Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas of Kenya have increased risk. The Travel Advisory indicates that travelers should not travel to the Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas, due to terrorism and kidnapping or areas of Turkana County, due to crime. The Travel Advisory also recommends individuals reconsider travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, due to crime and kidnapping or certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations, reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2023 ranks Kenya 117 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a Medium state of peace.

Crime Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Nairobi as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kenya, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.

The crime emergency lines in Kenya are 999, 112, or 911. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

Crime in Kenya is a regular occurrence and Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter and investigate such acts. Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including home invasions, burglaries, armed carjackings, and kidnappings can occur at any time and in any location. Criminals frequently use weapons during the commission of their crime. Most criminals rob victims of their possessions and release them unharmed if they are completely cooperative. However, criminals will not hesitate to shoot a victim who is uncooperative or who may appear to hesitate before complying with their assailant. One tactic of carjackers is to tie up victims and put them in the back seat or trunk of their own car, transporting them to an ATM to withdraw cash.

Street crime is a serious problem, particularly in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Meru, and other large cities. Most street crime involves multiple armed assailants. In some instances, large crowds of street criminals incite criminal activity, which has the potential to escalate into mob violence with little notice. Do not walk/run outside of known, safe areas. Avoid hailing taxis from the street; this often results in robbery.

Along with other crimes of opportunity, pickpockets and thieves often carry out snatch-and-grab attacks in crowded areas and from vehicles idling in traffic, relieving pedestrians or drivers of purses, cell phones or other easily accessible belongings. Keep vehicle windows up and doors locked at all times.

Counterfeiting and trademark infringement is widespread and represents a major concern for local and international business. One study put the value of Kenya’s counterfeit trade at Ksh 70 billion (about U.S. $805 million). The counterfeit trade may involve organized criminal elements in Kenya and Somalia. The Government of Kenya criminalized trade in counterfeits and established the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), based in Mombasa. The ACA did not receive funding to do its job effectively in its early years; its budget has improved more recently. The U.S. Embassy actively engages with ACA, and has supported extensive outreach efforts to law enforcement, local government officials, community leaders, and youth around the country. The American Chamber of Commerce, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Kenya Association of Manufacturers also engage on this issue.

The Global Organized Crime Index is a tool designed to measure levels of organized crime in a given country and assess its resilience to organized criminal activity. The most recent index ranks Kenya 16 out of 193 worldwide for criminality, with 1 being the worst possible ranking; and 69 out of 193 worldwide for resilience, with 1 being the best possible ranking.

Crime: Areas of Concern

Crime in Kenya is most prevalent in urban centers such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Meru and other larger cities. Cases of violent street crime targeting Westerners occur in many seemingly safe areas of Nairobi, ranging from simple muggings to kidnapping and extortion, including attacks during daylight hours. U.S. citizens using off-the-street taxis have also been victims of robbery, kidnapping, and extortion. The U.S. Embassy prohibits its personnel from entering the Nairobi neighborhood of Eastleigh, and advises personnel not to enter the Nairobi neighborhood of Kibera due to kidnapping and crime.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kenya, indicating that criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Kidnapping and extortion of Westerners has occurred in Nairobi, usually taking the form of carjackers or kidnappers removing individuals from their car or off the street by force and holding a victim for several hours while exploiting ATM and credit cards. Most incidents do not result in the victim’s death, but significant injuries are commonplace.

In November 2018, armed gunmen kidnapped a 23-year-old Italian woman approximately 50 kilometers west of the coastal city of Malindi; she returned home in May 2020 after 18 months of captivity. In April 2019, kidnappers abducted two Cuban doctors from near a hospital in Mandera; al-Qaida-linked extremist group al-Shabaab released them in October 2020, after reportedly holding them in neighboring Somalia. Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups likely seek to kidnap Westerners and are active in counties near the Kenya-Somalia border and in some coastal areas.

Drug Crime

Kenya is a transit country for illegal narcotics. Drug trafficking in Kenya often involves other transnational organized criminality, to include money laundering and weapons trafficking. Over the last several years, the Drug Enforcement Agency Formal Vetted Unit has successfully initiated a U.S.-led and Kenya-supported investigations program; one of the most notable successes was a 2015 seizure of 1,032 kilograms of heroin off the Kenyan coast. In 2018, the Kenyan narcotics units seized approximately 136,000 grams of heroin in with an estimated street value of $408 million. In May 2022, police seized approximately $900,000 worth of heroin in Mombasa county. Throughout 2023, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime worked with Kenyan authorities to disrupt drug trafficking along the Southern Route, a corridor allowing criminals to transit heroin produced from poppy grown in Afghanistan from ports in Iran and Pakistan across the Indian Ocean to the Kenyan coastline.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.

