Congress Information

Everything you need to know about africaSTEMI Live! 2026 — your destination, venue, travel, visas, and what to expect from Nairobi.

Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
6–9 May 2026
Nairobi, Kenya
1,000+
Expected Delegates
28+
Countries
4
Congress Days
10+
Workshops

Destination

Welcome to Kenya —
The Heart of East Africa

Kenya is one of Africa's most vibrant, diverse and welcoming nations. From its world-famous wildlife to its thriving capital city, Kenya offers delegates an unforgettable congress experience alongside extraordinary natural and cultural riches.

Kenya sits astride the equator on Africa's eastern coast, bordering Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia, with a long Indian Ocean coastline to the east. It is home to 56 million people across 47 counties and more than 40 distinct ethnic communities, making it one of the continent's most culturally rich societies.

Nairobi, the capital, is East Africa's undisputed financial, diplomatic and commercial hub. At an altitude of 1,795 metres, it enjoys a temperate climate year-round — earning the nickname "the city in the sun." Nairobi is home to the headquarters of two UN agencies (UNEP and UN-Habitat), over 100 embassies and high commissions, and a rapidly growing tech and innovation ecosystem that has earned the city the moniker "Silicon Savannah."

Kenya is renowned globally for its extraordinary biodiversity. The Masai Mara National Reserve — just 5 hours from Nairobi — hosts the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the world's greatest natural spectacles. For delegates with extra time before or after the congress, world-class safari and beach experiences are easily accessible.

English is an official language, widely spoken across the country, making Kenya one of Africa's most accessible destinations for international delegates. The country runs on Kenya Shillings (KES), with major credit cards and widely accepted in Nairobi.

Kenya at a Glance
  • CapitalNairobi (pop. ~5 million)
  • Population~56 million (2024)
  • Official LanguagesEnglish & Swahili
  • CurrencyKenya Shilling (KES) — widely accepted
  • Time ZoneEAT (UTC+3) — no daylight saving
  • Power240V / 50Hz — UK 3-pin (Type G)
  • Dialling Code+254
  • Climate in May17–24°C, long rains season — pack a light layer

Entry Requirements

Visa Information
for Kenya

Kenya operates an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system for all visitors. Most nationalities can apply online before travel. Below is a summary of current requirements — always verify with the official Kenyan immigration portal before travelling.

Kenya eTA — Electronic Travel Authorisation

Since January 2024, Kenya replaced the previous visa-on-arrival system with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for all foreign nationals, regardless of nationality. This includes citizens of countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access.

The eTA must be applied for online before departure and is linked electronically to your passport. You cannot obtain one on arrival at the airport.

Good news for most delegates: The eTA is available to nationals of all countries. The standard processing time is 3–5 business days, and the fee is for most applicants.
Apply early: We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow for processing time and any follow-up queries from immigration authorities.
How to Apply for the Kenya eTA
1
Visit the Official Portal

Go to etakenya.go.ke — the official Kenya government eTA application portal. Beware of third-party websites that charge additional fees.

2
Create an Account

Register with a valid email address. You will use this account to track your application status.

3
Complete the Application Form

Provide your personal details, passport information, travel dates, accommodation address in Kenya, and purpose of visit (select Conference / Business).

4
Upload Documents

Required documents typically include: a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date), a passport-size photograph, return flight booking, and proof of accommodation (your hotel confirmation from Argyle Grand Hotel).

5
Pay the Fee

Pay the application fee online via credit or debit card. Keep the payment receipt.

6
Receive Your eTA

You will receive your approved eTA by email within 3–5 business days. Print a copy or save it on your phone to present on arrival at JKIA. The eTA is typically valid for 90 days and allows a stay of up to 90 days.

If you require an invitation letter for your visa or eTA application, please contact the congress secretariat at [email protected] well in advance of your travel date.
Document Requirements

Ensure you have the following documents before applying and travelling:

  • Valid passport — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Must have at least one blank page.
  • Approved eTA — printed copy or digital copy on your device.
  • Return/onward flight ticket — proof that you will be leaving Kenya.
  • Hotel confirmation — Argyle Grand Hotel booking confirmation.
  • Proof of sufficient funds — bank statement or credit card. Recommended minimum /day.
  • Yellow Fever vaccination — required if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination.
Health & Vaccination Requirements

Yellow Fever: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Nairobi is classified as low-risk for Yellow Fever due to its altitude.

Malaria: Nairobi city itself is at low risk of malaria due to its altitude (1,795m). However, if you plan to visit lower-altitude areas such as the coast or safari parks, consult your doctor about anti-malarial prophylaxis before travel.

Routine vaccines: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended by most travel medicine specialists for Kenya.

Consult a travel medicine clinic or your GP at least 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised vaccination and health advice for Kenya.
Official Resources

Always use official government sources for visa and eTA applications:

eTA Kenya Portal (etakenya.go.ke) Kenya Immigration Service Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Need an Invitation Letter?

The congress secretariat can provide an official invitation letter to support your eTA or visa application. Please submit your request with adequate lead time.

[email protected] +254(0)790 111999
Quick Facts
  • eTA Fee:
  • Processing time: 3–5 business days
  • eTA validity: 90 days from issue
  • Maximum stay: 90 days per visit
  • Passport validity required: 6 months beyond travel
  • East African citizens: May qualify for free eTA — check portal
Disclaimer: Visa and entry requirements can change. This information was current at time of publication. Always verify the latest requirements through official channels before travelling.

