Nairobi: snatch theft and areas to avoid
Official advice mostly mentions phone and bag snatching, often from a motorbike or through the open window of a car stuck in traffic. A few habits:
- keep car windows closed and bags out of sight, especially at traffic lights and in jams;
- keep your phone put away in the street, especially near bus and railway stations and the airport;
- no flashy jewellery or watch;
- do not resist if you are attacked: hand over what is asked.
The city centre (CBD) is busy by day, but it is best not to walk around it after dark. British authorities advise against certain areas, notably Eastleigh, and slums such as Mathare and Kibera; only visit them with a recognised local guide.
Taxis, ride-hailing and cash withdrawals
For getting around, prefer a ride-hailing app (Uber, Bolt) or a taxi booked by your accommodation over a vehicle hailed in the street; see our guide from the airport to central Nairobi. Foreign authorities also report "express kidnappings" in Nairobi: the victim is forced to withdraw money at an ATM or through a banking app. Withdraw cash in daytime, inside a shopping centre or bank, and let nobody see your screen. For exchange, cards and tipping, see money and tipping in Kenya.
Classic scams
- Friendly requests for money: a stranger approaches you about school fees, groceries or medicine. Politely decline and keep walking.
- The fake guide or unlicensed safari seller: beware of people who approach you in the street or at the airport with a rock-bottom package, or who ask for cash or a transfer to a personal account. Book through an agency whose name you can verify, with a written contract and payment to a company account or by card.
- "Tourist" prices at markets: bargaining is the norm; see the Maasai Market or, for fixed prices, Utamaduni.
- Ivory or animal products: they are illegal; refuse them.
On safari and on the coast
In the parks, always follow your guide's instructions: do not get out of the vehicle, do not feed animals, stay inside your tent at night if the lodge asks you to. On the beach, leave nothing unattended and politely decline pushy sellers. For water, sun and malaria, see vaccines, malaria and health in Kenya.
Useful numbers
- 999 or 112: emergency numbers (police, fire, ambulance); 112 works from a mobile. Rescue is often slow: in the regions your lodge or agency will be faster.
- If something is stolen, report it at the nearest police station and keep the receipt for your insurance.
- Take out travel insurance with repatriation, especially if you go on safari far from hospitals.
Going further
Prepare your trip with the visa and eTA, the budget for a trip to Kenya and Nairobi in one day.
