Kenya Travel Safety

Precautions

When you leave your hotel room, ensure that the door is locked and the "do not disturb" sign is displayed. Store your personal belongings in safekeeping facilities. Exercise caution while walking during daylight hours and if travelling after dark. Do not walk outdoors at night, particularly in isolated areas. Avoid showing signs of affluence or carrying large sums of money. Be aware that there have been incidents of "mob justice" in which a crowd lynches suspected criminals prior to the arrival of police. Incidents of passport theft have occurred in the departure area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Currency should not be exchanged in the public areas of the airport. Checked luggage may be pilfered at the airport. Store your valuables in locked hand-luggage. Be aware of your surroundings at all airports. When confronted by robbers, comply and do not offer resistance. Nairobi and MombasaIn Nairobi, exercise extreme caution in informal settlement communities, such as Kasarani, Kibera and Mathare, due to the high level of crime and limited capacity of police to respond to incidents. The Old Town of Fort Jesus in Mombasa has a similar crime rate to other areas of the city during the day. However, there is a greatly increased risk of criminal activity at night, including robberies, attacks and other street crimes. Crime rates are also high on and around the Likoni Ferry (which links Mombasa and the southern resorts). On the road, be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights, as bags can be snatched from passenger seats by thieves travelling on scooters or on foot. Keep your windows closed, doors locked and valuables out of reach and sight.

Identification

You should carry identification documents or a copy of your passport with you at all times and cooperate with authorities if you are asked for identification. Police and immigration officials have the right to demand proof of residency or valid visas. Failure to present proof of residence or a valid visa to authorities when requested to do so could result in fines or arrest.

Marine transportation

The Likoni Ferry (from Mombasa to Likoni) is unsafe due to a combination of high crime rates, uncontrolled crowds, limited safety training, frequent breakdowns and inconsistent maintenance. Stampedes and overcrowding on the ferry have resulted in multiple injuries.

Public transportation

Public transportation is poorly maintained and unsafe. Use reliable taxi companies, and confirm the fare in advance. Long-distance buses have been involved in serious accidents. Local mini buses (matatus) and motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) are generally poorly maintained, recklessly driven and not adequately insured. Matatu hijackings and incidents of passengers being robbed have occurred. The Madaraka Express Railway line between Nairobi and Mombasa is reliable and safe. Other passenger train lines are not safe and are routinely late.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. In addition, don't flash money or valuables in public. Doing so may make you a potential victim of criminal activity.

Fraud

Fraud occurs frequently in Kenya. Criminals and swindlers have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police officers or government officials to try and get money from tourists. If you are approached by someone claiming to be a government official or police officer and asking for money for an alleged offence, you should ask for an official government receipt. Police officers are required to identify themselves.

Piracy

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Crime

There is a high crime rate in most regions of Kenya, particularly in major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts. Carjacking, home invasions and kidnappings occur, including during daylight hours and in neighbourhoods normally considered safe. Petty crimes, such as purse-snatchings, pickpocketing and robberies, also occur.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks have occurred in Nairobi. In the coast region (including in Mombasa) and in the country's northeast, near the border with Somalia. Foreigners have been targeted in some attacks. Further attacks cannot be ruled out. Targets could include: government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, but keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

Culture

The majority of the population is Muslim. Exercise common sense and discretion in your dress and behaviour, particularly in the coast region. Dress conservatively - for women: knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, men: should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

Homosexual activity is illegal. Public displays of homosexuality like holding hands or kissing in public places could lead to arrest and imprisonment. Those convicted can face lengthy prison sentences. Even though there are few convictions, LGBT persons are routinely harassed by the police, and societal discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread.

Illegal or restricted activities

Drugs penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Persons convicted of possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana for personal use, could receive a sentence that ranges between 10 years and life in prison. You could also face fines and jail time if you are convicted of being in a location where there are illegal drugs, even if they are not yours. Other prohibited activities, possession of ivory or other banned wildlife items, even if purchased outside of Kenya, is strictly prohibited. Killing, buying, selling or trading any protected wild animal or any of its parts is illegal. Offenders can be arrested and given lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. There are strict restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages and on consuming alcohol in public places. Photography of government buildings, foreign embassies and missions, airports, military facilities or other sensitive locations is prohibited and may lead to arrest or detention.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. You must be at least 18 years old to drive a private motor vehicle in Kenya. Seat belt use is mandatory. While driving, drivers must always carry:a valid driver's licence, vehicle registration documents, proof of valid insurance, a valid vehicle inspection certificateT. hese documents must be produced on demand by a police officer. An International Driving Permit is accepted, if presented with your original licence of home country. Private motor vehicles must have 2 emergency triangles. While only required for public service vehicles, your private vehicle should also be equipped with a first aid kit, jumper cables and a fire extinguisher. While driving, it is not permitted to use a mobile phone or any other communication equipment not permanently fixed to the vehicle. If you are stopped due to a traffic violation, the police officer may ask you to pay an on-the spot fine. Police, however, are not permitted to accept cash on the spot without issuing an official receipt. If you disagree with the traffic ticket, you have the right to ask for due process. The officer should provide you with information on when and where you can go to be properly charged, and then you may pursue that process.