Congress Venue

Argyle Grand Hotel
Syokimau, Nairobi

africaSTEMI Live! 2026 will be hosted at the Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport — a hotel located on Mombasa Road in Syokimau, directly opposite Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Mombasa Road, Syokimau

The Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport is a landmark property on Mombasa Road in Syokimau, located directly opposite Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Opened to international acclaim, the hotel offers world-class facilities in a striking contemporary building with unrivalled convenience for arriving delegates.

Syokimau is a rapidly growing commercial suburb on the southern edge of Nairobi, directly adjacent to JKIA. The hotel's airport-facing location means delegates can walk or take a 5-minute drive from the terminal — no cross-city traffic to navigate.

Delegates attending africaSTEMI Live! 2026 will benefit from purpose-built conference facilities, high-speed connectivity throughout the venue, and a range of on-site dining and hospitality options — all within a single world-class property.

High-speed Wi-Fi throughout
Purpose-built conference centre
Swimming pool & spa
Multiple restaurants & bars
Fitness centre
Ample parking on-site
24-hour concierge
Airport transfer service
Hotel Website
Address & Contact

Argyle Grand Hotel
Mombasa Road,
Mombasa Road, Syokimau
Kenya

+254 709 291 000 Open in Google Maps
Congress Rate Accommodation

Special congress room rates have been negotiated for africaSTEMI delegates. Book early to secure your preferred room type at the preferred rate.

Quote "africaSTEMI 2026" when making your reservation to access the discounted congress rate.

Book at Argyle Grand

Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport, Syokimau

View on Google Maps

Travel Guide

Getting to the
Argyle Grand Hotel

The Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport is located on Mombasa Road in Syokimau, directly opposite Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) — approximately 1–2 km from the terminal. Multiple transfer options are available for all budgets.

From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) ~1–2 km  |  3–8 min from the terminal
Option 1 — Hotel Airport Transfer ~35 min
Arrive at JKIA — International Arrivals

Clear immigration, collect luggage and proceed through customs to the arrivals hall.

2
Meet your hotel driver

The hotel is directly opposite the airport — a short taxi or hotel shuttle ride of just a few minutes. Pre-booked hotel transfers are available; contact the hotel in advance.

Most comfortable option
Arrive at Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport, Syokimau

Door-to-door service direct to the hotel entrance on Mombasa Road, Syokimau.

Option 2 — Uber / Bolt (Ride-hailing) 25–50 min
Exit JKIA Arrivals Hall

Connect to airport Wi-Fi or use roaming data. Open the Uber or Bolt app.

2
Request a ride to "Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport"

Both Uber and Bolt operate widely at JKIA. Set your destination as Argyle Grand Hotel, Mombasa Road, Syokimau, Kenya. Wait at the designated ride-hailing pickup zone outside arrivals.

Uber / Bolt app
Arrive at Argyle Grand Hotel

Journey typically takes 25–50 minutes depending on time of day. Nairobi traffic can be heavy during peak hours (7–9am, 5–8pm).

Tip: Avoid travelling during peak traffic hours if possible. Early morning (before 7am) and late morning (after 10am) arrivals will experience significantly shorter journey times.
Option 3 — Licensed Airport Taxi
Exit JKIA and proceed to the official taxi rank

Official licensed airport taxis are found immediately outside the arrivals terminal. Look for the official Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) taxi desk inside arrivals.

Negotiate fare to Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport, Syokimau

Agree the fare before entering the vehicle.

Official airport taxi
Safety note: Only use licensed airport taxis from the official rank or a pre-booked hotel transfer. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers from individuals approaching you in the terminal.
From Nairobi CBD (Central Business District) ~4 km  |  10–30 min depending on traffic
Option 1 — Uber / Bolt 10–30 min
Open Uber or Bolt from anywhere in the CBD

Both apps are widely used in Nairobi CBD. Search for Argyle Grand Hotel, Mombasa Road, Syokimau, Kenya.

2
Route via Haile Selassie Avenue or Hospital Road

From the CBD, take Mombasa Road southbound towards JKIA. The hotel is on the left just before the airport. Your driver will navigate using GPS.

10–30 min
Arrive at Argyle Grand Hotel

Drop-off at the main entrance on Mombasa Road, Syokimau, Kenya.

Option 2 — Matatu (Public Minibus) 15–40 min
Board a Route 111 or Route 58 matatu from the CBD

Head to Kencom Bus Stop or Archives Bus Stop on Moi Avenue in the CBD. Board a matatu heading towards Syokimau / Mombasa Road / JKIA.

2
Alight at Syokimau / Mombasa Road

Ask the conductor to drop you at Mombasa Road, Syokimau near the Argyle Grand Hotel. The fare is paid in cash .

Matatu (most local option)
Short walk or boda-boda to hotel

From the matatu stop on Mombasa Road, Syokimau the hotel is within a short walk. A boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) can also take you the final stretch for .

Option 3 — On Foot (from Syokimau / nearby hotels)

If you are already staying near Syokimau or along Mombasa Road, the Argyle Grand Hotel is easily walkable or a very short ride. Allow 5–10 minutes on foot from nearby accommodation.

Argyle Grand Hotel, Mombasa Road, Syokimau, Kenya

Mombasa Road, Syokimau, Kenya

Open in Google Maps
Congress Shuttle: A complimentary shuttle service between select Nairobi hotels and the Argyle Grand Hotel is being arranged for congress days. Details will be confirmed in delegate registration packs. Contact the secretariat for updates.