Security Overview for Kenya

While many trips to Kenya are trouble-free, visitors do face certain security threats. Crime rates are high, particularly in urban areas, such as the capital, Nairobi, and Mombasa. Attacks range from grab-and-run thefts to violent home invasions by armed gangs. As elsewhere, tourist centers are magnets for criminals, particularly petty thieves.

In recent years, especially during elections (e.g. late December 2007), violent clashes between police and armed gangs have occurred in parts of the Central province, north and north-east Kenya, the Mount Elgon area in western Kenya and in Nairobi. Seek local advice before traveling to or through these areas.

Avoid traveling to the border regions with Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia due to the precarious security situation. Cross border violence occurs, including kidnapping, armed banditry and violent tribal and clan disputes. Kenya's border with Somalia was closed in January 2007 due to instability in Somalia.

Avoid local, colorfully-painted public buses known as "Matatus" due to safety and security concerns. Carjackings and roadway banditry are common and often violent. Bandits will shoot drivers who resist or flee; carjackers may open fire without provocation simply to stop the target vehicle. If driving, especially between cities, can't be avoided, a private car with a professional driver is the most secure means of transportation in Kenya. Taxis and shuttles hired through hotels are fairly secure, but if you use them, do not allow the driver to pick up additional passengers. Limit overland travel to daylight hours. If possible, travel in a caravan.

Travelers who are not just transiting the airport en route to Kenya's wildlife preserves, may face threats upon landing at the airport in the form of airport officials looking for bribes to speed processing times or overcome alleged violations. Visitors should stand firm and report all such incidents to their respective embassies. Limit travel to and from the airport to daylight hours and never go alone; the roads leading to the airport are used by bandits who directly target foreigners. At the airport, keep a close eye on all personal belongings.

Demonstrations across Kenya can draw thousands of participants and can turn violent. Protesters may block roads; clashes between demonstrators and security forces are common during elections and labor strikes. Political demonstrations and rallies increase around the time of an election. Avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as a precaution.

Kenya faces a threat of terrorism, which stems primarily from the war in neighboring Somalia; Kenya has a large Somali population. Western embassies in Kenya have warned their citizens that terrorists could be plotting attacks against Western interests and places where foreigners are known to congregate in Kenya. Recent warnings have suggested that attacks could occur in urban areas, as well as in the Kiwayu Island tourist area and other beach sites frequented by Western travelers on the northeast coast near Somalia.

Game Reserves and National Parks

In game reserves, typically reached by air transiting Nairobi airport, travel only with a professional guide. It's common to let one's guard down in these pristine environments, but the fact is that game parks can be dangerous at times. Armed banditry inside national parks has been reported in Samburu, Leshaba and even the Masai Mara reserves - on of the country's most popular and oft-visited destinations. To offset this threat, guided tours typically include the presence of armed escorts. Most visits to the parks are incident free, and areas to the west and south of Nairobi are considered quite safe for tourists (though a simmering conflict in bordering Uganda has made Mt. Elgon the scene of occasional clashes). Parks and reserves between Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa are more dangerous and require extra precautions.

Popular Game Preserves in Western Kenya

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.