How can you stay safe in Nairobi, Kenya?
1. Is Nairobi safe?
2. How can I stay safe in Nairobi?
3. Which places should I avoid while in Nairobi?
4. What are the Nairobi crime hotspots and danger zones?
5. Which place is safe for me in Nairobi?
Nairobi crime hotspots and danger zones
Nairobi has been voted the world’s third most preferred destination and top destination in Africa. Though the Nairobi safety index is 42 percent, there are places that are considered high-risk areas. According to security stakeholders, most of the crime hotspots are unsafe at night especially if you are walking alone.
In Langata, it is advisable to be careful around Kibera, Highrise, Line Saba, Kiandaa, Bombolulu, Karanja road, Migingo, Soweto, Lindi, and Salama. You are likely to get robbed or assaulted in these areas at any time of the day.
In Embakasi, Kayole, Maringo, Highridge Teachers college playing ground, Soweto-Embakasi Bridge, Gitari, opposite Jacaranda Estate, Kangundo road-railway line junction, and Laikipia have been mapped out as high-risk areas all day long.
In Dagoretti, Kawangware, Ndunyu, Waithaka kwa Ngángá, Mlango soko, Kasovo, Maumau, Ndwaru road, Kiana, Kabiiria, and Muslim Kawangware are famous dumping sites of dead bodies. Crimes such as drug peddling, trading in small arms and light weapons, armed robbery, boda boda theft are common in these areas. Avoid walking alone in these areas in the evening and at night between 6pm and 3am.
Kamukunji’s safety levels dip during the day, with crimes such as assault, armed robbery, drug peddling, SGBV, break-ins, mugging, kidnapping, luggage theft and theft of car accessories being common in Mlango Kubwa, Ngara, Eastleigh, Huruma grounds, around Chief’s place, Mathare North, Kiamaiko, Majengo, Kasarani, around Equity Bank and Railway headquarters.
In Makadara, the common crime types include theft, SGBV, assault, armed robbery, kidnapping, trading in small arms and light weapons. Makadara crime hotspots include Mutindwa, near the South B bridge, near the South C fly over, Makongeni-Likoni Road Bridge, Mukuru fauta bridge Mukuru Reuben, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mesora, Stage 2, Kiambiu, Katulo road, Jericho sports ground, Uwanja soo, Jericho, and the Shepherds-Uhuru Junction.
Apart from the crimes highlighted above, you need to beware of pickpockets especially in public vehicles and crowded city streets.
Tips to stay safe in Nairobi
Safe commuting: Which mode of transport should you use in Nairobi?
There are various modes of transport in Nairobi Kenya. These include public matatus and buses, boda boda (motor cycles), tuktuks, trains and taxi. It is safe to use PSV matatus and buses to town and back. However, some buses and matatus have been hijacked especially when using risky routes or at night. Female passengers have also reported cases of sexual assault in matatus. Use these modes of transport during the day and avoid being the only passenger in these vehicles. Tuk tuks and boda bodas are safe for short distances. When booking a boda boda, do it at a stage where the rider is well known and not somewhere on the road.
Trains are also safe as long as they are not crowded. But when it comes to taxis, avoid the traditional taxis at all costs. Some ride sharing services are safe while others are not. Female passengers have for instance been killed and assaulted in taxis. Uber and Little cabs have not had such incidents so far.
In order to ensure your total safety in a taxi, download the official app and make the booking yourself. Check the driver ratings if you want, and judge for yourself if he is a good person based on the experience of other passengers. Take the number of the taxi and driver number and send it to a friend. With Uber, it is possible for another person to monitor the journey for you to ensure that you do not make unnecessary stops or take detours.
It may help to always carry your charger in case you need to recharge your phone. Most restaurants, shopping malls, pubs have free ports where you can plug in your charger. Shopping malls such as Two Rivers and Garden City have secured charging booths where you pay to charge your phone in a secure environment.
Read Also: Where to stay in Nairobi
Home is where you spent at least a third of your time. It is important to look for a house in a safe neighbourhood. Do security mapping to ensure that there are no security risks lurking around. Get the mobile number of the estate managers/caretaker, as well as local police for faster reporting of any security incidents. If you have a car, ensure that you have a parking slot inside the building. Ask if the estate has a Whatsapp group because this is where you get to know what is happening, and measures your neighbours are taking to stay safe. In addition, avoid bringing strangers to your house, including one-night stands.
Safety in restaurants and pubs
It is very easy to get your food poisoned or drink spiked. Drink spiking is especially very common in the city. Eat and drink only in reputable joints. If you are visiting a pub, do not go alone. While there, avoid leaving your drink unattended or with a stranger. If you want to visit the restroom or go to the dance floor, it is advisable to finish your drink or food first before getting up.
Safe dating: How to stay safe when dating a Nairobian
Dating is part of life, and we all need others in order to live a fulfilling life. If someone takes you out on a date, carry enough money and have some on your Uber wallet. Do not eat or drink more than you can afford. Meet in open places, and don’t start home visits too soon. Avoid receiving guests in your house at night especially if you stay alone. Do not visit his place alone to avoid date rape, and avoid bringing girls you pick up from the streets as they often steal from clients.
If you go out for lunch or dinner, don’t allow him to slip away without settling his bill. If worse comes to worst, let everyone pay for themselves. Do not allow him to drop you home if it is late at night, or if you do not want him to know where you stay. Avoid surprise visits, especially if he/she just calls to say ‘I was in the neighbourhood and thought of you. Are you home?’ Do not loan him money for whatever reason, unless you are already friends.
Other tips to keep you safe in Nairobi
While you can get away with many things in Nairobi, if caught you will answer alone. Avoid doing anything illegal, including breaking the traffic laws. Do not cross the road at the wrong places, or while answering your phone.
Motorists do not automatically stop at the zebra crossing, so you must ensure that the road is clear before crossing. If driving, avoid giving lifts to strangers or stopping to help strangers on the road. Ensure you lock all your doors and don’t stop when people flash at you. Finally, do not use your expensive phone in public: pickpockets always have a sharp vision.