It is normal for newcomers to be concerned about safety in Kenya, and this concern is somewhat reasonable. Crime is a real problem, particularly in the larger cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. But foreign residents generally are able to live comfortably in these places as long as they take sensible precautions and stay alert.

For most people, the biggest risk from day to day is on the roads, since local drivers can be reckless and road accidents are common. Anyone going on a safari should take the dangers associated with wildlife into account, particularly when walking.

Crime in Kenya

Crime in Kenya is concentrated in the major cities, among them Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. For most residents, the everyday risk is petty theft rather than anything more serious. Pickpocketing and phone snatching are common in crowded areas and the city centre.

Serious crimes do happen, although they are uncommon. Cases of carjacking, mugging, burglary, and occasional home invasions do take place, and there are also instances of people being kidnapped for ransom, although such things rarely affect ordinary residents. This is one of the reasons so many residents live behind walls in a gated community or employ a private security guard (an askari). When out on the street, it’s best to stay alert, hide your valuables, take only the amount of cash you really need, and keep your phone in your pocket when you are in a crowd or in traffic.

Scams are common, and foreigners are considered easy targets. Some scammers pretend to be tour guides or police officers, while others start a friendly chat and then tell a heart-wrenching story about how they're a refugee or have sick relatives.

It is also important to be on the lookout for mobile money scams since nearly everybody in the area uses M-Pesa. Be careful about calls that claim to be from your mobile provider, fake payments, attempts to carry out a SIM swap, and requests to reverse money that has been 'sent by mistake'.

Useful links

Road safety in Kenya

Road safety in Kenya is a real worry, since the roads are usually in a bad state and the standard of driving is poor. Motor vehicle collisions are one of the main causes of death in the country, and it is common for expat employers to provide their employees with a company car and a local driver, which is generally the safest method of getting around.

If you drive on your own, make sure to wear your seatbelt, lock your doors and keep your windows up when you're in town, avoid driving at night, and drive defensively. On rural roads and motorways, be prepared for poor lighting, livestock straying off the road, potholes, and fast, heavily loaded lorries.

The matatus (the local shared minibuses) are cheap and can be found everywhere, but they have a bad safety record since they are notoriously poorly driven and are often not insured. Boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) are useful for beating traffic, but riders are very vulnerable in the event of an accident, so it is advisable to wear a helmet or avoid them altogether.

Transport Driving in Kenya

Useful links

Terrorism in Kenya

Terrorism in Kenya is genuine but mainly occurs in certain geographical areas. The greatest danger comes from Al Shabaab, a militant group based in Somalia which has on several occasions threatened Kenya over its military involvement in Somalia, where Kenyan troops continue to serve as part of the African Union force.

The attacks are frequently untargeted. They have involved hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, universities, places of worship, and government buildings. Kidnappings have also taken place, primarily in areas near the Somali border.

Piracy off the coast of Somalia is a concern for shipping throughout the wider area, although the incidents take place far out at sea and not near the beaches of Kenya. After a period of inactivity that lasted for several years, attacks of this kind are once again on the increase, so anyone who is travelling by sea or who plans to sail should look at the latest maritime security advice.

Many Western governments will recommend against travel to the areas bordering Somalia, such as Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and the mainland part of Lamu, as well as the northern section of Tana River County. Although the coastal islands of Lamu and Manda are considered to be safer, the UK's Foreign Office still advises people to fly rather than drive to them. There is another issue of armed banditry in some of the more remote areas near the Ethiopian border, so it's best to avoid those regions.

Social and political unrest in Kenya

In recent years, social and political unrest in Kenya has been a regular occurrence. The country’s youth have gone to the streets to protest taxes, the rising cost of living, corruption, and police violence. Although these demonstrations usually begin in a peaceful manner, they can become violent, in particular when the police use tear gas or live ammunition. They generally take place in central Nairobi and other major towns.

Elections are also a major source of tension. There has been a record of violence connected with elections, and following the controversial 2007 vote, over 1,000 people were killed in ethnic and political violence.

Even though you probably won't find yourself involved in the unrest, it's advisable to avoid taking part in demonstrations and large political events since these can become violent or lead to a strong police presence. Be prepared for road closures, shops in the city centre to be closed, irregular public transport services, and occasional disruptions to the internet.

What do expats say about safety in Kenya?

"As an expat, you are a target, but the irony is that the Kenyan middle classes are much more prone to petty cons, scams and home break-ins as they do not have the big cars, private home security and higher profile that the expats have." Read British expat Frances's expat interview about Kenya for advice on road safety and security.

"Like any big city, there are opportunistic thieves who will take advantage of you if you walk alone at night, or in insecure neighbourhoods. Our policy is to follow the lead of the local population – if you don’t see Kenyans walking at night, don’t walk at night." Read more in our expat interview on Kenya with Tara, an American expat.

Further reading

►Learn about Kenyan cultural nuances on the Local Culture in Kenya page

Are you an expat living in Kenya?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Kenya. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.