Terrorism Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Nairobi as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kenya, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Kenya.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2024 ranks Kenya 18 out of 93 worldwide, rating the country as having a High impact from terrorism.

Terrorism: General Threat

Terrorism remains a high-priority concern. The U.S. government continues to receive information regarding potential terrorist threats aimed at U.S., Western, and Kenyan interests in the Nairobi area, counties bordering Somalia, and in the coastal areas including Mombasa and Malindi. Past terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, kidnappings, attacks on communication towers, attacks on public transportation, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in/near ports. Terrorists use these tactics and procedures independently or in combination with each other.

The porous border with Somalia remains a concern. Kenya is a participant in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and initiated military action against al-Shabaab by crossing into Somalia in 2011 and 2012. Kenyan troops within ATMIS continue to conduct operations against al-Shabaab in southeastern Somalia. In response to the Kenyan intervention, al-Shabaab and its sympathizers have conducted retaliatory attacks against civilian and government targets in Kenya, including targeting Westerners.

Al-Shabaab frequently uses ambushes and IEDs to target Kenyan security forces in Wajir, Garissa, Lamu, and Mandera counties. Al-Shabaab attacks led to a combined 70 deaths in Kenya, the highest number since 2019. Examples of these incidents include, but are not limited to:

On March 9, 2024, nine police officers injured following a suspected al-Shabaab attack in Hagadera, Garissa County. The officers were on a routine patrol in two armored vehicles when one vehicle encountered an IED.
On September 10, 2023, al-Shabaab militants conduncted an IED attack on Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) soldiers patrolling the Milimani-Baure Road in the Boni Forest, Lamu County. Al-Shabaab cells operate in high concentration in the Boni Forests due to favorable ground conditions and geography.
On June 25, 2023, al-Shabaab gunmen attacked the villages of Juhudi and Salama, Lamu County. The militants killed five people in total, beheading four of them.
On June 1, 2022, al-Shabaab militants clashed with Kenya military forces at Heyley area along the Bura-Garissa Road and injured one soldier.
On March 14, 2022, an al-Shabaab remote controlled IED detonated, targeting a Kenyan military convoy near Dif town, Wajir South, Wajir. The IED allegedly killed 11 soldiers.
On February 23, 2022, al-Shabaab militants ambushed military forces travelling between Kiunga and Mararani, killing 13 soldiers.

The current State Department Travel Advisory urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the border areas with Somalia due to threats by the terrorist group al-Shabaab. Additionally, U.S. government employees, contractors, and their dependents may not travel to the northeastern counties of Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, Tana River, and Lamu Counties, as well as parts of Kilifi County north of Malindi to the Kenya-Somalia border. Although these restrictions only apply to travelers associated with the U.S. government, all travelers should consider these restrictions when making plans.

Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Nairobi as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kenya, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.

Elections/Political Stability

Election-related violence has occurred in most of Kenya’s elections since the country’s independence in 1963. During the 2007 election, allegations of voter fraud led to intercommunal violence, displacement, and the deaths of approximately 1,000 people. Riots and demonstrations also occurred during Kenya’s most recent general election in 2017; due to tallying irregularities the Kenyan Supreme Court annulled the results of the presidential election, resulting demonstrations, boycotts, and a severe crackdown on protests by state security agencies. Some human rights organizations reported up to 100 deaths.

Kenya’s most recent general and presidential election was held in August 2022. Opposition leader Raila Odinga cited widespread election irregularities and fraud, however the Kenyan Supreme Court upheld the President William Ruto’s electoral victory. Odinga called for protests throughout Kenya, which intensified in March-June 2023. However, electoral violence did not reach the height of unrest seen after the 2007 elections due to constitutional, electoral, and civil society reforms put in place in the late 2000s.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

Protests and demonstrations are common throughout Kenya and are most often peaceful. Most large-scale demonstrations are due to political, economic, or social concerns. Strikes and other protest activity related to economic conditions occur regularly. The height of the August 2022 post-election protests occurred from March-June 2023 and were intensified by demands that the government address rising costs of living. Protesters engaged in erecting temporary roadblocks, burning tires, and looting businesses. Armed gangs engaged in looting and raiding of opposition linked businesses in March. Additionally, protesters reported the Kenyan police along with armed gangs attacked peaceful protesters in Kisumu, western Kenya, and parts of Nairobi. Sporadic protests continued to October 2023, concentrating in Nyzana county where the Azimo opposition party rallied protesters.

