Genvisec advises that leisure travel can continue to Kenya on organised packages, it is not safe at the current time to be backpacking.

 

Genvisec advises that business travel can continue to Kenya taking appropriate precautions and avoiding the areas of:

 

Mombasa, Lamu, Tana River and Kilifi counties: In mid-2014 violence in Lamu and Tana River counties on the Kenyan coast caused a large number of deaths and injuries. Genvisec advises you to reconsider the need to travel to Mombasa, coastal Tana River and Kilifi counties and all of Lamu county due to the high threat of ongoing violence and terrorist attack. This area extends approximately 65 kilometres inland in Tana River county, and 20 kilometres inland in Kilifi county.

 

Border Regions: We strongly advise against all travel to Kenya’s border regions with Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan because of the extreme threat of kidnapping, terrorism and violent conflict. The border region with Somalia includes all of Mandera and Garissa counties and that part of Wajir country extending from the town of Wajir eastwards to the border.

 

 

Kidnapping 

There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping of westerners in Kenya. This threat is particularly high in areas close to the border with Somalia and northern coastal regions of Lamu county. 

Threats to humanitarian workers: You should be aware that humanitarian workers and journalists in border areas may be targeted for kidnapping. Armed groups from Somalia have previously kidnapped western aid workers working in the Somalia border region.

Threats to tourists and residents: Tourists and residents in coastal resorts and towns in eastern Kenya have been kidnapped by armed groups based in Somalia in the past. In light of previous attacks on foreigners we strongly advise you not to travel to areas along the Kenyan coast north of Pate Island in Lamu District. 

If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should seek professional security advice and have effective personal security measures in place. 

 

Civil unrest/political tension 

You should avoid all political rallies and protests as they may quickly turn violent. In the event of violence or civil unrest you should avoid all protests, monitor the media and other local information sources for information that could affect your safety and security and follow the instructions of local authorities.

International events and political developments may prompt large demonstrations in Kenya. Demonstrations over high food prices, alleged corruption, controversial media and tax legislation have resulted in violence and arrests in the past. 

There have been regular outbreaks of violence across Kenya in recent years, though these usually take place away from areas frequented by tourists Riots and clashes have occurred regularly in Mombasa, with riots in February 2014, March 2013 and August 2012. Further such events are likely.

A2 Highway from Isiolo to Moyale: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel along the A2 highway from Isiolo to Moyale, due to sporadic violent clashes which have resulted in a number of deaths and injuries. If you opt to travel along this road you should exercise extreme caution.

 

Crime 

The level of crime in Kenya is high. Due to the prevalence of street crime you should avoid walking after dark and remain vigilant at all times. If you are attacked, do not resist. You should be aware of your surroundings and remain conscious of the high risk of crime at all times. 

Crimes targeting the foreign community in Nairobi: In Nairobi, violent crime against Westerners, including armed carjacking, kidnapping for ransom and home invasion, occurs frequently and can be brazen and brutal. A number of home invasions in Nairobi targeting the foreign community have resulted in the death of householders, 

 

We strongly recommend if you are living in Kenya to invest in robust personal security measures and regularly review their personal security arrangements. Anecdotal evidence suggests that foreigners are increasingly being targeted in private homes, tourist areas and while travelling by road. A number of incidents have occurred at night where criminals lay in wait outside residential security gates. You should be particularly vigilant when waiting in a vehicle while gates are being opened. 

 

Nairobi suburbs of Buruburu, Eastleigh, Kasarani, Kibera, Mathare, Pangani, South B and South C: You should take particular care in these areas of Nairobi due the high levels of violent crime. 

 

Violent robbery, car-jacking and kidnapping throughout Kenya: The risk of armed banditry, violent robbery, carjacking and kidnapping has increased in recent years. Crimes of this nature are common in Kenya's urban centres, coastal beach resorts, northern Kenya (including the North East Province), the northern parts of Eastern, Coastal and Rift Valley Provinces and north of Malindi. If you travel to remote areas or border regions, you could be the target of attacks or kidnappings. The incidence of crime generally rises during the holiday periods.

