Overall Crime and Safety Situation in Kenya
Click here for the current US State Department Travel Advisory and recommendations for Kenya.
Road Safety
Vehicle travel is extremely hazardous under normal conditions in Kenya, but particularly so at night. Defensive driving is a must for all drivers. Traffic laws are routinely ignored by most local drivers. In particular, many of the “matatus,” or small passenger vans, show little courtesy and drive erratically and dangerously. Many vehicles are in poor mechanical condition with worn tires and broken or missing tail lights, brake lights, and headlights. Road conditions are considered poor at best in outlying or rural areas. This is especially the case after the rainy season, when roads deteriorate at a rapid rate, causing extensive potholes and other road hazards.
- Keys to safety: See above. Only drive with vetted taxi drivers. Always use seat belts (and car seats for children); do not get into a car without proper seat belts. Don’t walk after dark outside of IU House.
Police Response
The Kenyan Police Service (KPS) is almost solely a reactive force and demonstrates moderate proactive law enforcement technique/initiative to deter or investigate crime. Police often lack the equipment, resources, training, and personnel to respond to calls for assistance or other emergencies. The police have a poor record of investigating and solving serious crimes. Inadequate legislation results in lack of prosecution or large numbers of acquittals. Corruption occurs at all levels, which results in an ineffective legal and justice system.
Visitors may use administrative channels at IU House, which contracts a private security firm, to assist with reporting incidents.
Mob Justice
Mob justice is not uncommon in Kenya. If someone is accused of a crime, surrounding persons may beat or harm the person without questioning. BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT ACCUSING A KENYAN OF A CRIME as it may result in swift and deadly punishment by bystanders.
Violent Crime
Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. The most common crime in Kenya’s major cities, and in particular Nairobi, is carjacking. In virtually every instance, carjackers use weapons to rob their victims. Most victims, if they are completely cooperative, are often released unharmed with their vehicles. However, victims are sometimes tied up and put in the back seat or trunk of their own car. Criminals who commit these crimes will not hesitate to shoot victims who are the least bit uncooperative or who may appear to hesitate before complying with their assailants.
Street crime is a serious problem and more acute in Nairobi and other larger cities. Most street crime involves multiple armed assailants. In some instances, large crowds of street thugs incite criminal activity, which has the potential to escalate into mob-like violence with little notice. Pick-pockets and thieves often carry out “snatch & grab” attacks on city streets in crowded areas, as well as from idle vehicles in traffic, and commit other crimes of opportunity. Vehicle side mirrors are a favorite prize of street children, who can pull them off in a matter of seconds while a vehicle is stopped or in slow-moving traffic.
Visitors are advised not to carry expensive valuables such as jewelry, electronics, etc., or large amounts of cash on their person, but rather store them in their hotel safety deposit boxes or room safes. However, it is not prudent to travel with such items at all, since hotel safes can be broken into or taken out of a room and might also be accessible by hotel personnel even when locked. Walking alone is not advisable especially in downtown areas, public parks, beach areas, and other poorly lit areas, especially at night.
Terrorism
“Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings” (US State Department). The porous border with Somalia has been of particular concern as certain fundamentalists travel between Somalia and Kenya. Trainees are advised not to spend time in Nairobi outside of what is required for transit.
Political Violence
Kenya is generally a peaceful country in terms of political activism, but it is common during elections, referendums and other political votes for sporadic campaign violence to occur around the country. Review travel advisories prior to arrival and contact the AMPATH Visitors Team for questions. Upon arrival at IU House, visitors will be added to a WhatsApp group to receive situational updates regarding demonstrations or any other disruptions taking place in Eldoret.
Medical Emergencies
Kenya’s country-wide emergency number is 999. There are three hospitals in Nairobi which U.S. personnel and other western expats typically use: Nairobi General Hospital, Aga Khan Hospital, and Gertrude Garden Children’s Hospital. The quality of care at each is considered good, and U.S. embassy personnel assigned to Kenya often use their services. However, the blood supply in Kenya is generally considered unsafe and the use of blood products is not recommended. It is advised that those needing blood utilize trusted sources such as family or friends. In the event of medical illness or injury, contact the Medicine Team Leader for guidance.
Safety Tips
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists and other international visitors.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Make contingency plans to leave the country in the event of an emergency.
- Always carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
Normal crime prevention methods will help lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime while in Kenya. Being aware of one’s surroundings has been the time-tested method for avoiding becoming an inviting target of opportunity for crime. Carjacking and burglaries and the occasional home invasion are the most serious crimes in Kenya, but if the necessary measures are taken, they can generally be avoided. Perpetrators are likely to be armed and any resistive behavior causes more violence by the attackers. Ensure vehicle doors and windows are locked at all times while traveling, even during daylight hours. The best way to avoid being a victim of a carjacking is to be aware of your surroundings at all times, particularly during late night or early morning hours, though carjacking occurs during all times of the day and night.
If you see something or someone suspicious, be prepared to react quickly. Allow sufficient distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you while stopped in traffic. If you believe you are being followed, don’t drive directly to your intended destination, but rather detour to a public or well-lit and guarded area and seek help. It is important to limit the amount of valuables and cash you carry with you, specifically ATM or credit cards. Should you be carrying an ATM card or credit card, the criminal will prolong the incident so they can take the victim to multiple ATM machines for withdrawals.
Travelers should only use banks and ATMs in well-lit locations and never at night. Credit cards can be used in certain establishments, such as major hotel chains and some local restaurants, but caution in use is advised. Although there are a number of security and private guard companies throughout Kenya’s larger cities, it is advisable to research any prospective security company for quality and reliability when considering hiring their services.