Kenya: Criminal activity targeting Westerners in Nairobi

Event

On Saturday, March 31, a Danish national was shot and seriously wounded during a robbery in Karen, a suburb of Nairobi. The victim was approached by two gunmen on a motorbike demanding cash and other valuables. Police are still searching for the assailants. In October 2017, an Australian teacher was shot and killed in the same area.

Certain western governments have advised all travelers to exercise increased caution and vigilance due to high crime rates in Kenya. Armed carjackings, kidnappings, and home invasions are all frequent occurrences across the country. Street crime, often carried out by small groups of armed assailants, is a serious concern in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other large cities. Criminals in Kenya are frequently armed, and will harm victims who are uncooperative or hesitant.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, are advised to remain vigilant, report all suspicious objects and behavior, follow all instructions issued by local authorities, and take basic security precautions (e.g. keep signs of wealth concealed, drive with doors locked and windows rolled up, avoid walking alone, avoid traveling in isolated urban areas at night, etc.). Many Western governments advise against travel to a number of regions in the country, including areas bordering Somalia (parts of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu counties), Ethiopia, and South Sudan, as well as nonessential travel to the city of Mombasa. Several Nairobi neighborhoods, including Eastleigh and Pangani, are also best avoided.