Peaceful protests throughout Kenya are also common. In January 2024, thousands of women participated in demonstrations in Nairobi against sexual and gender-based violence. The demonstrations were peaceful but did cause localized roadblocks along the demonstration route. Violence associated with demonstrations, ranging from rock throwing to police using deadly force, occurs around the country; it is mostly notable in western Kenya and Nairobi. Police have also used less-than-lethal means to disrupt protest to include tear gas.

Economic disruptions often take the form of protests that block key intersections and result in widespread traffic jams and other logistical issues.

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

The Kenya Police Service (KPS) is the national agency in charge of law enforcement, to include city and county police divisions. All local police station elements report to the KPS Headquarters in Nairobi. The National Intelligence Service collects intelligence internally as well as externally, and reports directly to the president. The Kenya Defense Forces report to the Defense Ministry and are responsible for external security, but have some domestic security responsibilities, including border security and supporting civilian organizations in the maintenance of order, including post-disaster response. Civilian authorities at times do not maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of the security forces have reportedly committed numerous abuses.

Police Response

The Kenyan Police Service response to the January 2019 DusitD2 Hotel attack was significantly better than to the 2013 Westgate Mall incident, when it took four days to neutralize four terrorists and one-third of the mall suffered catastrophic damage. The DusitD2 attack ended within 20 hours, with limited damage to the hotel complex.

Despite these positive steps, police often lack equipment, resources, training, and personnel to respond to calls for assistance or other emergencies. The likelihood of the police responding to an incident often depends on availability of officers and police vehicles. Police often lack resources and sufficient training in solving serious crimes and weaknesses in the judicial system contribute to slow prosecutions and large numbers of acquittals. Widespread institutional corruption limits the Kenyan Police Service from adequately responding to and dealing with crime at all levels of the Kenyan criminal justice system.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

Kenya’s nationwide emergency numbers are 999, 112, and 911.

Additional Kenya Police Service contact information:

Nairobi Area Control Room: +254-(0)-20-355-6771 or 999
Diplomatic Police Hotlines: +254-(0)-708-589-522; +254-(0)-731-170-666
Police Headquarters: +254-(0)-203-310-225; +254-(0)-203-341-411

Transportation Security

Road Safety

In Kenya, cars drive on the left side of the road, with drivers on the right side of the car; this poses additional challenges for inexperienced international drivers. Road conditions range from relatively well-maintained to very poor. Within Nairobi, drivers must compete with pedestrians, pushcarts, boda-bodas (two-wheeled motorcycle taxis), tuk-tuks (rickshaws), and matatus (minibuses), any of which may swerve or stop at a moment’s notice without signaling. All drivers must practice defensive driving. Local drivers routinely ignore traffic laws and the limited number of functioning traffic lights. Many vehicles do not meet minimal safety standards and are in poor mechanical condition with worn tires, broken and/or missing taillights, brake lights, and headlights.

Transportation accidents are commonplace largely due to poor road and vehicle conditions. Accidents, while frequent, are usually not fatal unless they involve pedestrians or matatus. The roads in most major cities show signs of wear, including potholes and other obstructions. Due to challenging road conditions, the U.S. government prohibits its employees from driving outside of major populated areas at night.

Road conditions are poor in most outlying or rural areas, especially after the rainy seasons when roads deteriorate rapidly, causing extensive potholes and other road hazards. Strongly consider using four-wheel-drive vehicles, especially for travel outside major cities.

Lock vehicle doors and windows at all times while traveling. The best way to avoid being a victim of a carjacking is to be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night or early morning hours, though carjacking can also occur during daylight hours. If you see something or someone suspicious, prepare to act quickly. Allow sufficient distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you while stopped in traffic. Always maintain at least a half tank of gas and ensure that others not traveling with you are aware of your travel itinerary. If you believe someone is following you, do not drive directly to your intended destination; rather, detour to a police station, a well-illuminated public venue, or other guarded area to seek help.

