| SUMMER 1962. |
| POSSIBLE POSTINGS NO. 6. |
| by D.T.J. |
| Kenya |
| Kenya lies on the East Coast of Africa, bordered to the North by Somaliland on the South by Tanganyika, and on the West and South by Uganda. |
| The majority of the inhabitants are coloured including about 15% of Indian origin. There is also a fairly large number of White Settlers although many have now begun to leave because of the domestic upheaval. |
| After a long period as a happy and contented colony a great movement for self-government has been gathering force since about 1950 and has now reached the stage where the leading African politicians are demanding 'Uhuru' or Freedom at once. The leading African is a man called Jomo Kenyatta who was imprisoned by the British for many years after leading the Mau Mau uprising. |
| There are still a large number of British troops in Kenya at two main Garrison Centres at Gilgil and Kahowa. Also a number of British soldiers are serving with the King's African Rifles and their allied supporting units. The troops are responsible for the internal security of the country but they are also called on frequently to take part in exercises outside Kenya and to help in domestic catastrophes such as famine and flood relief. It is undoubtedly an ideal country for realistic training and many interesting exercises are run. |
| THE CLIMATE OF KENYA |
| It gets neither very hot nor very cold at any time of the year and most people find Kenya an invigorating country. It is true however that travelling by car during the so-called dry season can be unpleasant because of the dust thrown up from the dirt roads which exist outside the boundaries of all but the largest towns. Khaki Drill is worn throughout the year and at worst it is only necessary to wear a pullover over one's shirt in winter. |
| Nairobi the capital city, is at 6,500 feet above sea level and because of this it is a little cooler than the rest of the country at night. It makes up however for this slight fault by having all the amenities one could wish for in a European city. |
| OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SOLDIER |
| Most soldiers spend at least one leave at the leave centre at Nyali, just outside Mombasa, the biggest port in Kenya. Here they are able to swim, laze, or go game fishing in the Indian Ocean, and also to sample the varied delights of Mombasa itself. |
| Big game hunting is very expensive and is beyond the means of soldiers, but all units run Safari trips, whereby big game can be photographed in natural surroundings. Kenya National Park, just outside Nairobi, is a delight for any naturalist or photographer. Most units also send parties to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and a few of the more experienced climb Mount Kenya. Both of these mountains are over 18,000 feet. |
| Kenya is probably one of the best stations left where British troops can serve and it is only the idle or the malcontent who does not thoroughly enjoy his time there. |
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