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Kenya
- Travelers to Kenya face moderate to high risks including street crime, terrorism, kidnapping near the Somali border, and road safety issues; these concerns are most acute in major cities and near border regions.
- Crime rates are highest in Nairobi followed by Mombosa. Common crimes include muggings, pickpocketing, carjackings, and armed robberies, particularly in tourist areas. There is a persistent threat of terrorism in areas near the Somali border, such as Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir. Militant groups like Al-Shabaab have conducted attacks in these regions and occasionally target public places in major cities.
- While political unrest is infrequent, protests and demonstrations can turn violent, particularly around election periods.
- The risk of flash flooding in Nairobi is notably higher during the rainy seasons from April to May and October to November.
Risk Factors
- The majority of crimes targeting foreigners are petty and opportunistic, including bag-snatching and pickpocketing. Avoid displaying valuables and remain cautious in wealthy or tourist-frequented neighborhoods.
- In Nairobi, travel should occur in daylight hours, in well-lit, populated areas; exercise caution in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), Westlands, and shopping malls and avoid parks or isolated areas.
- There has been a growing trend of armed robberies targeting foreigners in recent years. These incidents are financially motivated, though criminals can resort to violence quickly. If confronted by a thief or involved in a dangerous situation, do not resist and comply with demands.
- Carjackings and vehicular crime have traditionally been a notable risk, though such incidents have decreased in recent years.
- The risk of banditry in rural areas has risen in recent years due to the availability of firearms. The local police are understaffed, unequipped and poorly trained, which leads to poor response times and ineffectiveness in preventing crime.
- Be aware of common scams, including fake tour operators. Exercise caution when dealing with strangers and refrain from accepting unsolicited offers.
- Foreigners in Nairobi and Mombasa mostly face risks stemming from express kidnappings, where victims are forced to withdraw cash from ATMs. Criminals have previously posed as taxi drivers or law enforcement to approach travelers. Kidnap-for-ransom is also a risk, though such incidents mostly target locals.
- Use ATMS in secure locations (e.g., inside hotels or reputable establishments) to avoid the risk posed by express kidnapping.
- The risk of kidnapping is higher along the border with Somalia, where the militant groups Al-Shabab operates.
- The threat of terrorism is significant, as the militant groups Al-Shabab has expressed intent to carry out attacks in urban centers. The last major attack in Nairobi was in 2019, though smaller incidents have been reported countrywide since then.
- The risk of terrorism is notably higher in the northeast regions near the border with Somalia, including Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, as well as coastal areas like Lamu and areas near Tana River.
- Road conditions are often poor, with a high risk of accidents, especially during the rainy seasons (April to May and October to November). Avoid long-distance travel at night due to increased risks of accidents and roadside banditry.
- Public transportation vehicles such as public minibuses (matatus) are often poorly maintained and have a poor safety record.
- To safely obtain a taxi in Kenya, arrange transportation through trusted hotels or taxi companies and avoid hailing taxis from the street. Reputable ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt are a safe alternative. Confirm the driver's details and vehicle before boarding.
- Official taxis in Kenya are usually painted yellow or have a yellow line on the side. Ensure the taxi has a visible company logo and an official license number. Do not accept unsolicited rides due to the risk of criminality.
- Kenya is prone to droughts and occasional floods, especially during the rainy seasons from April to May and October to November.
- Murang’a district, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Meru are more prone to landslides and mudslides.
- The risk of flash flooding is more notable in Nairobi and Mombasa; widespread flooding in Nairobi and surrounding areas led to hundreds of fatalities in April and May 2024. Monitor alerts to stay abreast of conditions and adhere to travel advisories issued by authorities.