The Embassy has received reports of police harassment, primarily in the form of solicitation for bribes related to traffic stops. Harassment is not uncommon, but typically comes in the form of bribe requests. Do not pay any bribes; report incidents to the Consulate’s American Citizen Services section. In the event of police detention, contact the Embassy immediately.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi now permits its personnel to use Uber services, provided the traveler uses the app to identify the vehicle and driver before the passenger enters the vehicle. There have been instances where criminals will see someone waiting by the side of the road and falsely identify themselves as their Uber driver, when in reality they are intending to kidnap and rob the unsuspecting victim. In addition to Uber and known private drivers, Express Impress (0729 872 647 or 0712 794 418) and Jim Cab (0722 711 001) are reputable and safe for use. The U.S. Embassy does not authorize personnel to call taxis off the street, to include matatus and boda bodas, which do not observe basic safety precautions and ignore traffic rules.

Aviation Concerns

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Kenya’s air carrier operations.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the vicinity of the Kenyan-Somali border, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). For more information, consult the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Maritime Security

Consider carefully whether to use the Likoni ferry in Mombasa due to safety concerns.

Relations between Kenya and Somalia have soured in recent years as the two governments have quarreled over ownership of waters off the coast of Jubaland, the Somali state closest to the border with Kenya, which contains potential oil and gas deposits. In 2014, Somalia brought the maritime dispute to the International Court of Justice at the Hague, but the hearing has been repeatedly delayed in the years since. The hearing was finally scheduled for March 2021, but Kenya boycotted the hearing; the court announced it would proceed with hearing Somalia’s case. In October 2021, the ICJ ruled in favor of Somalia and rejected Kenya’s maritime border claims. However, the court also rejected Somalia’s argument that the maritime border should match the angle of their land border.

Kenya’s proximity to Somalia had pushed the Kenyan Navy to increase its role in patrolling maritime territory and protect commercial vessels and foreign tourist cruise ships at the height of piracy activity in the Western Indian Ocean to engage the threat directly.

Kenya hosts high numbers of refugees from Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, and others. These vulnerable populations are frequently victims of human trafficking as they remain in the country or attempt to traverse dangerous maritime routes to reach distant destinations. The illicit trade in arms continues to plague Kenya’s maritime and internal safety.

Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.

Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

Significant human rights issues include credible reports of unlawful or arbitrary killings, including extrajudicial killings; forced disappearances; torture and cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by the government; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrest and detention; arbitrary interference with privacy; restrictions on free expression and media, including violence or threats of violence against journalists and censorship; substantial interference with the freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, including harassment of nongovernmental organizations and activists; serious government corruption; lack of investigation of and accountability for gender-based violence; and the existence of laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults, although there are no reports of the law being enforced.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

Kenyan law criminalizes rape, defilement (statutory rape), domestic violence, and sex tourism, but enforcement remained limited. The law’s definition of domestic violence includes sexual violence within marriage, early and forced marriage, FGM/C, forced wife “inheritance,” damage to property, defilement, economic abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, harassment, incest, intimidation, physical abuse, stalking, verbal abuse, or any other conduct against a person that harms or may cause imminent harm to the safety, health, or well-being of the person. The law does not explicitly criminalize spousal rape. Insulting the modesty of another person by intruding upon that person’s privacy or stripping them of clothing are criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years.

The government does not effectively enforce these laws, especially in poor or rural areas. Citizens frequently use traditional dispute-resolution mechanisms, including maslaha in Muslim communities, to address sexual offenses in rural areas, with village elders assessing financial compensation for the survivors or their families. A lack of coordination between government agencies and ineffective implementation of the law often leaves victims of sexual assault without recourse or in direct contact with the perpetrator.

The law prohibits sexual harassment and prescribes prison time of at least three years or a fine of at least $880 or both for anyone found guilty of committing such crimes. Sexual harassment is often not reported, and survivors rarely file charges.

NGOs expressed concerns regarding a rise in incidents of sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, and forced evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In September, Human Rights Watch released a report on the rise of gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report blamed the government for failing to protect and providing inadequate assistance to survivors.

Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) occurs in Kenya. It is a federal crime to perform FGM/C in the United States on any minor younger than 18 years old, punishable by fines and up to five years in prison. It is also a criminal offense to knowingly take a minor younger than 18 years old outside of the United States for the purpose of performing FGM/C (so-called “vacation cutting”).

