help you with all the regular daily functions (shopping, taking the bus)
Take you to the organization on the first day of your internship.
Be there to answer questions and provide support whenever we can.
Help you get integrated into the culture.
And provide activities that can teach you about the Kenyan culture and lifestyle.
