| kima556020:35 UTC30 Nov 2007 | It happens to many of us: you get out of the arrival hall at Jomo Kenyatta Airport late because of delayed luggage delivery or whatever, now there's no time left to search around in the city for a suitable accommodation and you did not book any ahead of time. So you admit suggestions from the friendly folks working for the agents in the arrival area where you also change your first money. You chose a hotel for the rate that suits you, expecting services to be according. The agent asures you get a deal not over the rack rate as he has his commission. In town at your hotel you learn you've paid the agent 25% above the published rack rate of your hotel. Don't spoil your time by being angry or frustrated. There is a way to solve things. Next time you come through the airport, probably on your way out, you can talk to one of these friendly people dressed with yellow jackets who all over the facilities organize the correct functioning of affairs. Kenya Airpots Authority will take care of you. It ocurred to me to explain our experiences with one particular agent outside to them when leaving the country, being already on the other side of immigration in the duty free area. This more for the reason to kill time rather than hunting down those who cheated us. I almost couldn't believe the way Mrs. Ruth from the KAA attended us at a desk in the entrance of the VIP lounge (close to gate 6) where we were led by her colleagues. Within half an hour she 'convinced' the agent who admitted a 'mistake' and excused to us, she went out to see the agent personally and came back with US$ for us, the amount we were overcharged according to her understanding (and our's compared to the agent's promises). Mrs. Ruth insisted that it is her duty to help tourists and see that they are treated fairly. She said Kenya wants to promote itself by quality services. She surely contributed to this aim. Luckily not all state authorities in this country are as corrupt as one can come to think when reading other experiences in this thread. I suggest that if unhappy about the way you were treated especially at the airport, talk to KAA. Keep moving and looking around!
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