The Solo Female Travel Safety Index combines the experiences of solo female travelers with other reliable indices to award a single rating indicating the relative security female travelers might experience in a given country. The qualitative portion of the index examines risk of scam, theft, and harassment, as well as the country’s perceived attitude towards women. As of the date of this report’s publication, Kenya has a score of 2.6 on a scale of 1.0 (safest) to 4.0 (least safe). All solo female travelers are able to share their solo travel experiences with by signing up to the Solo Female Travelers portal; the organization draws qualitative data from women traveling solo, depending on active participation and honest information.

Consider composite scores given to Kenya by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Kenya, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

Kenyan law criminalizes “carnal knowledge against the order of nature,” which courts interpret to prohibit consensual same-sex sexual activity, and specifies a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment if convicted. A separate statute specifically criminalizes sex between men and specifies a maximum penalty of 21 years’ imprisonment. The constitution does not explicitly protect LGBTQI+ persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Violence and discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals are widespread. Police have detained persons (particularly suspected sex workers) under these laws. Authorities have permitted LGBTI+ advocacy organizations, such as the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, to register and conduct activities. However, societal discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread.

New legislation enshrines the rights of intersex persons to formally identify “intersex” or “I” as the third gender. The law only allows intersex persons identified as male or female at birth to request a change to “I.” While the law recognizes biologically different persons, it does not cover or normalize gender-nonconformity or nonbinary designations associated with LGBTI+ persons.

The Equaldex Equality Index measures the status of LGBTI+ rights, laws, and freedoms, as well as public attitudes towards LGBTI+ people around the world. As of this report’s publication date, Kenya has a score of 18/100, ranking 154 out of 198 countries on the index.

Consider information from Destination Pride, a data-driven search platform associated with PFLAG Canada that visualize the world's LGBTQ+ laws, rights, and social sentiment; as well as from ILGA World, a worldwide federation that produces an annual map showing sexual orientation laws from around the world, available in multiple languages.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities cannot access education, health services, public buildings, and transportation on an equal basis with others. Although Kenyan law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, the Government of Kenya has not consistently enforced these provisions and implementation has been slow. There is only limited accessibility to government or private buildings, medical facilities, restaurants, or other public or private facilities. Some buildings in major cities have wheelchair ramps and modified elevators and restrooms. The government does not enforce the law, however, and new construction often does not include specific accommodations for persons with disabilities. Government buildings in rural areas generally are not accessible to persons with disabilities. According to NGOs, police stations remain largely inaccessible to persons with mobility and other physical disabilities.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

Although the constitution declares the state shall not discriminate against any person based on race, societal discrimination against persons of different racial and ethnic groups is common. Enforcement of laws prohibiting discrimination is inadequate, according to human rights groups. Tribal violence tied to land and livestock disputes occurs with some frequency in rural areas. Muslim minority groups, particularly those of Somali descent, have reported harassment and discrimination by non-Muslims.

The 2019 census recognized 45 ethnic groups in the country; none holds a majority. The Kikuyu and related groups dominate much of private commerce and industry, and often purchase land outside their traditional home areas, which sometimes results in fierce resentment from other ethnic groups, especially in the coastal and Rift Valley areas. Competition for water and pasture is especially serious in the north and northeast, and often boils over into physical violence.

There is frequent conflict, including banditry, fights over land, and cattle rustling, among the Somali, Turkana, Gabbra, Borana, Samburu, Rendille, and Pokot ethnic groups in arid northern, eastern, and Rift Valley areas that at times result in deaths. Disputes over county borders are also a source of ethnic tensions.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Anti-U.S. and anti-Western sentiment are not common or widespread in Kenya.

Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

Officials frequently engage in allegedly corrupt practices with impunity. Despite public progress in fighting corruption, the government continues to face hurdles in implementing relevant laws effectively.

Police use excessive force in some cases when making arrests and there are frequent reports of police abuses, particularly of known or suspected criminals. Police have arrested and detained persons arbitrarily, including human rights activists. There are frequent reports of police stopping or arresting individuals to extort bribes. Police sometimes jail citizens on trumped-up charges or beat those who could not pay the bribes. During police vetting conducted by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) in recent years, many police officers were found to have the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of dollars in their bank accounts, far exceeding what would be possible to save from their salaries. Mobile money records showed some officers also transferred money to superior officers.

