Millions of people visit Nairobi every year without any trouble, and the city’s hotels, parks and restaurants are used to visitors. Nairobi does have real crime, though, and a visitor who knows the risks and follows a few habits is far less likely to have problems.

The real risks

  • Petty theft - phone snatching and pickpocketing, especially in the CBD and crowded places. This is the most likely problem.
  • Car break-ins and smash-and-grab in slow traffic.
  • Scams aimed at visitors.
  • Road accidents - statistically the biggest danger.
  • Occasional protests, which can turn violent.

Violent crime against tourists is much less common, and mostly happens at night on foot, in quiet areas.

Where and when to be careful

  • The CBD is busy and fine by day with your wits about you; avoid walking there after dark.
  • Walking at night anywhere is not advised - use ride-hailing even for short distances.
  • Westlands and Kilimani are busy and generally safe, but watch your phone around bars at night.
  • Informal settlements such as Kibera are best visited with a community-run tour, not alone.

Simple habits

  • Keep your phone out of sight on the street and near car or matatu windows.
  • Use Uber, Bolt or Little at night, and check the car and driver match.
  • Keep car windows up and bags out of sight in traffic.
  • Use ATMs inside malls or banks.
  • Carry a copy of your passport, and leave the original in the hotel safe.
  • Don’t flash expensive jewellery, cameras or large amounts of cash.

Common scams

  • “I know you from your hotel” - a friendly stranger leading to a sad story or a request for money.
  • Fake tour sellers on the street or at the airport. Book with an established company. See Choosing a safari company.
  • Fake officials demanding on-the-spot fines. Ask for identification and an official receipt.

See Staying safe in Nairobi for more.

Safaris and parks

Safaris with licensed operators are very safe. Follow your guide’s instructions, stay in the vehicle except where allowed, and never approach or feed wild animals. See Nairobi National Park.

Health

  • Yellow fever vaccination may be required, depending on where you travel from.
  • Malaria is not a significant risk in Nairobi itself, which is high and cool, but is present in many other parts of Kenya, including the coast and some parks. Ask a travel clinic about prevention.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water.
  • Get travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. See Hospitals in Nairobi.

Women and solo travellers

Many women travel alone in Nairobi without problems. The same habits apply: avoid walking alone at night, use ride-hailing, and keep an eye on your drink.

Before you travel

  • Check your government’s travel advice for Kenya, which covers areas it advises against visiting, such as parts of the border regions.
  • Save emergency numbers: 999 (or 112) and the Kenya Red Cross on 1199.

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