Is Nairobi safe? 19+ Nairobi Travel Tips from a Local
Planning a trip to Nairobi for the first time and wondering if Nairobi is safe?
This post is all about Nairobi travel tips and everything you need to know to stay safe on the streets of Nairobi. Don’t get caught unawares, avoid looking lost and becoming an easy target.
Without wasting any time let’s dive into it!!
Nairobi Safety Tips
1. Don’t walk around with huge amounts of money
Avoid the temptation of walking around with a lump sum of money be it in dollars or Kenyan shillings. You can carry some cash for small payments such as when paying for a fruit or snack but even these vendors accept mobile money payment.
Like in any other city, thieves hunt from a distance and will trail you and monitor your ways before robbing you. Even if you have the cash on you, don’t go displaying it everywhere you make payments.
There are some arrogant tourists who love showing how many dollars they have. This is how you become an easy target. Also, avoid frequent bank withdrawal trips, especially at the same location.
2. Use M-Pesa for payment (mobile Money)
Almost every business operation in Nairobi accepts mobile money transfers (M-Pesa payments). Well-established businesses like hotels and supermarkets also accept Visa cards and MasterCard.
When you land in Kenya make it a top priority to buy a Safaricom sim card especially if you will be spending a reasonable amount of time in the country. This is the most reliable network for making calls, buying data, making mobile money transfers, ordering food, or requesting an Uber among many other things.
You can buy one at the airport or in any Safaricom shop for less than $10 and request the attendant to activate M-pesa on your line (Passport No. required for registration).
Load money into the sim card on the M-Pesa app (done at a Safaricom shop or M-Pesa agent). If you are only spending a few days or don’t want to buy the card, use a Visa card for payments and keep small amounts for quick purchases as mentioned above.
3. Leave expensive jewelry in your Room
Avoid wearing gold earrings and necklaces when walking around Nairobi. Many of the robbers can’t tell real from fake and will just assume it’s real and want to snatch it. I have witnessed a tourist chasing after a guy who had snatched her gold necklace in Nairobi downtown.
4. Don’t take strange to your accommodation
It’s not uncommon for party lovers to pick up people from the bars and spend some “good” time together. Be very careful in Nairobi bars, I’d highly discourage anyone wanting to take anyone they meet in a bar to their hotel.
These cartels work by befriending you, then spike your drink at the bar and robbing you. Alternatively, some will act very friendly towards you all night and you end up taking them to your room. Once you get there, the party continues, where you are drugged and your valuables stolen.
Interacting with people at the bar is fine but be alert and don’t get stupid drunk. Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t take strangers home.
5. Don’t use your phone next to open car windows
This is the most common crime in Nairobi doesn’t matter if you are a tourist or a local. NEVER use your phone in a car or bus when the windows are open!
You might see something interesting and want to record but before you realize it someone has snatched it and run away with it. If you must use the phone hold onto it tightly or record behind a closed window.
Also when using the phone on the streets hold it properly with a good grip. Avoid getting lost in your device and always be aware of your surroundings.
In addition, avoid placing your phone or any valuables on the tables. Thieves can walk by and snatch them and trust me you will not catch them. Unless it’s within your resort or a guarded 5-star hotel, always keep your phone in your pocket.
6. Don’t place your camera down
You know when vloggers place their cameras somewhere to capture a shot of them walking or doing something across the street, Don’t do that. I can guarantee you that before you turn around and start walking toward your camera it will be gone. If you must capture those cinematic moments, have a friend or your trusted local guide do it.
7. Be wary of the card scam
This happens mostly in downtown Nairobi. You will find some guys playing cards on boxes, placing bets, and pretending to win some money. They ask you to track a specific card after shuffling them, you are asked to place your bet on the card you think is correct. If it’s correct your bet is doubled and you win.
Don’t fall for their tricks, they usually are together and prey on unsuspecting and naive pedestrians. The first person who “plays and wins” is part of their group and is a way to gain your trust. Once you place your money you will just lose it all.
Some new tactics they are using to prey on people is by dropping money in front of you and asking you to pick it up for them. Once you do you are lured to play the game and end up losing all your cash.
8. Drugged handshakes and business cards
Many people have found themselves in this trap before, both locals and foreigners. A stranger just approaches you, gives you a card, or pretends to ask directions. It’s not unusual for people to shake hands as a form of greeting but what you don’t know is they use some form of drug that can be absorbed through the skin.
