Kenya 2014 Crime and Safety Report
Travel Health and Safety; Transportation Security; Stolen items; Theft; Carjacking; Burglary; Kidnapping; Religious Terrorism; Bombing; Riots/Civil Unrest; Faith-based Organization; Religious Violence; Floods; Extreme heat/drought; Employee Health Safety; Counterfeiting; Improvised Explosive Device; Intellectual Property Rights Infringement; Drug Trafficking; Bribery; Financial Security
Africa > Kenya; Africa > Kenya > Nairobi
5/6/2014
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
Kenya remains critically rated for both crime and terrorism, though thousands of U.S. citizens visit Kenya safely each year. The U.S. government continues to receive information regarding potential terrorist threats aimed at U.S., Western, and Kenyan interests, including in the Nairobi area and in the coastal areas including Mombasa. Terrorist acts could include suicide operations, bomb and grenade attacks, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Following the September 2013 terrorist attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, the Embassy updated the Travel Warning for Kenya advising U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Kenya. Travelers should consult the Worldwide Caution on the Travel.State.Gov website for further information and details.
Crime Threats
The greatest threats continue to be road safety and crime. The most common crime (after carjacking) in Kenya’s major cities, and in particular Nairobi, is violent home invasions.
In virtually every instance, criminals use weapons during commission of their crime. Criminals who commit these crimes will not hesitate to shoot a victim who is the least bit uncooperative or who may appear to hesitate before complying with their assailant. However, most victims, if they are completely cooperative, are robbed of their possessions and released unharmed.
Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings, home invasions/burglaries, and kidnappings can occur at any time and in any location, most particularly in Nairobi. U.S. citizens have fallen victim to such crimes within the past year.
Street crime is a serious problem and more acute in Nairobi and other large cities. Most street crime involves multiple armed assailants. In some instances, large crowds of street criminals incite criminal activity, which has the potential to escalate into mob-like violence with little notice.
Along with other crimes of opportunity, pickpockets, and thieves often carry out “snatch-and-grab” attacks on city streets in crowded areas and from idle vehicles in traffic.
Villagers in rural areas are sometimes suspicious of strangers. There have been several incidents of violence against Kenyan and foreign adults in rural areas who are suspected of stealing children. U.S. visitors to rural areas should be aware that close contact with children, including taking their pictures or giving them candy, can be viewed with deep alarm and may provoke panic and violence.
Overall Road Safety Situation
Road Safety and Road Conditions
Road conditions in Kenya range from minimally acceptable to terrible. Within Nairobi, the main roads are relatively well-maintained, but drivers have to compete with pedestrians, human-propelled carts, boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis), tuk-tuks, and “matatu” mini buses, any of which may swerve or stop at a moment’s notice. Defensive driving is a must for all drivers. Traffic laws are routinely ignored by most local drivers, who possess poor driving skills and/or training. The roads in most other major cities show signs of wear, including potholes and other obstructions. Road conditions are considered poor at best or even worse in outlying or rural areas especially after the rainy seasons when roads deteriorate rapidly. Traffic lights are mostly nonexistent and tend to be ignored. Many vehicles in Kenya do not meet minimal safety standards and are in poor mechanical condition with worn tires, broken and/or missing tail lights, brake lights, and headlights. Accidents, while frequent, are usually not fatal, unless pedestrians or matatus are involved. There is minimal medical care available, especially outside city centers. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are strongly recommended, especially for travel outside major cities.
Nighttime driving is hazardous and is not allowed for Embassy personnel outside of the major cities. The most common crime in Kenya’s major cities, and in particular Nairobi, is carjacking. Victims of carjacking are sometimes tied up and put in the back seat or trunk of their own car.
Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic 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. Although Kenya’s last national election in March 2013 was relatively peaceful, the previous election in December 2007 resulted in widespread unrest and violence. Isolated instances of suspected political violence have occurred.
Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns
Terrorism remains a high priority concern for Americans. The porous border with Somalia has been of particular concern. Kenya initiated military action against al-Shabaab by crossing into Somalia on October 16, 2011, and, on June 2, 2012, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) whereby it formally joined the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Kenyan troops within AMISOM are actively pursuing al-Shabaab in southeastern Somalia. In response to the Kenyan intervention, al-Shabaab and its sympathizers have conducted retaliatory attacks against civilian and government targets in Kenya.
On September 21, 2013, suspected members of the al-Shabaab terrorist organization, an al-Qaeda affiliate, attacked the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, killing scores of innocent people, both Kenyan and foreign, and wounding many others. The siege at the mall continued for several days, and five U.S. citizens were confirmed injured in the attack.
