Nairobi Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Nairobi.
Healthcare System
Nairobi has a two-tier healthcare system: public hospitals that are often overcrowded and under-resourced, and private hospitals that offer excellent, internationally-accredited care comparable to Western standards. Most travelers use private facilities which cater specifically to expatriates and tourists with comprehensive services and English-speaking staff.
Hospitals
Top private hospitals for tourists include: Nairobi Hospital (the largest private facility), Aga Khan University Hospital (excellent emergency services), MP Shah Hospital, Karen Hospital (convenient for safari travelers), and Gertrude's Children's Hospital (for pediatric care). All accept international insurance with guarantee letters and have 24/7 emergency departments.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Nairobi, with many open late. Major chains include Goodlife Pharmacy, Carrefour Pharmacy, and Nairobi Women's Hospital Pharmacies. Most common medications are available over-the-counter, though some antibiotics require prescriptions. Counterfeit medications exist, so use reputable pharmacies in malls and established areas.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is highly recommended and often required by private hospitals before treatment. Medical costs can be very high at private facilities. Ensure your policy includes emergency evacuation coverage, as serious conditions may require airlift to Nairobi or abroad.
Healthcare Tips
- Always carry copies of your insurance documents and policy number
- Private hospitals may require payment guarantee or deposit before treatment
- Bring sufficient prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
- Consider registering with your embassy upon arrival for medical emergency assistance
- Keep contact information for your hotel doctor or recommended clinic
- Malaria prophylaxis is not typically needed for Nairobi itself (high altitude) but required if traveling to safari destinations
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and phone theft are the most common crimes affecting tourists, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and on public transportation. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims.
While less common than petty theft, muggings can occur, particularly after dark or in isolated areas. Criminals may be armed, and resistance is strongly discouraged.
Carjacking occurs occasionally, particularly in traffic jams, at night, or when vehicles slow down near gates. Criminals may be armed and target both rental cars and private vehicles.
Incidents of drinks being spiked with sedatives for robbery purposes have been reported in bars and clubs, affecting both men and women.
Traffic accidents are a significant risk due to aggressive driving, poorly maintained vehicles, lack of traffic law enforcement, and chaotic road conditions. Pedestrian accidents are common.
Kenya has experienced terrorist attacks, primarily by Al-Shabaab. While Nairobi has been targeted in the past (Westgate Mall 2013, DusitD2 2019), attacks are infrequent. Soft targets like malls, hotels, and public gatherings remain potential risks.
Credit card skimming, ATM fraud, and online scams targeting tourists are increasingly common. Card details may be copied at restaurants or ATMs.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed operators approach tourists at airports, hotels, or online offering cheap safari packages. After payment, they either disappear, provide substandard services, or demand additional payments. Some use legitimate company names with slight variations.
Unlicensed taxi drivers at the airport or outside hotels quote inflated prices, sometimes 5-10 times the normal fare, targeting newly arrived tourists unfamiliar with local rates.
Individuals approach tourists with emotional stories about orphanages, schools, or sick children needing donations. Many such 'charities' are fake, and money goes to scammers. Some even rent children for sympathy.
One person distracts you (asking for directions, spilling something on you, showing you something) while an accomplice steals your bag, phone, or wallet. Common in markets and busy streets.
Scammers pose as plain-clothes police officers, claim you've violated a law, and demand to check your wallet or ask for bribes. They may show fake badges and threaten arrest.
Street money changers offer better rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange you, give counterfeit bills, or switch stacks of money during the transaction.
Sellers at airports or shops sell SIM cards at inflated prices, fail to activate them properly, or register them under their own names for fraudulent use later.
