Answered: Is Nairobi Safe to Visit?

Nairobi is one of the core destinations in Africa. In fact, it was ranked the number one city to visit in 2024 by a leading travel agency, Lonely Planet. This puts it ahead of popular destinations like Paris and Montreal. This is exciting news to many travelers, but is Nairobi Safe to visit?

I have lived in Nairobi for more than 10 years. My life here started when I joined the University of Nairobi in the year 2009 as a tourism student. The institution sits right in the heart of Nairobi City. As a full-time dweller, I have so much to tell about this capital city of Kenya.

Safety is one of the key concerns to anyone aspiring to travel to or live in Nairobi. I understand that Kenya has suffered multiple attacks from al-Shabaab, a terror group from neighboring Somalia. There are also alarming warnings of petty theft, muggings, and armed robbery.

So, is Nairobi safe to visit?

The short answer is Yes. Nairobi is a safe place to visit. However, your safety particularly depends on where you are going. There are plenty of interesting places to tour, but also zones considered risky. Muggings and armed robberies occur in isolated areas, particularly at night.

Crime in Nairobi stems from poor urban planning and high unemployment rates among youth. Pretty theft like bag and jewelry snatching is common. The Kenya Police Service has listed some of the crime hotspots that travelers should avoid or visit with precaution.

In the said areas, criminals target everyone, including residential areas and businesses. The Police Service indicated that people were mugged both in daylight and at night. The marked areas include Thika highway; along the Drive-In flyover to KCA, KCA underpass, and Kangemi.

Others are ABC Place, Kipande Road, and parts of the CBD including Globe Cinema, Kirinyaga Road, and Fig Tree. Some estates also harbor dangerous armed gangs. They include Kayole, Dandora, Mathare, Kibera, Mwiki Kasarani, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, and Eastleigh among others.

Nairobi terrorism threats

Al-Shabaab, a terror group hailing from Somalia has carried out numerous attacks in Nairobi. They often target places with a high number of foreigners, such as hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. Understandably, these attacks can also target anyone, regardless of nationality or background.

In 2019, Kenya suffered its worst terrorist attack in four years when the militants attacked the Dusit D2 hotel complex in Nairobi. Indiscriminate shootings and suicide vests targeted civilians which resulted in loss of lives. Additionally, the region bordering Somalia continued to suffer attacks and kidnappings.

So, when visiting Nairobi avoid unnecessary travel to high-risk areas including the Kenya-Somalia border. Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu are the counties that directly border Somalia. Armed banditry is also common in Turkana and Marsabit counties.

Politician tension in Nairobi

Nairobi is a major transport hub for East and Central Africa. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the biggest airport in the region. The city connects the port of Mombasa to various landlocked countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Burundi, and Rwanda.

Key government facilities sit in Nairobi. This includes the State House, Parliaments, High courts, and National Defence apparatus. This occasion strikes and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions. Violence and demonstrations occur, particularly in periods near elections.

This unrest can interfere with businesses and the flow of traffic. Armed gangs and petty robbers can take advantage of such conditions resulting in loss of property. So, if you are planning to travel to Nairobi, monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.

Safety tips when traveling to Nairobi

If you are planning to travel to Nairobi, Kenya, here are important safety tips.

• Plan your safari with a reputable travel agency. They will secure a safe accommodation and allocate you an experienced guide.
• Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Do not trust strangers masquerading as helpers.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by foreigners. This includes Government buildings, and public areas like places of worship, shopping malls, and restaurants.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated places, especially at night.
• Always contact relevant authorities for clarifications or any issues. This could be your hotel, booking agency, or your country’s embassy in Kenya.
• Make contingency plans to leave the country should there be an emergency. I recommend you make your travel plans with a reputable insurance agency.
• Always keep your travel documents and credit cards in a safe secure place. 
• Make copies of your passport and visa and keep them in a different place from the originals.
• Keep your windows locked especially when you are in a taxi or public transport. Your phone, bag and valuables are targeted by petty thieves.
• When you leave your hotel room, ensure that the door is locked.
• Avoid showing signs of affluence or carrying large sums of money.
• Don’t resist robbery attempts. Hand over your valuables and try to remember the details of the perpetrator. Report the incident to the nearest police station.

The good side of Nairobi 

Unlike many cities in the world, Nairobi is a great place for going on wildlife safaris. The Nairobi National Park is just a 30-minute drive from the terminus. The big five game of Africa except elephants freely roam against the backdrop of a bustling city. Not to mention hundreds of bird species. 

Nairobi also connects to other world-famous national parks like the Maasai Mara National Reserve. While in the city you can visit The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi National Museum, Karura Forest, The Giraffe Center, and The Karen Blixen Museum.

There are plenty of safe places where you can enjoy your stay. Karen, Westlands, Langata, Lovington, and Kileleshwa are leafy and affluent neighborhoods with nice hotels and restaurants. If you are on a budget, you also won’t miss safe accommodations in the CBD.

Final thought

Nairobi is generally safe to visit but precaution is needed due to threats of petty crime and terrorism. If you are planning a trip to Nairobi, research well and make your travel plans directly with your preferred lodge or through a reputable tour operator. 

References

Safety and security – Kenya travel advice – GOV.UK(https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya)

Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Nairobi (October 13, 2023)(https://ke.usembassy.gov/security-alert-increased-crime-in-residential-areas-of-nairobi/)

Crime Hot Spots – Kenya Police Service (https://www.kenyapolice.go.ke/2015-09-10-06-16-50.html)

List of Nairobi Estates Harboring Most Dangerous Gangs (Kenyans.co.ke)

Government of Canada – Kenya Travel Advice (https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/kenya)