Like every major city, there is nothing like perfect security. In light of this, the following information is important and should be remembered by any person wishing to visit or stay in Nairobi.

Street muggings can occur at any time of the day and night. Be alert and follow these simple rules:

• Keep to the main parts of Nairobi and don't be tempted to go to places that you are not sure of.
• Keep to the main roads and avoid short cuts down back alleys, etc.
Never walk at night in the centre of Nairobi even for a short distance - always take a taxi.
• Be particularly wary of people hanging around outside hotels; it is a favourite place to catch tourists and mug them.
• Ignore the street children and people coming up to you in the streets with hard luck tales. Street children can become violent and the latter may be part of an elaborate scam or they might just simply be pick -pockets. The best thing to do is just to walk on and ignore them.
• Do not carry large sums of money when shopping and do not wear expensive jewellery, etc.
• Do not accept food and drink from strangers; visitors have known to be drugged and then robbed.

CREDIT CARD FRAUD

Credit card fraud is common in Nairobi as in many other large cities, so follow commonsense rules. Try and ensure that credit card slips are endorsed in your presence and if you have to use a slip as a deposit, always fill the amount in and check that you get the slip back.

ROAD TRAVEL

Taxis. Try and take Jatco or Kenatco (telephone numbers listed overleaf). The local unlicensed taxis are often unreliable and, unroadworthy and should be avoided. Always confirm the fare in advance if there is no meter. Never take a lift from a stranger.

Hire Cars. Only hire cars from a reputable car hire firm; a short list of some reputable car hire firms is overleaf. You can then be certain that you have the right insurance cover, the vehicle has been maintained and it will be in reasonably good condition

Matatus and Buses. You are strongly advised not to travel in these at all, however exciting they might look. In the case of matatus, they are often unroadworthy, and badly driven, and their accident record is appalling, particularly on up -country routes. Pickpockets are known to frequent both buses and matatus, which adds to the hazards of travelling on them.

DRIVING

The roads both in Nairobi and up- country are in a very poor state, and some are impassable. The standards of driving leave much to be desired.

• Always drive defensively, expecting the worst and from the most unlikely sources.
• Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight when driving.
• Only open car windows 10 to 12 cms particularly when stopped at traffic lights, etc.; Necklaces and bags can easily be snatched.
• If you travel outside Nairobi, go well prepared and never drive at night.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• If you hire or borrow a vehicle make sure that it is in good condition.
• Take essential spares and some food and water.
• Be very reluctant to stop for people apparently looking for help on the road side. Frequently they wait for people to stop and either rob you or steal your car.

ARMED VEHICLE HIJACKING

This is a fairly common crime in Nairobi. If you become the victim of a car hijacking, do as you are told and do not resist the hijackers. Do not attempt to escape by driving fast. If you comply, there is every chance that you will be released unharmed.

SAFARIS

Except as indicated, most game parks and other tourist areas are usually safe, but muggings and armed attacks can occur anywhere and at anytime. The Samburu, Shaba and the Masai Mara game reserves have all experienced bandit attacks directed at visitors. On security grounds you are strongly advised to avoid the whole of North Eastern Province, Tana River District in Coast Province and Isiolo and Marsabit Districts in Eastern Province. If you go to Lamu, you are strongly advised to fly; from Malindi to Garsen to Lamu the road is both insecure and in poor condition and you have to travel by convoy. Book your safaris through a reliable travel agent and you can then be fairly certain that any vehicle provided will be roadworthy and that the safari will be conducted safely. If you wish to go to Samburu or Shaba game parks, you should go with a tour operator or, if on your own, take a KWS guard whilst in the park. The official United Nations Travel Agents at Gigiri, Acharya and Bunson Travel, can advise.

THEFTS

When checking out of a hotel, ensure that you keep briefcases, handbags and small luggage with you, as these items are extremely attractive and have been stolen from inside hotel lobbies whilst guests are busy checking out.

HELP

If you are involved in an incident, report it immediately. Find Emergency Information Here. If you become involved with the police as a result of an incident, always make clear to them who you are and make sure you carry some form of official identification, not necessarily with your wallet, which you might have lost.