Kenya

Crime is high in Kenya.

Incidents of armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping and muggings are possible in:

• Nairobi and other urban centres
• beach resorts
• northern Kenya
• the northern Rift Valley
• coastal regions north of Mombasa

Don’t resist.

If you travel to remote areas, border regions, or coastal regions, you risk being attacked or kidnapped.

Crime increases during holiday periods.

Petty crime

Thieves snatch jewellery and bags from open vehicle windows, most often while cars are stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic.

Groups of bag-snatchers and carjackers on motorbikes target pedestrians and motorists.

Robberies have occurred on trains and buses.

To protect yourself from theft:

• always keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving
• secure your accommodation, even when you’re in it
• avoid walking after dark

If you’re attacked, don’t resist.

Violent crime

Violent criminals often target Westerners in Nairobi. Crimes include:

• armed carjackings
• kidnapping
• home invasions

Reports suggest foreigners are being targeted in private homes in Nairobi, tourist areas and while travelling by road. Several incidents have occurred at night outside residential security gates.

Some Australians have been killed in home invasions.

Violent crime is extremely common in the Nairobi suburbs of Buruburu, Eastleigh, Kasarani, Kibera, Mathare, Pangani, South B and South C, as well as the CBD.

If you’re living in Kenya, invest in strong personal security measures. Regularly review your personal security arrangements.

Due to widespread HIV/AIDS, if you’re a victim of violent crime such as rape, visit a doctor immediately.

Herder clashes

Violent herder clashes are common in central and north central Kenya. These clashes are aimed at either private ranches or wildlife conservation parks.

Herders are often armed and violent towards property, wildlife and, in some cases, landowners.

Travellers haven’t been targeted. However, a dual British-Kenyan landowner was killed in March 2017. A Swiss national was killed in April 2017.

The government has increased security in Nyandarua and Laikpia countries.

Crime in outlying areas

Clashes between local groups have occasionally caused violence in north and north-eastern Kenya. Clashes have also happened in the Mount Elgon region of western Kenya.

If you’re travelling to north, north-eastern or western Kenya, first ask the police for advice. Travel in a convoy or with a police escort.

Armed attacks, violent cattle rustling and counter raids are common along the Kenya-Ethiopia border and the Kenya-South Sudan border.

Reports suggest there are bandit groups and robbers at unauthorised border crossing points on the borders with Uganda and Tanzania. Back roads from Nairobi to the Tanzania border are hotspots for robbery and bandit groups.

The region bordering Somalia is extremely dangerous.

If you plan to travel to central and northern Kenya, get up-to-date advice on security and other conditions from your tour operator before you travel.

Police crossfire

Police regularly confront criminal suspects in public places. Random gunfire has killed or wounded bystanders in crowded areas.

Scams and fraud

Scams are common. Criminals often use fake police, hotel and government identification to extort money from travellers.

To protect yourself:

• be wary of demands for money, including from people claiming to be police or officials
• always ask for and carefully check identification

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government