Other crimes: Muggings and armed robberies are common, though victims are generally not harmed if they don't resist. Jewellery and bag-snatching from open vehicle windows frequently occur while motorists are either stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic. You should avoid displaying expensive items that can readily be stolen, including jewellery and watches, when travelling or in public. When driving, you should ensure that windows are up, doors are locked and valuables are out of sight. Be aware that groups of motorcyclists have been known to target pedestrians for bag-snatching and motorists for carjacking. If you are attacked, do not resist.

Due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

Scams, whereby criminals try to extort money from travellers using fake police, hotel and government identification, are common. You should always ask to see identification in order to establish bona fides.

 

In Nairobi, confrontations between police and criminal suspects occur regularly. Bystanders have been wounded or killed as result of indiscriminate gunfire in crowded areas. We advise you to remain vigilant at all times.

 

National parks and game reserves: Serious security incidents in Kenya’s national parks and conservancies are rare. However, crime does occur and travellers should exercise caution in these areas. 

Visitors to the Ngong Forest Reserve and Ngong Hills should get an armed escort from the Kenyan Wildlife Services (KWS) because of the risk of robbery. The Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) can provide advice on reputable travel firms and guides.

North, north-eastern and western Kenya: Banditry, cattle rustling and ethnic clashes have caused sporadic violence in north and north-eastern Kenya and in the Mount Elgon region of western Kenya. Australians could inadvertently be caught up in violence directed at others. We advise you to seek advice from the police and travel in convoys or with police escorts if visiting these regions.

Borders with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia: We strongly advise you not to travel to the border regions with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Localised incidents of violence, such as armed banditry, violent cattle rustling and counter raids, are common along the Kenya-Ethiopia border and Kenya-South Sudan border. 

Borders with Uganda and Tanzania: There have been reports of banditry and robbery at unauthorised border crossing points on the borders with Uganda and Tanzania and along the road from Nairobi to the Tanzania borders.

 

Money and valuables 

ATMs that accept international cards are widely available in Nairobi and major towns. Australian currency is not accepted in Kenya. Travellers’ cheques are accepted at large banks and foreign exchanges, though are not widely accepted in hotels.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. 

 

Airport security arrangements: Enhanced security checks are in place at Kenyan airports. Local authorities have advised travellers to arrive one hour ahead of the normal time (i.e. at least three hours before scheduled international flight times) to complete security formalities.

Driving in Kenya is dangerous due to poor road conditions, poorly maintained vehicles and insufficient street lighting. Australians travelling by road should verify local security conditions beforehand. Travel at night on major highways in and out of Nairobi and on rural roads should be avoided. Travel at night to and from Nairobi’s international airports (JKIA and Wilson) should only be undertaken with a reputable tour or taxi company.

We recommend that in Kenya you only use radio taxis and only from official taxi stands or via callout.

Bus terminals and other gathering areas for public and private transport have been the target of terrorist and criminal attacks on a number of occasions in recent years. They remain vulnerable to attack and you should exercise particular caution in such locations. Public transport (primarily buses and minivans – known locally as ‘matutus’) is dangerous, as driving standards are poor and roads and vehicles are inadequately maintained.

For further advice, see our road travel page.

Passenger trains are considered to be unsafe, especially during the rainy season. Train services are unreliable. Theft is common on trains and there have been cases where passengers’ belongings have been taken from their compartments.

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities such as diving, may not be of the same level as in Australia. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts, even if others don't. If appropriate safety equipment is not available, you should use another provider. 

 

Piracy

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Kenya. There have been attacks by pirates against all forms of shipping to the immediate north of Kenya around Somalia's waters and the Gulf of Aden. Somali pirates, using motherships, have attacked shipping further than 1,000 nautical miles (1,850 kilometres) from the coast of Somalia. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports on its website