AMMREC - 2012

Location

Q: Where and when will the Africa Mobile Money Research (AMMREC2012) Conference be held?
A: The AMMREC2012 will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies (KSMS), on 2nd -3rd April 2012.

Q: Who is organizing the conference?
A: The Africa Mobile Money Research Centre (AMMREC) is organizing this conference. AMMREC is an interdisciplinary MM research initiative with a clear aim of enhancing MM adoption and impact in Africa through research. This is part of execution of the research strategy of the Centre of Computing for Development, a centre of excellence at the University of Nairobi that carries out multidisciplinary research in collaboration with internal and external partners.
The objectives of AMMREC are:

• To conduct research on relevant areas of MM
• To support development and piloting of MM applications
• To develop capacity in MM research
• To share the MM knowledge generated with researchers and practitioners

Q: How do I find my way after I arrive in Nairobi?
A: The conference committee will make arrangement with hotels near the KSMS which are a few minutes away. If you would be staying in a hotel other than those indicated please be informed that any shuttle service facilitated by AMMREC during the AMMREC2012 (April 2-3) is payable. More specific information, kindly write to ammrec2012@uonbi.ac.ke. There are alternative means as well, including taxi and the public bus transportation service to KSMS on Thika road. 
The conference committee does not have funds for air tickets, local transport or hotel for delegates. Please plan accordingly.
The Kenya Airways (KQ) will give 20% discount on any delegate who uses KQ flights. If you intend to use this airline, get in touch with the organizers at ammrec2012@uonbi.ac.ke

There are Taxis from the airport to hotels.

Registration

Q: How can I register for the AMMREC2012 Meeting in Nairobi?
A: Online Registration will be available on the AMMREC portal. Instructions shall be provided on the portal. All participants will be expected to show a government issued picture ID.
Q: How do we get our security badges?
A: Badges will be issued on site before the conference starts. Participants are required to go to the badging desks at KSMS with a copy of the registration form and a government issued picture ID. Participants are encouraged to collect their badges as early as possible after arrival to avoid congestion.
Q: How much do I have to pay to attend the conference?
A: There are three categories of registration fees:

• Local students (USD 15)
• East African Delegates (USD 50)
• International participants (USD 100)

Visas

Q: Do I need a visa or vaccination to enter Kenya?
A: Please check the visa and vaccination requirements from the embassy in your home country.
Q: How can I get a support letter for my visa if I need it?
A: Upon registration, you would receive a confirmation. This will be accepted as enough proof for visa requests. If you need further details, be free to write to ammrec2012@uonbi.ac.ke
Q: How do I get a local mobile phone line?
Mobile phone network providers Safaricom and Airtel are all at the airport.  You should be able to buy a pay-as-you-go sim card and top up and put it in your current mobile phone if you would like to be in contact with family at home or to contact us should you be stuck anywhere.
You might be required to give a copy of your passport when buying the sim card.
Q: What is the currency exchange rate?
A: The Kenya Shilling to USD rate is about 83.00 while the Kenya Shilling to EUR is about 109.00.
You can change or draw money at the banks or ATM machine on arrival at the airport.  Please note that changing money at the airport will be more convenient than changing it later

Q: What would it cost to take a taxi from the airport to Kenya School of Monetary Studies?
A: This price will certainly vary depending on the taxi company or driver. The price could range between KShs. 2000 and 3500.

Accommodation

Q: How do I get accommodation as I attend the conference?
A: AMMREC2012 has made arrangements with the following accommodation service providers. You are free to explore others in Nairobi. You are responsible for making bookings and paying for your accommodation. Below is a summary of single room, bed and breakfast.
Single Room