Crime in Nairobi 2021. Is Kenya safe?

I get miniumum one email a weeks asking about Crime in Nairobi 2021.

Crime in Nairobi is a serious consideration for people who are considering coming here either on holiday or to live. The truth is that Nairobi has an unfair reputation for crime, driven from a history of violence. Today Nairobi is a peaceful city, home to a welcoming nation of people, but it does have large areas of poverty and so the crime in Nairobi mostly pickpocketing and light theft, rather than preplanned crimes such as in other countries.

Read my guide on essential things to know before travelling to Kenya

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How will visitors and tourists be impacted by crime in Nairobi ?

In Nairobi houses and hotels have with electric fences, security guards and safe rooms. You may employ a night guards or Askari’s for additional protection to your home. However, much of this is historical, driven from a time when crime was higher and the unfortunate moniker Nai-robbery was fairly earned.

How to avoid crime in Nairobi 2021

• Don’t walk alone in quiet areas.
• Don’t carry jewellery and expensive items with you or if you have to keep them somewhere safe. I used the Aupro moneybelt when travelling
• Don’t walk alone at night.
• Lock up your house and car
• Always hand over valuables if confronted by a thief.
• Be wary, polite but firm with safari touts and other scammers.
• Always take a taxi from door to door after dark.
• The city centre / CBD is generally safe by day but best avoided by night.

Terrorism in Nairobi 2021

It’s hard to think of a major city in the world that hasn’t been subject to terrorism and Nairobi is no exception. Nairobi’s most well known terrorist attack was at Westgate in 2013. However, in January 2019, an Al – Shabaab terrorist attack was made on the Dusit D2 Building, which has heightened security. Despite this, the EU and the USA have issued no travel advisories.

To combat terrorism and crime in Nairobi 2021 your cars and bags are searched when entering public places such as malls, hospitals, airports and hotels you may also need to pass through a metal detector.

It is important to remember that you can find examples of robberies and break-ins and terrorist attacks in nearly every city in the world every city in the world.

• There were more terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and United States than Kenya, in 2020
• More mass shootings in the USA than Kenya
• Kenya doesnt feature on any top 10 lists for shootings, murders or terrorism.

For up to date advice please contact the below travel advisory services below:

The following government websites offer travel advisory services and information for travellers:

• Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (www.smartraveller.gov.au)
• Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade (www.voyage.gc.ca)
• French Ministère des Affaires et Étrangères Européennes (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs)
• Italian Ministero degli Affari Esteri (www.viaggiaresicuri.mae.aci.it)
• New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (www.safetravel.govt.nz)
• UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)
• US Department of State (www.travel.state.gov)

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10 tips on staying safe in a high crime country

1. Make sure your sleeping part of the house is gated from the rest of the house (with a good safety barrier – aka Trelidoor type security gate).
2. Install beams and/or movement sensors outside the house, so that you know there are intruders BEFORE they get into the house.
3. Make sure to have an alarm that is connected to an armed response company (they are better than the police) with easily accessible panic buttons.
4. Get a dog or two that live in the house.
5. Be very careful during the times when you leave and come back home.
6. Consider where you are driving at night. Stick to safe areas.
7. Understand the politics & the day to day. Be aware of what is going on. If there will be rioting, if the people are likely to be upset or angry. On those days, stick to your area.
8. Don’t flaunt your wealth. I run with no jewelry or phone, in some 10-year-old shorts and a baggy t-shirt.
9. Be careful who you trust
10. Use your common sense

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What happens if you are robbed in Nairobi?

If you are a tourist then contact If you do need help while in Kenya, contact the Tourist Safety and Communication Center. They offer a 24-hour helpline service for tourists in trouble.

If you are resident here then report the incident straight away to the police.

Do not try to resolve issues yourself. Walk away from the situation and go straight to the police,

What happens if you get hurt in Kenya?

Tourists and expats usually prefer to use private healthcare facilities in Kenya, most of which are situated within Nairobi. These have experienced doctors and top end facilities. Many can be compared with western hospitals.

For anyone moving to or visiting Kenya, it is highly recommended that you take out health insurance. Day to day treatment such as doctors/dentist visits are affordable but the costs can quickly escalate when you have to visit a hospital or have emergency treatment. Doctors here also have a great love of referring you to a specialist which can add up!

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Private hospitals in Nairobi

A list of recommended hospital in Kenya if you do find yourself victim of physical crime in Nairobi 2021.

The Nairobi Hospital

This is a privately owned hospital in Nairobi, which has both in-patient and outpatient facilities. The Nairobi has a full 24-hour laboratory, X-ray facilities and ultrasound services, as well as experienced doctors on duty, 24/7. It is run at a high standard and accepts most major insurance policies. There is a pharmacy on site.

The Aga Khan Universit

Highly regarded hospital and connected university. Highly qualified well-trained staff.

Nairobi Women’s Hospital

Part of a fast-growing chain which specialises in women’s health issues. Specialist areas include maternity, radiology, gynaecology and oncology units.

Gertrude Children’s Hospital

Specialises in the care of children. Gertrude has clinics in Lavington and Muthaiga. The hospital provides comprehensive children’s healthcare and outpatient services, as well as dental services and a child development centre.

Karen Hospital

Offers a well-equipped emergency unit, which provides a 24-hour service, specialised doctors, laboratory services, dental treatment, a baby clinic and an on-site pharmacy.

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Medicines and pharmacies in Nairobi

There are plenty of pharmacies in Nairobi. Most major hospitals have pharmacies attached to them, which are open 24/7. There are also privately run pharmacies that can easily be located in shopping malls as well as on the high streets in Nairobi.

Most generic medicines are easy to find at Kenyan pharmacies. Many of the medications you may recognise from home are imported and will cost quite a bit more than you are used to. You won’t struggle to find a generic medicine to suit your needs but if you suffer from a specific health condition make sure to bring your medicine with you along with a doctor’s note stating that the medication is for their personal use.

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Emergency medical services in Nairobi

Private hospitals in Nairobi provide emergency medical services, but in some instances, it may be best to get the patient to the hospital by car or private taxi, as waiting times for ambulances can be long. For those without private medical insurance, St Johns Ambulance provides emergency medical treatment in the event of an accident.

The general emergency number in Kenya is 999.

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Basic health tips for expats in Nairobi

There are some very basic health tips which tourists and expat should be aware of whilst visiting Kenya.

Note that having lived here a while I have become relaxed about a lot of these guidelines. I take ice, I swim in lakes, but it takes time to acclimatise so if you are new here or just on holiday then better safe then sorry

• Take precautions against insect bites to help prevent malaria, dengue fever and sleeping sickness.
• Always wear long-sleeved tops and trousers at night, especially when outside and repeatedly apply insect repellent.
• Dont swim in lakes and rivers.
• Always sleep under mosquito nets.
• Take anti-malarial prophylactics if travelling outside of Nairobi. Due to the high altitude of Nairobi, malaria is not a high risk.
• Don’t drink tap water or consume raw produce that could have been washed using tap water. Avoid ice in drinks.
• Make sure to keep flies away from food, and wash hands often.
• Be careful around all pets, especially wild animals, which may carry rabies.

If you are still worried about Crime in Nairobi 2021 feel free to drop me a note.

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