Online listings show attractive properties, but upon arrival, you're told it's unavailable and offered inferior accommodation at the same price, or additional fees are demanded.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use only reputable ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Little Cab) or hotel-arranged taxis
- Avoid matatus (minibuses) - they're cheap but dangerous due to reckless driving and crime risk
- Never use boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) unless absolutely necessary - accident rates are extremely high
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving
- Don't display valuables visible from outside the vehicle
- Avoid driving after dark, especially outside the city
- If hiring a car, consider hiring a driver who knows local conditions
- Pre-arrange airport transfers rather than negotiating on arrival
Accommodation Safety
- Choose hotels in safer neighborhoods like Westlands, Kilimani, Karen, or Gigiri
- Ensure accommodations have 24-hour security
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Don't let strangers know your room number
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening doors
- Keep emergency numbers and hotel contact cards with you
- Research accommodation locations thoroughly - some 'central' hotels are in risky areas
Money and Valuables
- Carry only small amounts of cash; use cards where possible
- Keep money in multiple locations (front pocket, money belt, hotel safe)
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours only
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, or cameras
- Consider using a dummy wallet with small amounts for emergencies
- Mobile money (M-PESA) is widely used - consider setting up for convenience
- Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents separate from originals
Street Safety
- Never walk alone after dark - always use transportation
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas
- Walk confidently and purposefully; avoid looking lost
- Don't use phones while walking on streets - makes you a target
- Be aware of your surroundings; avoid distractions
- Cross streets carefully - traffic doesn't always stop for pedestrians
- Avoid wearing headphones that prevent you from hearing approaching threats
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave the area
Social Interactions
- Be friendly but cautious with strangers who approach you
- Don't share accommodation details with casual acquaintances
- Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers or deals
- Kenyans are generally warm and helpful, but maintain appropriate boundaries
- Learn basic Swahili greetings - locals appreciate the effort
- Avoid discussing politics or tribal issues
- Don't photograph people without permission
- Decline politely but firmly if you're uncomfortable with requests
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid street food unless from clearly hygienic vendors
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Ensure food is thoroughly cooked, especially meat
- Be cautious with salads and raw vegetables at budget establishments
- Use insect repellent, though malaria risk is low in Nairobi itself
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date; consider Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from endemic countries
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Save emergency contacts in your phone immediately
- Share your itinerary with family or friends
- Keep your embassy's contact information accessible
- Download offline maps (Google Maps works well in Nairobi)
- Learn key Swahili phrases: 'Hakuna matata' (no problem), 'Pole pole' (slowly), 'Msaada' (help)
- Keep your hotel's business card for showing taxi drivers
- WhatsApp is widely used for communication
Photography
- Don't photograph government buildings, military installations, or airports
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Keep expensive camera equipment concealed when not in use
- Be discreet when taking photos in public areas
- Consider using a phone camera rather than expensive DSLR in risky areas
- Don't photograph poverty or people without consent - it's disrespectful
- Be aware that some people may demand payment after being photographed
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women can travel safely in Nairobi with appropriate precautions, though they may face additional challenges including harassment, unwanted attention, and being perceived as easier targets for crime. Solo female travelers should be particularly vigilant. Kenyan women in cities dress both conservatively and in Western fashion, and female tourists generally don't face dress-code restrictions, though modest dress may reduce unwanted attention.
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark - always use transportation
- Dress modestly in conservative areas and religious sites; Western clothing is fine in hotels, malls, and tourist areas
- Be firm and assertive if experiencing harassment; don't worry about seeming rude
- Book accommodations in safer neighborhoods with good security
- Use ride-hailing apps rather than flagging taxis to avoid uncomfortable situations
- Keep hotel room numbers private and verify identity before opening doors
- Sit in the back seat of taxis and don't share personal information with drivers
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers; drink spiking has been reported
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm
- If going out at night, go with a group and watch out for each other
- Wedding rings (real or fake) may deter some unwanted attention
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Be aware that some men may be overly persistent; firm 'no' is necessary
- Solo dining is generally fine in restaurants, especially at hotels and malls
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya under colonial-era laws, with penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment, though these laws are rarely enforced against tourists. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise discretion and avoid public displays of affection
- Don't discuss sexual orientation openly with strangers or in public
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; international hotel chains are generally safe
- Be cautious on dating apps - entrapment and blackmail scams targeting LGBTQ+ individuals occur
- Avoid LGBTQ+ activism or wearing rainbow symbols in public
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations discreetly for safe venue recommendations
- Book accommodations as 'friends' or 'colleagues' if concerned
- Be aware that police attitudes vary; some may be hostile
- International areas like Westlands and Kilimani are relatively safer
- Consider travel insurance that covers LGBTQ+-specific issues
- Register with your embassy if concerned about legal issues
- Have emergency contacts including your embassy readily available
- Despite legal status, many tourists visit without issues by being discreet
- Transgender travelers should carry documentation; may face additional scrutiny
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Nairobi due to high private healthcare costs, crime risks, potential for medical evacuation needs, and unpredictable situations. Private hospitals often require payment guarantees before treatment, and medical bills can easily reach thousands of dollars. Insurance provides financial protection and access to quality care without devastating costs.
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