Information Note for Participants
MenEngage Africa SRHR Learning & Exchange Symposium (PROGRESS 2026): “Reclaiming Autonomy: Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Justice in the Face of Resistance”
1. Event at a Glance
Dates:
- Pre-Symposium: 10 – 11 August 2026
- Main Symposium 12 – 14 August 2026
Location: Mombasa, Kenya
Host Hotel / Venue: Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
Interpretation: Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, French and Portuguese. Participants must come with a headset for their own interpretation.
Dear Participant,
We are pleased to provide the following information regarding logistical arrangements for the upcoming MenEngage Africa SRHR Learning & Exchange Symposium (PROGRESS 2026). We hope that this information will assist you in your preparations before and during the event.
2. About the Symposium
PROGRESS 2026 is a continental learning and exchange platform that brings together SRHR advocates, practitioners, policymakers, academics, youth leaders, and partners to advance reproductive justice and strengthen SRHR outcomes across Africa. The symposium will build collaboration and practical action toward 2030.
3. Venue
The symposium will be held at:
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
Along Nyali / Malindi Highway, Mombasa, Kenya (North Coast – Bamburi area).
WiFi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for in-house guests across the resort, including conference rooms (except for restricted areas).
4. Registration & Accreditation
All participants must register and collect their badges at the symposium venue.
- Pre-symposium youth training (“The Lobbyist Playbook”) 10 – 11 August 2026: Registration opens at 10:00 on 8 August. Participants should arrive early to complete accreditation and should carry an invitation letter and a valid ID. The training equips young participants with advocacy skills, power analysis and stakeholder mapping, personal narrative development, communication strategies, self-care and resilience, and interactive play.
Day 2 covers meeting etiquette, the FRAME method (Facts, Reduce, Anecdotes, Map strategy, and Evaluate results), building alliances and preparing advocacy action plans. Participation requires separate registration.
- Interfaith Session, August 11 between 8:30 and 4pm, at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa: A dialogue for selected faith leaders, interfaith actors, gender justice advocates, and coalition partners.
The dialogue will explore interfaith approaches to advancing gender justice, identify faith-compatible messaging to counter anti-SRHR narratives, strengthen regional and national advocacy, and build collaboration among interfaith actors committed to advancing gender justice and resisting anti-rights movements. Attendance is by invitation only.
- Opening Ceremony: 11th August 2026 at 16H
Main symposium – 12–14 August 2026: Accreditation and badge collection opens at 08:00 on 11 August. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to ensure a smooth start.
5. Immigration Requirements – Kenya ETA
Kenya operates an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system. Most travelers are required to submit information prior to departure and obtain an approved eTA before travel.
- Apply online via the official portal: https://etakenya.go.ke/
- Apply as early as possible according to your travel dates and follow the document requirements on the portal.
6. Arrival, Airport & Transfers
Primary airport for Mombasa: Moi International Airport (MBA).
Airport transfers may be arranged directly with the host hotel. Indicative one‑way rates provided by Sarova Whitesands (subject to change):
Note: Group transfer rates (tour van/minibus/bus) will be communicated once confirmed.
7. Health Requirements
Yellow Fever: Travellers arriving in Kenya from countries where yellow fever is endemic should present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Please consult your clinician and confirm any transit-related requirements.
Ebola: The Government of Kenya has strengthened public health surveillance in response to Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of the African region. While there are no additional entry requirements for most travellers beyond those communicated by the Kenyan authorities, participants are encouraged to remain informed through official public health advisories before departure. As a precaution, participants should practise good hand hygiene, avoid contact with anyone who is visibly unwell or with bodily fluids, and follow any health screening or public health guidance issued at airports, border points, hotels, or the symposium venue. If you develop symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding before travelling or during your stay, seek medical attention immediately and inform the Symposium Secretariat.
Participants should:
- Check current travel and public-health advisories issued by the Kenya Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and the health authorities in their country of departure before travelling.
- Comply with any health screening procedures at airports, border points, the symposium venue or accommodation facilities.
- Avoid travelling if experiencing fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding or other serious symptoms, and seek medical advice immediately.
- Practise regular hand hygiene and avoid direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of anyone who is unwell.
- Avoid handling sick or dead animals and avoid consuming animal products from unsafe or unknown sources.
- Inform the Symposium Secretariat or the designated hotel health and safety focal person immediately if they become unwell during the event.
- Ensure that they have appropriate travel and medical insurance covering emergency healthcare and medical evacuation where applicable.
Participants travelling from or transiting through areas affected by Ebola should follow all applicable exit and entry screening requirements and retain any health documentation provided by the relevant authorities.
The Symposium Secretariat and Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa will follow guidance from the Kenya Ministry of Health and Mombasa County health authorities when managing any suspected infectious-disease incident. Health-related information will be treated confidentially, respectfully and without stigma or discrimination.
Participants will be informed if there are any significant changes to government health guidance, entry requirements or symposium arrangements. Because the public-health situation may change, all participants should check official guidance shortly before departure.
8. Currency
The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). ATMs and card payments are available in Mombasa; however, carrying some cash for local purchases and transport is recommended.
9. Pre-symposium and Symposium Programme & Meals
The pre-symposium and symposium meals, such as tea/coffee breaks and lunch arrangements, will be provided during official meeting days. Dietary requirements should be communicated here.
- Meeting hours: 08:00–17:00.
- Meals: Morning/afternoon tea breaks and lunch during meeting days (details to be confirmed).
10. Accommodation
Participants are encouraged to book accommodation early due to high demand in the coastal season.
A. Official Host Hotel
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
- Check‑in: 14:00 | Check‑out: 11:00
- Reservations/General: centralreservations@sarovahotel.com
- Event contact: Vera Moraa (Sales Account Manager) – vera.moraa@sarovahotels.com | Tel: +254 722 852 001
B. Nearby Hotels (close to Sarova Whitesands) – Check negotiated rate here
Note: Distances are indicative. Participants may choose other accommodation; however, any organiser-provided shuttle services (if applicable) may be limited to selected hotels.
11. Interpretation
Simultaneous interpretation will be available in French and Portuguese (in addition to English) during plenary sessions and selected sessions as indicated in the programme. Participants must bring a device (mobile phone, tablet, or laptop) and a headset for translation, as these will not be provided .
12. Internet / Connectivity
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for in-house guests at Sarova Whitesands, including,in accommodation rooms and conference areas (except restricted areas).
Participants may also plan for personal data access where needed.
13. Safeguarding, Inclusion & Conduct
The symposium is guided by principles of inclusivity, safeguarding, and respect for diversity. Participants are expected to engage respectfully and contribute to a safe, harassment‑free environment.
14. Contact
- Symposium Secretariat (for general enquiries): jude@genderjustice.org.za
- Logistics focal point: kanyisa@genderjustice.org.za
- Registration support: falone@genderjustice.org.za
- Safeguarding: josephine@genderjustice.org.za mpiwa@genderjustice.org.za
- Hotel / Venue contact (Sarova Whitesands): Vera Moraa – moraa@sarovahotels.com | +254 722 852 001
15. Quick Checklist
- Check current Ebola and other public-health advisories before travelling, obtain appropriate travel and medical insurance, and do not travel if experiencing serious symptoms.
- Apply for Kenya eTA (if required) before travel.
- Confirm Yellow Fever certificate requirements based on your itinerary/transit.
- Book accommodation early and confirm your airport transfer needs.
- Carry passport/ID, invitation/registration confirmation, and travel insurance (recommended).
- Please bring some cash for any miscellaneous expenses
- Share any accessibility or dietary needs with the Secretariat in advance.
