Africa
Is Kenya safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Kenya safe?
Safaris and the coast are usually trouble-free, but Nairobi and Mombasa have real violent crime, and terrorism and kidnap risks keep the Somali border areas off-limits.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-07-27.
- Homicide rate: 4.9 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 28.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 999.
- Solo women: Solo women travel the safari circuit widely; expect catcalling and persistent 'beach boys' on the coast. Use Uber or Bolt after dark.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Muggings and armed robbery in Nairobi and Mombasa, even by day
- Terrorism and kidnap risk; avoid Somali border counties and mainland Lamu
- Protests in Nairobi, especially around June–July anniversaries
- Matatu crashes and hijackings; avoid road travel at night
Common scams
- Fake police or security guards asking for passports or valuables
- Fake 'wrong M-Pesa transfer' texts asking you to send money back
- Street touts selling cheap safaris that never happen
Laws visitors break by accident
- Single-use plastic bags are banned; fines are heavy and bags are confiscated at airports.
- Smoking in public outside designated areas can bring fines up to KSh 50,000 or prison.
- Photographing government buildings, embassies or airports can get you arrested.
Safety by place in Kenya
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Maasai Mara | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Diani Beach | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Watamu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nairobi | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Mombasa | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Lamu | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Naivasha | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Malindi | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Kenya safe for tourists?
Safaris and the coast are usually trouble-free, but Nairobi and Mombasa have real violent crime, and terrorism and kidnap risks keep the Somali border areas off-limits.
Is Kenya safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel the safari circuit widely; expect catcalling and persistent 'beach boys' on the coast. Use Uber or Bolt after dark.
What is the emergency number in Kenya?
All emergencies 999.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Kenya
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (Directorate of Immigration Services)
- Kenya eFNS: Class N Digital Nomad Permit
- Speedtest Global Index: Kenya
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.