• Kenya has a very high crime rate that is compounded by the fact that police forces are widely ineffective and corrupt. The situation is particularly severe in urban areas, especially Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts. Armed robberies, muggings, home invasions, sexual assault and petty theft occur frequently, and most street crimes involve multiple armed assailants.

• Criminals often target foreigners, who are perceived to be relatively affluent. U.S. and other foreign nationals have been the victims of assault and robbery. Foreigners should avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewelry and carrying large amounts of cash or expensive electronic items.
• The number of carjackings throughout the country has increased significantly in recent years. Carjackings occur on roads and highways in both urban and rural areas, particularly after dark and on routes with roads on which fast travel is difficult. Robbers frequently wear the uniform of Kenya’s traffic police.
• Foreigners and tour groups are common targets, especially in areas where government forces do not have control, such as near the borders with Uganda and Somalia as well as roads leading to Mombasa. Highway banditry is common in much of North Eastern province, significant portions of Eastern province, and the northern part of Rift Valley province — areas that are remote and largely unpopulated.
• Highway banditry is common in much of North Eastern Province, Eastern Province, the northern part of Coast Province, and the northern part of the Rift Valley Province. These areas are remote and sparsely populated. Incidents also occur occasionally on Kenya’s main highways, particularly after dark.
• There have been reports of armed banditry in or near many of Kenya’s national parks and game reserves, particularly the Samburu, Leshaba, and Masai Mara game reserves. In response, the Kenya Wildlife Service and police have taken some steps to strengthen security in the affected areas, but the problem has not been eliminated. Travelers who do not use the services of reputable travel firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are especially at risk. Safaris are best undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so that there is a backup in case of mechanical failure or other emergency. Camping alone is always risky.

Safety in Kenya
What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?

People’s Opinions

Health

CDC Travelers Health | Kenya

Malaria

• Areas affected: Present in all areas (including game parks) <2,500 m (<8,202 ft). None in Nairobi.
• Estimated risk: Moderate
• Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Kenya and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region
• Recommended chemoprofylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.
• Symptoms
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sweats
  • Headache
  • Body Aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue

*The medicines used to prevent malaria can be very effective when used properly, but none of them are 100% effective.

Dengue Fever

• Areas Affected: All of Kenya
• Symptoms
  • Principal
    • High fever and at least two of the following
    • Severe headache
    • Severe eye pain (behind eyes)
    • Join pain
    • Muscle and/or bone pain
    • Rash
    • Mild bleeding manifestation (e.g., nose or gum bleed, or easy bruising)
    • Low white cell count
  • Severe warning signs (IMMEDIATELY go to an emergency room if the following appear)
  • Severe abdominal pain or persistant vomiting
  • Red spots or patches on the skin
  • Bleeding from nose or gums
  • Vomiting blood
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Drowsiness or irritability
  • Pale, cold, or clammy skin
  • Difficulty breathing

Coptic Hospital
Ngong Road
PO Box 21570
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 202725856

Mariakani Cottage Hospital
PO Box 12535
Mchumbi Road, South B
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 20559261

Nairobi Equator Hospital
PO Box 962
Nairobi West Shopping Centre, Bukani Road
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 20604720

Parklands Ambulatory Surgical Center
3rd Parklands Avenue
PO Box 61777
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 203748767

The Karen Hospital
Langata Road Karen
PO Box 74240
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 206613000

The Nairobi Hospital
Argings-Kodhek Road
PO Box 30026
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 202845000

Health in Kenya
Any special health concerns?

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Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | Kenya

Visas for US Citizens are $50.

Visa Info in Kenya
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:

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Currency Info

Oanda Currency Converter

Currency Info in Kenya
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?

People’s Opinions

Communication

Communication in Kenya
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?

People’s Opinions

Transportation

Easy Coach is the best way to travel in Kenya and one of the cheapest. The office is in central Nairobi. You have to book the tickets at the office and make sure you have everyone’s names and passport numbers.

Transportation in Kenya
What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.

People’s Opinions

Culture

• Greeting: A firm handshake is the most common form of greeting. During introductions, men should wait for women to extend their hands. Kenyans tend to avoid eye conduct during formal introductions as a sign of respect. Kenyans are extremely polite; foreigners should return this courtesy in kind in order to gain respect.

• Hand Gestures: Never use the left hand for greetings, giving gifts or eating. It is considered rude to directly point at someone.

• Pictures: Foreigners should ask for permission before taking pictures of people.
• Tipping: Tipping in restaurants is expected; 10 percent is the norm.

Christians in Africa don’t drink, so be respectful of your Kenyan brothers and sisters.

Culture in Kenya
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?

People’s Opinions

Shipping / Mailing

DHL | Kenya

Shipping / Mailing in Kenya
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?

Tips

People’s Opinions

Additional Info

Additional Info in Kenya
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?