Safety in Kenya

Crime in Kenya

Crime rates are high in Kenya’s major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. Expats living in Kenya will usually hire security guards for their homes or opt to live in secure gated housing complexes. 

Car-jackings, muggings and petty theft also occur on Kenyan city streets. Expats should be vigilant, keep valuables out of sight and avoid carrying large sums of money. It's also best not to walk around the city centre at night, and never accept food or drinks from strangers. Foreigners in Kenya are likely targets for criminals who pose as tour guides and police officers.

Scammers will also engage foreigners in conversation and tell them stories about being a refugee or having sick relatives, simply to get some cash. In most cases, this is more of a nuisance than a real danger, and such individuals will usually give up once they've been given a firm 'no'.

Terrorism in Kenya

There is a risk of terrorism in Kenya. The main threat comes from extremists connected to Al Shabaab, a militant group in Somalia which has issued public threats against Kenya because of its military involvement in Somalia.

Terrorist attacks, including kidnappings, in Kenya are usually indiscriminate and targets may vary from government offices and schools to shopping centres, markets, bars and nightclubs. Places of worship have also been targeted in the past.

Terrorism and piracy are also dangers off the coast of Somalia around the Horn of Africa, so expats interested in sea travel should be aware of the potential threats and not take matters lightly.

Many governments advise their nationals to avoid travelling close to the Kenya-Somalia border, particularly Garissa county, as well as Lamu and Tana River Counties. We urge expats to follow any information and guidance provided by the authorities.

Road safety in Kenya

Driving in Kenya can be dangerous as road conditions and driving standards are poor. Many expat employees will be provided with a company car and a local driver, which is perhaps the safest option when it comes to getting around Kenya. We urge expats to familiarise themselves with what to do in the event of an accident or emergency and be aware of the system of healthcare in Kenya.

Those who decide to drive in Kenya should always do so defensively and be vigilant. Due to the risk of car-jackings, especially in Kenya’s bigger cities, it's essential to have windows and doors locked at all times. Be especially careful when driving outside cities, and avoid driving at night.

Be cautious of travelling in long-distance buses at nighttime as there have been several serious accidents involving intercity buses in Kenya. Opt to travel with a reputable bus company as some smaller operations use poorly maintained vehicles, which are often driven recklessly.

Travelling by matatu (the local minibuses) isn't recommended as they're notoriously badly driven and uninsured. There have also been reports of matatus occasionally being hijacked and the passengers being robbed.

Political instability in Kenya

In the past, Kenya has faced considerable flare-ups of violence, often as a result of ethnic or political tensions.

While expats are unlikely to be caught up in this type of civil unrest, they're advised to stay away from any political demonstrations or protests that could turn violent. Major protests usually take place during election campaigns, and there have been some incidents of violence during past elections.