Kenya Aid update: Mulgoa Road jazz night

Big thanks to Dr Sheen and the Mulgoa Road Jazz Band for Friday night's event to raise money for Kenya Aid.

The raffle was a huge success and the night filled with smooth jazz and a family fun talent show. Dr Ryan presented and gave a speech on the evening, with Dr James fielding questions from the crowd.

Congratulations to the winners and all those who supported our malaria program through their generous donations.

Kenya Aid update: photos from the field!

Finally we have the first photos from the new Kenya Aid clinic construction site! We are all very excited to see the progress that has been made - nice new sign, some serious foundations, and a lot of work being done!

Kenya Aid update: Miss World event

It's been way too long since the last update, but we had been furiously busy with preparations for the Miss World Australia crowning event where, thanks to the lovely girls who helped us, raised close to $3000 for the new clinic.

A big thanks to all those that helped organise the event - Danielle Tan, Mike, Ryan and James, plus those who helped on the night. Not least Miss Australia 2007 Caroline Pemberton for her lasting support of Kenya Aid.

Thanks also to all who bought raffle tickets and auction items on the night, plus our generous sponsors - Janssen Cosmeticuticals, Australian Wild Escapes and Parade Jewellers.

Last but not least, congratulations to the new Miss World Australia Katie Richardson!

Kenya fast facts: smoking in Kenya

Now, here's some good news! Smoking has been banned in public places in three of the major cities in Kenya - Nairobi, Mombassa and Nakuru.

Breaking the law could mean a 2000 shilling fine, or jail time... even for international travellers :)

Luckily we weren't caught by the police last time, but rather stopped by a concerned passer by who hurriedly told a shall-remain-nameless doctor to put his cigarette out before he copped a fine.

Said doctor was slightly surprised at the time, but now I have PROOF that this rule is in fact law (see local laws).

It might be one small and rather irrelevant victory for the anti-smoking campaign, but I'll take all I can get! :)

Kenya news: DFAT relaxes travel warnings

Well here's a good sign that things are on the mend in Kenya - DFAT has recently relaxed its travel warnings to Kenya from 'Reconsider your need to travel' to 'High degree of caution'; pretty much the standard for any travel within Africa.

This is good news for our would be volunteers, excellent news for our return trip this December, and even better news for the Kenyan people who are now returning to some form of stability.