There have been numerous other attacks involving shootings, grenades, or explosive devices. Over 100 people died in these attacks, and over 200 people were injured; no U.S. citizens were among the casualties. Approximately 53 of these attacks occurred in North Eastern Province, mainly in Dadaab, Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa. Four attacks occurred in Mombasa. On January 2, 2014, 10 people were wounded in a grenade attack on a nightclub in Diani, on Kenya’s south coast near Mombasa. Some 14 grenade and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks have occurred in Nairobi, illustrating an increase in the number of attacks and an advance in the sophistication of attacks. Targets included police stations and police vehicles, nightclubs and bars, churches, a mosque, a religious gathering, a downtown building of small shops, and a bus station. On December 14, 2013, an IED exploded on a passenger bus near Eastleigh, killing six people and injuring 30. One of the deadliest attacks prior to the Westgate incident occurred in Nairobi on November 18, 2012, when an IED detonated on a passenger bus in Eastleigh, killing 10 people. Seventeen people were killed and about 50 people were injured in a deadly attack on July 1, 2012, with two simultaneous assaults on churches in Garissa. Additionally, Kenyan law enforcement has disrupted several terrorist plots, which resulted in the discoveries of weapons caches and other dangerous materials and the arrests of several individuals. Additionally, Kenyan law enforcement has disrupted several terrorist plots, which resulted in the discoveries of weapons caches, suicide vests, and other dangerous materials along with the arrests of several individuals.
Civil Unrest
Strikes are fairly routine. Violence, ranging from rock throwing to police live fire, associated with demonstrations has occurred around the country. U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and political rallies of all kinds.
Clashes occasionally occur in and around Isiolo and Moyale, and in 2012 there were numerous instances of sporadic violence and protests elsewhere. Rioting occurred in Mombasa in 2012 shortly after a local Muslim cleric with alleged ties to al-Shabaab was killed in a drive-by shooting, resulting in the deaths of three policemen and four church burnings. In October 2013, another local Muslim cleric with alleged ties to al-Shabaab was killed in a similar drive-by shooting, prompting a day of rioting in Mombasa that resulted in the deaths of four persons and an arson attack that damaged a church. Demonstrations in Kisumu following the murder of two prominent Kenyan citizens in October 2012 turned violent, leaving at least four protestors dead. While this violence is not directed at foreigners, protests are unpredictable. U.S. citizens are advised to check conditions and monitor local media reports before traveling to these areas.
Religious or Ethnic Violence
Tribal violence is common. More than 160 people have been killed in recent clashes between two rivaling tribal communities in Tana River County in Kenya's Coast Province. While this violence is not directed at foreigners, ethnic clashes are unpredictable, U.S. citizens are advised to check conditions and monitor local media reports before traveling to these areas.
Post-specific Concerns
Environmental Hazards
Flooding and droughts are common environmental hazards. During Kenya’s rainy seasons, flooding can occur with little or no warning that could disrupt transportation routes and communication. Embassy personnel are encouraged to keep a supply of water and food in their homes, as in some cases supplies can become scarce very quickly during emergencies.
Industrial and Transportation Accidents
Building construction accidents are common. In January 2013, a building under construction next to the Imperial Hotel in Kisumu collapsed, killing several workers. There were several other building collapses throughout the year.
Transportation accidents are commonplace, due to poor road and vehicle conditions.
Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Thefts
Counterfeiting and trademark infringement is widespread and represents a major concern for local and international business. Although reliable numbers are hard to find, one recent study puts the value of Kenya’s counterfeit trade at Ksh 70 billion (about US$805 million). Anecdotally, the counterfeit trade is thought to be linked to organized criminal elements both in Kenya and Somalia. To address this issue, the government passed the Anti-Counterfeit Act in 2008 that criminalized trade in counterfeits and established the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), based in Mombasa, to enforce the new regulations. The ACA opened in 2010 but to date has not received funding to do its job effectively. The Embassy is actively engaged with ACA and has supported extensive outreach efforts to law enforcement, local government officials, community leaders, and youth. The American Chamber of Commerce, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, and Kenya Association of Manufacturers are also engaged on this issue.
Regional Travel Concerns and Restricted Travel Areas/Zones
U.S. government employees, contractors, and their dependents are prohibited from traveling to the North Eastern Province, including the cities of El Wak, Wajir, Garissa, Dadaab, Mandera, and Liboi. Although these restrictions do not apply to travelers not associated with the U.S. government, U.S. citizens should take these restrictions into account when planning travel. Although there have been recent gains in the pursuit of those responsible for previous terrorist activities, many of those involved remain at large and continue to operate in the region.
Drug-related Crimes
Kenya is a transit country for illegal narcotics but has no reported incidents of narco-violence.
Kidnapping Threats
Multiple kidnappings of Westerners have occurred in the past few years and remain a threat. Although the majority of these kidnappings occur in the north near the Somalia border and are related to extremists or pirates, kidnapping for ransom from criminal gangs is a threat.
