Expatriates Induction Guide Final - Edited 2017

Security
Kenya, like any other country, faces some safety
and security issues. Due to high levels of poverty
and unemployment, some citizens resort to making
a living through crime. Crime is prevalent in the
slum areas such as Kibera, Dandora, Kangemi,
Korogocho, Mathare as well as in downtown areas
of the Central Business District.
Kenyan citizens and foreigners alike can be taken
advantage of by thieves, pick pockets and con
artists. These crimes are much more common
in urban areas such as Nairobi and Mombasa. Rural
areas tend to be a little more secure. There are
some precautions that individuals can take to
reduce the risk of security incidents drastically.
Staying safe
i. It is advisable to leave valuables at home. Only
carry around what you will need for the day.
When going out for the day, especially to walk in
a busy area, leave jewelry, passports and extra
money at home to ensure they stay safe.
ii.
iii.
If you are going shopping or exploring, it
would be wise to keep money in different
pockets or places so as not to reveal how
much money you have when paying for items
in the open.
It is advisable to avoid walking
unaccompanied at night. During the day
walking in public places alone is perfectly
safe. However, it is best to take a taxi in the
evenings.
vi.
vii.
Be skeptical of people who approach you out
of a normal context. Especially if they have a
sad story that plays on your emotions. These
stories usually aren’t true and, in most cases,
end in asking for money. When at the beach
avoid engaging beach boys.
Be very careful when drawing money from an
ATM. Go elsewhere if you suspect people are
hanging around. Don’t let anybody help you or
talk with you at the ATM. Always cover the
number keys with one hand while entering
your personal code with the other.
viii. Do not use an ATM that appears to have some
obstruction on the card slot or offers options
which you are not familiar or comfortable with.
ix.
Keep your eyes on your belongings at all times
when in public areas.
x. Always carry your alien card for identification
purposes. This document should ideally be
carried in your pockets. This way, in case
your bags get lost or stolen, you’ll still have
what’s most important.
xi.
xii.
Ensure you lock your doors and close
windows before you sleep.
When driving in the city lock your car doors and
close windows. Never leave a car un attended
with valuables or luggage visible.
xiii. If somebody walks up to your car unexpectedly
and wants to talk to you, it is not advisable to
open your window.
iv.
iv.
Act confident. Wearing special safari clothing
or a money belt, reading a guidebook or
looking at a map on a street can make you look
like a typical tourist who can easily be
targeted.
Be aware of your surroundings. If you think
you’re been followed or eyed by a suspicious
person or people, duck into a shop and wait it
out.
xiv. Be firm. Harassment is the most common form
of security risk. Street children and vendors
may make you uncomfortable by insisting you
give them what they want. It is important to
stay firm and not yield due to pressure as this
may only lead to even more pressure.
xv.
Be respectful but firm with police officers.
Some police officers might try their luck
getting a bribe. If so, don’t get aggressive, but
also don’t give in, stand your ground.
xvi. Do not resist in the event of a robbery or
attack. Remember that they only want your
possessions. At the end of the day your life is
more important. Do not resist, chase or fight a
thief.