Be Safe in Nairobi

Visitors to Nairobi are warned that travelling in this city calls for a good degree of caution. While the city is rapidly becoming a tourist destination, crime has become an increasing problem as well. Visitors are advised to plan ahead, and to take extra care to guard against unnecessary problems.

Safety

In 2001, Nairobi was rated by the UN as one of the world's most insecure cities. Armed robbery, car-jackings and burglaries are some of the problems that plague this area. Tourists are warned against being out after hours, especially in the downtown areas. The slums of Kibera are particularly dangerous for foreigners and is best avoided.

In general, everything west of Moi Avenue is safe during daylight hours. Central Park and Uhuru Park should be avoided if at all possible, as these areas are havens for gangs and thugs. Even in the well-touristed areas, pickpockets can be a problem, so it never hurts to keep a tight reign on anything you're carrying with you.

Health

The more upscale restaurants and those serving international cuisine can usually be trusted to serve clean food that poses no risk. Visitors should always insist on bottled water, with the seal intact when brought to the table.

A general rule for trying out local cuisine is to take a moment and evaluate the place first. If it looks like a popular food stall with plenty of traffic, and those serving the food look healthy, then chances are the food will be hot and safe to eat. Hotels are a dependable place to get hot, clean food.

Travel insurance

Even when travellers practice extra care, unfortunate things can still happen. When travelling in unsecured regions, the best thing a traveller can do is take out a reliable travel insurance policy to protect themselves, their loved ones and their belongings.

In the event that you get sick, you'll want to make sure you have a comprehensive healthcare package to cover the costs of any routine or emergency treatment while you're staying in Nairobi.