The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption. Despite public progress in fighting corruption during the year, the government does not implement relevant laws effectively. Officials frequently engage in allegedly corrupt practices with impunity.

The government has taken additional steps to combat corruption, including increasing the number of investigations and prosecutions. The government made limited progress on other commitments, including adoption of international anticorruption standards and digitization of government records and processes. Because courts have significant case backlogs, cases could take years to resolve.

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Kenya 26 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.

The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index measures how the rule of law is experienced and perceived worldwide based on surveys in 142 countries and jurisdictions, and is the leading source for original, independent data on the rule of law. The most recent index ranks Kenya 101 out of 142 worldwide, where 1 means the strongest perceived rule of law.

Communication Issues

The mainstream media in Kenya is generally considered independent, with most media outlets covering a wide variety of political and social issues, including opinion pieces that criticize the government. However, the Kenyan government occasionally interprets laws that restrict press freedom and can exercise broad authority to revoke journalist credentials and levy fines. The Kenyan government is the media’s largest source of advertising revenue.

The Kenyan government does not restrict or disrupt access to the internet or censor online content. There are no credible reports that the government monitors private online communications without appropriate legal authority. Kenyan law allows private mobile telephone service providers to block mass messages determined to incite violence.

Kenyan law allows for freedom of expression, but the government has restricted this right at times. Provisions of the Kenyan constitution prohibit any expression that incites violence or is classified as hate speech.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Kenya 116 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report rates Kenya’s internet freedom as Partly Free, and its Freedom in the World report rates Kenya’s freedom of speech as Partly Free.

Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad.

Health Concerns

Medical services are adequate in Nairobi for most medical conditions and emergencies. Health care outside Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa remains very limited. For emergency services in Kenya, dial 999, 112, or 911. Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret. Often, ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kenya. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

The Government of Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers who are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. The following diseases are prevalent: Malaria; Dengue; Schistosomiasis; Traveler’s Diarrhea; Cholera; Tuberculosis; Measles; Rabies; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; and HIV.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Kenya to ensure the medication is legal in Kenya.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

Waterborne diseases are common, it is recommended to consume bottled water, boiled water, or water treated by a distiller for drinking. The Embassy does not recommend consuming untreated tap water.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

Flooding and drought are the most common environmental hazards in Kenya. During Kenya’s rainy seasons, flooding can occur with little to no warning, disrupting transportation routes and communication. Keep a supply of water and food, as supplies can become scarce quickly during emergencies.

Review OSAC’s report, Central Asia Earthquake Preparedness.

Cybersecurity Concerns

There are an estimated 3,000 cyber-crime incidences reported in Kenya every month. According to Information Technology, Security, and Assurance Kenya, internet-based crimes range from bank fraud and illegal money transfers to the compromise of personal data.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.

Counterintelligence Issues

The U.S. Embassy is unaware of any counterintelligence issues impacting the private sector.

Other Security Concerns

Landmines

This country has no known issues with landmines.

Import/Export Restrictions

You must get permission to carry any kind of firearm before you enter the country. A country-specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

Taking photographs of official buildings, including embassies, can lead to detention. If in doubt, don’t photograph or film around them. Photography is also prohibited at airports.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

A passport with at least two blank pages, six months’ validity, and a visa are required to enter Kenya.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Building construction accidents are common. Building collapses stem from poor quality concrete, lack of proper foundation, and use of substandard building materials. Local firefighter response time to building collapses is often inadequate.

Power outages are frequent and can last up to several hours. Many homes use generator power to ensure continuous electricity.

Safety and health inspections of public places are inconsistent, and response to concerns is slow. Pay particular attention to fire and safety concerns when among large groups of people in confined spaces.

OSAC Country Chapters

Nairobi has an active OSAC Country Chapter. Contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.

Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy: United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi. Tel: +254-(0)-20-363-6000; After-hours Emergency: +254-(0)-20-363-6170. Hours: 0800-1600 Monday to Thursday; 0800-1200 Friday.

Trustworthy News Sources

Print Media

Citizen TV
NTV
KTN
KBC (Kenyan government owned)

Radio

Radio Citizen
Capital FM
Kiss FM
Classic 105 FM
FM 20

Kenya Country Security Report