Police Response
The Kenyan Police Service is almost solely a reactive force and demonstrates moderate proactive law enforcement techniques or 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 the lack of prosecution or large numbers of acquittals. Corruption, which results in an ineffective legal and justice system, occurs at all levels. The likelihood of the police responding to an incident would depend on availability of personnel and fuel for police vehicles.
How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment
The Embassy has received reports of police harassment, primarily in the form of solicitation for bribes related to traffic stops. RSO recommends not paying any bribes and to report incidents to the Consulate’s American Citizen Services immediately. Harassment is not uncommon but is typically related to bribe requests. In the event of police detention, contact the Embassy or Consular Section immediately.
Embassy Nairobi Switchboard: +254-20-363-6000
Consular Section/American Citizen Services: +254-020-363-6451 (M-TH: 0800-1600 Fri: 0800-1200)
American Citizen Services Email: Kenya_ACS@state.gov
Where to Turn to for Assistance if you Become a Victim of Crime
Nairobi Area Control Room: +254-020-272-4154; +254-020-355-6771
Diplomatic Police Hotlines: +254-0708-589-522; +254-0731-170-666
Police Headquarters: +254-020-342-305; +254-020-341-411
Various Police/Security Agencies
The Kenya Police Service (KPS) is the national agency in charge of law enforcement, to include city and county police divisions. The KPS is headquartered at local police stations. All these element report to a National Kenya Police Headquarters in Nairobi.
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.
Medical Emergencies
Kenya’s countrywide emergency number is 999.
Contact Information for Recommended Local Hospitals and Clinics
There are three hospitals in Nairobi that U.S. personnel and other Western expatriates typically use.
Nairobi Hospital: +254-20-284-5000/6000/5506/7/8, +254 722 204114/5/6/7; +254 733 639301/2/3/4
Aga Khan Hospital: +254-20-366-2025/3740000/3662000/3750290/3661000; +254 711 092000; +254 732 102000
Gertrude Garden Children’s Hospital: +254-20-376-3474/244 5350; 720 6000; +254 722898948; +254 733639444
The quality of care at each is considered good, and U.S. Embassy personnel often uses 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.
Recommended Air Ambulance Services
AMREF (The Flying Doctors Service)
Wilson Airport
Langatta Road, P.O. 18617 -00500, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254-20-699-2000; 699 2299; +254 733639088; +254 722314239
CDC Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance
For vaccine and health guidance, please visit the CDC at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/kenya.htm
Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
Best Situational Awareness Practices
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.
U.S. citizens should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal security, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. U.S. citizens should also remain alert in residential areas, at schools, and at outdoor recreational events.
Visitors are advised not to carry expensive valuables such as jewelry, electronics, 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 since hotel safes can be broken into or taken out of a room. These safes may also be accessible by hotel personnel even when locked.
Walking alone is not advisable especially in downtown, public parks, beach areas, and other poorly lit areas especially at night.
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 at night or early morning hours, though carjackings do occur during daylight hours.If you see something or someone suspicious, be prepared to act quickly. Allow sufficient distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you while stopped in traffic. If you believe you are being followed, do not 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 cash you carry with you, specifically ATM or credit cards. Should you be carrying ATM or credit cards, a criminal will prolong the incident so they can take you to multiple ATMs, even keeping you past midnight for additional 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 is advised. One should check statements shortly after all transactions; the Embassy often receives reports of credit card skimming.
Adoptive parents traveling with their adopted child should exercise particular caution and are urged to carry complete copies of their adoption paperwork with them at all times.
U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information
Embassy Address and Hours of Operation
The U.S Embassy is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya.
The Consulate’s American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit requires an appointment for all non-emergency services. Appointments can be made online: https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=NRB&appcode=1
Public hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. ACS is closed to the public the last Wednesday of every month and all Kenyan and American holidays.
Embassy Contact Numbers
Embassy Nairobi Switchboard: +254-20-363-6000
Consular Section/American Citizen Services: +254-020-363-6451 (M-TH: 0800-1600 Fri: 0800-1200)
American Citizen Services Email: Kenya_ACS@state.gov
Regional Security Office: +254-20-363-6301
Embassy 24 hr. Emergency: +254-20-363-6170
The Embassy operates a warden system to communicate with registered American citizens in Nairobi. Periodic messages are sent to test the system so that it will be effective should an emergency situation arise. To register your stay in Nairobi and ensure that you receive warden messages in an emergency, please register at: https://step.state.gov/step/
OSAC Country Council Information
RSO Nairobi has an OSAC Country Council that meets on a quarterly basis. The RSO POC is Regional Security Officer, Marian Cotter, +254-20-363-6301.