Is Kenya safe for foreigners now?

Hi Sally,

As is the case in most developing countries, there will be safety concerns for expats moving to Kenya. While the political situation in Kenya is now seemingly stable and things are not as violent as they were a few years ago. There is still always a chance that violence could flare up, especially at election times. 

While this shouldn't put you off moving to Kenya, expats are generally advised not to get involved in any political demos or protests, which have a tendency to get violent at times. 

Crime is a concern, especially in cityies like Mombasa and Nairobi. You should avoid the CBD are and informal settlement areas late at night. Also avoid walking or using public transport late at night. 

Kenya is generally safe for travellers but areas close to the Somali border  must be avoided.

Take a look at the Safety in Kenya page for more information.

Good luck with the move

I am in kenya there is no other beautiful place like kenya in the world am proud to be a kenyan. There was a political violence 2007 and few parts. Peaceful country, you need first to find a honest person to help you coz when they see whites they see dollers. When you succeed you will like it.

Hi Sally, I have been volunteering in Mathare North in Nairobi teaching kids from the slums for 5 months now. Though I'm doing it on my own without any involvement of any organization, I've been safe so far. Been here in Nairobi since February and like any other places you still have to be careful. Shantalie's advices will be quite helpful and would add the following. 1. Check with your embassy here where are places your citizens are advise not to go. Australians and US citizens I heard are not recommended to go to Mathare though it's near to CBD. Some say that there are specific times when you can go on certain areas. 2. Will you be participating in an outreach program managed by an organization? Most of them has already established process and will generally help you settle in. 3. It's always best to be with a local friend should you need to walk around. People here are friendly but, it's also good that you'll have someone to guide you. 4. I never give my schedule to anyone except the people I trust most and need to know. Our guards and driver and the temporary help we hire doesn't have a clue when we leave and when we go home. 5. Kenya still has a strong tribalism issues and it's people are very active debating on issues concerning them. I would avoid participating in discussions about politics and probably best to best to keep a neutral position. Their top leaders are brought to the ICC and it's been a very hot topic here. 6. Listen to local radio stations sometime. Particularly the morning programs. You can hear so many quirky, funny, shocking and serious social issues in Kenya which could help you understand the life of some Kenyans. Most of the issues brought up on these programs are also widely discussed everywhere. 7. Experience some daily activities the locals do. I ate and becoming my favorite, Matumbo (cow intestines) and omena (small fried fish) in Mathare and the kids I teach always find it funny and surprising I like "their" food. Don't be surprise as well that the first thing you may be asked about is what you eat in your country, particularly the kids. 8. Habari yaku? (How are you?) are normally used by residents and Jambo (Hello) by tourists. I like seeing what's the reaction of locals using Habari Yaku. They'll probably thinking I know Swahili...Which I've been taking lessons to speak. Kenya is a great place to experience Africa. They've had a number of violence previously and do have incidents concerning foreigners but, I feel that people are more concern of improving themselves more than causing disruptions likewise, we always have to take precautions. Have fun! JP

Sally.... to answer your other question, emergency services and hospitals have come to the rescue, and must be given all the credit due to them. On a normal day it can be tough for an ambulance to get thru traffic, but emergency services have done a great service. A special thanks to the Kenya Red Cross. Also hospitals, given that several were deluged with injured people. The general population was quick to answer the call for blood donations.

Thanks so much for the feedback. All your comments will help my husband and I make an informed decision on when and where to go in a.

As things stand, I think we will keep an eye on the news on the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi and make our decision when the picture of what is happening is a little clearer.

Related to this, on a day-to-day basis are their tension between different religious groups in Kenya ? or do people live together quite peacefully ? How tolerant are the Kenyans of expats in their country ?  

Sally, I wouldn't say Mombasa is any safer than Nairobi on the whole. There have also been terrorist attacks in Mombasa as well in the past, so there is nothing to say it is not a target.

However, saying that I do feel the chances of you being caught up in an incident are about the same as it would be in London, Boston or New York. Nowhere is 100% safe. Terrorists like al Shabaas are indiscriminate. I don't think this Westgate Mall incident was an attack against expats per se, but simply showed dislike of Kenya's role in Somalia.

I do hope you still keep Kenya in mind as a potentiall destination for your trip. It is an awesome place and the people are fantastic.

Hi Sally, I stayed few blocks away from Westgate before we shifted to Karen. Westgate area is centralized and even the locals prefers to do their business near that place since almost everything can be done from there from banking, schools and doing daily transactions. The incident will give you hesitant on coming over but, as Jerry said, this could happen anywhere. My partner's contract will end in June next year and if it get extended, we will still stay. That's how we are confident with the people and it's security. Kenya is seriously a great place and will still be great.

Thanks for your answers. Its great to get perspectives of expats already in Kenya on safety issues.

However, following the Al Shabaab attacks in Nairobi we are really having to rethink things.

On one hand, I know terrorist attacks can take place anywhere in the world but its still scary to think we could potentially be caught up in that. 

Can you guys guys tell me what the feelings are like amongst expats following the attacks ? Are expats feeling threatened and is there talk of people wanting to leave ?

We are more likely to volunteer close to Mombasa than Nairobi...is the security situation any better there ?

Please help ! Sorry for all the questions but I need to make an informed decision.

Sally

Sally,

I have lived in Nairobi for 7 years, and although yes, one has to be cautious in some areas, I still feel safe.  I live just down the road from the Westgate Mall, and have been there on a regular basis.  This current situation is not the norm for Nairobi, far from it.  My sense is that expats will not leave Kenya enmasse.  It is home for many of us.  There is no way to predict acts of terrorism.  You are right in thinking they can happen anywhere.  It is unfortunate that the Westgate incident has happened, but I am certain it will be brought to an end, although sad about the injuries and loss of life.

Thanks Jerry.

Its really reassuring to know views of those actually living in the country. I understand this isn't an everyday occurence, but its just so scary as the targeted a mall frequented by lots of expats and thats what worries me most. 

Again, do you think that Mombasa will be safer than Nairobi, as it is a less significant city ? 

Also, how good are the Kenyan emergency services and hospitals when it comes to dealing with this sort of major terrorist attack?

Thanks again and stay safe!

From Sally

Sally, I would expect that Mombasa may be less a target for this type of event. As for the larger question, is it a safer city, I would say no only because like any major centre one must always be cautious. Mombasa is also a very interesting city, and located on the coast means easy access to beach areas, all safe, even patrolled. I have seen posts from expats over the last couple of days and have seen none indicating they are considering leaving. Of course, if one of your family has been killed or seriously hurt, one might consider, but overall expats love Kenya and plan to stand firm.