Final report on studying physics in Kenya

Computer Simulation with Dr. Barve was programming with Visual Basic and the simulation of simple experiments, like lenses. Mathematical Physics and Solid State Physics were both offered by Dr. Gwaki in a very good quality. Mathematical Physics was mainly covering function theory and Solid State Physics was presented very detailed. Dr. Gwaki was very serious in his teaching and always open for questions in his office. Statistical Physics with Dr. Monyonko had also very good tutorials. Electrodynamics with Prof. Malo had a very good outline. But there was not enough time to cover everything.

The main difference to my home university was the lack of frequent tutorial sheets and combined tutorial lessons. In general the professors gave out two tutorials per semesters. Certainly there were no offered tutorial lessons, but it was always possible to ask the professor for assistance at any time.

Very interesting to me was the difference in a bachelor and masters system compared to the German diploma. There was a strong class feeling due to the fact that many lessons especially the core courses were spent together. The idea of being in a certain class with even a class representative was very new to me. The communication among the students was very strong and was expressed in frequent bible talks and well organized official events. In general, the students pay a lot attention to their dress. So it is quiet normal to come to the lecture in a suit. The students are very motivated and the most have the ambition to go abroad for doing their masters. The Brain Drain is of course understandable for the individual, but a big problem for all third world countries.

In conclusion, I would say that in less developed countries like Kenya, which are looking optimistically to a progressive future, engineering or medicine is much more respected than physics. But I think that it is quiet understandable. In the short term physics without practical applications is only expensive and not competitive to Western research. So it earns a lot of respect for being so anxious to establish a physical department in Kenya.

Extra Curricular Activities

Next to the university it was possible to get involved in many different activities and studies. So in the beginning with a private teacher we learned the basics of Kiswahili, the most common language in Kenya next to English. In Alliance Francaise, the French cultural institute, I participated in a 4 weeks intensive language course each semester. I really improved my French, although every day 90 minutes from Monday to Friday was quiet tough. During the second semester, I participated in a three month Arabic course. This was following my growing interest in the Muslim-Arabic culture, which started in Kenya by coming in contact to this culture. Although the style of teaching the Arabic language was quiet outdated, it was very interesting to come in discussion with the classmates, who were all Muslims.

In the beginning of the year 2006, I joined with Malte a Kenpo class. That is an Afro-American style of Karate. Our coach Bob was one of the most impressive characters I met in Kenya. With the time I felt that the training was able to well-balance me for daily life. And in the end, when I had my purple belt Bob was quiet right when he said we will leave Kenya as martial artists now.

Life in Nairobi

Although Nairobi is rated by the UN as among the most insecure cities in the world we had besides one case no bad experiences. But I have to admit that our awareness for the danger rose with the time of our stay. In the beginning we ignored a lot of warnings.

First of all Nairobi is in my mind a town with many cultural activities. An original selection of movies was shown in the free cinema of Alliance Francaise weekly. There were plenty movie festivals. We enjoyed musicals in the National Theatre and the Goethe Institute organised book launches and public readings. The Goethe Institute is only one example for the variety of the local German community facilities. The German Lutheran church organised besides church services second hand markets or discussion rounds like about journalism in Africa. In this context, I have also to mention the German school with several public events.

Due to the stay in the student hostels we experienced the Kenyan life very closely. Our student hostel had a very good location in Nairobi. We could walk to town and just next to the campus was the wonderful Arboretum Park, where we went for picnics from time to time.

Kenya - A Beautiful Nation

We also had the opportunity to discover Kenya during our holidays. Kenya offers white beaches at the Indian Ocean, desserts in the north, mountains with snow, rainforests, savannas, huge animals, an impressive cultural diversity and much more.

During our Christmas holidays in December and January we were climbing Mt. Kenya in an organised trip with 20 people.

The majority was Kenyan and so it was not one of those expensive trips for foreigners. We really had a good time. Mt. Kenya is with 5,200 m the second highest point in Africa. Without climbing you can only hike upto 4,985 m. But it was a great challenge and despite the height-sickness we all made it.

There was still time left to explore the coast. Especially the Arabic influenced Swahili culture was fascinating for me.

After the first semester in March we organised our own trip to Mt. Kenya. An expedition without any guides and porters. Accompanied by Lino, a German friend, we went up for nine days. For me personally, the organisation was a great challenge and the most intensive nature experience.

Finally when we finished the second semester we also looked out for new experiences. Malte and I had the idea to cross the Kakamega rainforest by foot. The Kakamega forest is with a diameter of around 40 kilometres the last left over rainforest. But we had a wrong idea of the forest. A green wall made it impossible.

After all, I am convinced that we used our time in Kenya in the best way and there are enough reasons to come back.

Berlin-Nairobi-Exchange

At this point, I want to thank the Berlin-Nairobi Exchange for making this eventful and challenging year possible. Especially I want to thank the initiator for giving me the chance to study in Kenya. With the long lasting experience of the exchange it was a great facilitation to settle in quickly. The own little incredible library and all the items of our predecessors I am holding in high esteem. The exchange students have established many contacts, which we were able to continue. For example to the DAAD or the German Stammtisch, a round table to talk German for everybody who is interested. Overall, I think the Berlin-Nairobi Exchange has become a well known institution in Nairobi.

Conclusion

There is no doubt at all that this year was just an incredible intensive experience like never before and I want to thank everyone who made it possible. I am convinced that, supported by many personal contacts, my relation to Kenya will go far beyond this year. Despite some difficulties it is possible to study physics in Kenya.