Since these drugs work slowly no one can suspect anything since you seem to know each other. They will lead you to an isolated place by now you lose consciousness and they will rob you. In some other scenarios, the drug confuses you and you just share every critical information with them including your bank details. Once you regain consciousness you can hardly remember anything.
Avoid this by just saying hi, NO handshakes with strangers on the streets, or simply ignoring them.
9. Pickpocketers
If you must place any valuables in your pockets make sure the pockets are deep and have a zip. If you are in crowded areas just know pickpocketers are in the crowd. Avoid placing your phone or money in your pockets when walking in these crowded places.
If you are carrying a laptop, ALWAYS carry it on your front side. It’s very common to see people carrying their bags this way, they are just protecting their valuables. Don’t think a laptop is too big to be pickpocketed, you don’t even feel it when someone is opening your bag you just notice it’s gone later on.
10. Avoid isolated streets and places
If the locals are not walking on those streets or going through a particular place don’t do it either. There are several isolated lanes in Nairobi downtown, if you happen to be touring that side of the city steer clear of them. Doesn’t matter if the sun is right above your head.
11. No roaming at Night
Nairobi city center is more of a business hub than a residential area. Unlike other major cities where can find many people living within the city that’s not the case here. Most people live on the outskirts of Nairobi and in other towns that make up the larger Nairobi county. Once the businesses start closing, people leave the city. Avoid roaming aimlessly at night you can easily get mugged.
General Tips
12. Use online taxi services
There are many online taxi providers in Nairobi including Uber, Bolt, and Taxify. If anything happens you can easily track the driver and if you have complaints you know where to direct them.
13. Learn some bargaining skills
Some local vendors will take advantage of you as a tourist and want to sell items at exorbitant prices. Learn how to bargain don’t just accept the first price thrown at you. You can also check different vendors and compare the pieces, especially when shopping for souvenirs at the local markets.
14. Don’t trust people blindly
If you meet strangers inviting you places don’t just trust them blindly. If your gut tells you something feels off follow your gut feeling. When in clubs avoid getting wasted or accepting drinks from strangers.
15. If lost…
If you find yourself lost in the city, ask for directions from the guards found at building entrances (usually wearing navy blue or black uniforms). Even Better, use Google Maps to find directions.
Avoid asking just anyone on the streets. Not all people in Nairobi are bad but you never know who you pick to ask. Criminals don’t wear tags and most present themselves as very decent people.
16. Touring downtown Nairobi
If you want to explore this side of the city you can go alone but it’s even better if you have a local to guide you. It’s easy to get lost in this very busy side of Nairobi. One of my best places to buy souvenirs is located here if you are new you can get lost easily.
17. Taking Photos
Do you want to take some photos in the streets of Nairobi? The best time to do it is on the weekends as the streets are less crowded. During the weekdays, the streets are crowded, and busses hooting. If you don’t mind the noise you can capture the bustling city any time of the week.
18. Flying Drones
Don’t fly drones in Nairobi city without proper permission from the Nairobi city council. I actually don’t think they allow the flying of drones in the city but I will look into it.
Due to past terrorist attacks if you are caught flying a drone illegally it could be thought that you are doing some surveillance work and you will get into trouble. In addition, don’t fly drones in private residential areas and in government territories.
19. Don’t send money before viewing your rental
Foreigners and tourists have fallen prey to cons running scam property advertisements. If anyone asks you to send money before you actually see the car, or apartment you want to rent, RUN!
They pressure you into sending money to guarantee your booking, claiming very many people want it but in reality, you are just getting scammed. Use a reputable company or Airbnb for bookings.
20. Civil Unrest…?
During the elections period which happens after every five years, the county can experience some civil unrest. It’s best to avoid any place with riots or rowdy crowds. Unfortunately, Nairobi is always affected during such times, and is best to take extra caution.
Conclusion: Is Nairobi safe?
Yes, Nairobi is safe. Like many other major cities around the world, you will find petty crimes and cons. I would only emphasize taking extra care of your pockets, phones, and cameras is filming in the city.
Kenya has many wonderful people willing to help but there are also criminals hiding behind suits and friendly faces. Don’t believe everything you read or hear from the media, don’t be naive, go visit and experience the place. After all, if we all believed everything we read no one would ever leave their hometown.
