Is it Safe to travel to Kenya-Nairobi now "Aug 08"?

Question

I am going to work in a project in nairobi for 4 months starting from 23rd of August 08 ,so is it safe to go there now ? and if there are any safety tips or any tips on what to take and what to not take or any tips will be really appreciated .thanks

Answer 1

kenya is perfectly fine right now. I just came back from being there a month doing volunteer work. the people there in Kenya are the nicest you will ever meet. during the day it is very safe, ppl watch over each other even if they don't know you. and since we do not look like them in color, they will stare(especially the children) and many times you will be called Mudzungu (white man) but most ppl don't mean it in an offensive way. also be ready to shake many hands everywhere you go, so be sure to take some All Purpose Wipes and when you take the matatus(city minibus) be sure to agree on a price. the normal amount to charge is 20shillings(there are 60 shillings in a dollar) and before you get in the matatus make sure to ask where they are headed to and make sure to remind the man that negotiates everything in the matatus where you are getting off at. once you get in a matatus you'll know what I'm talking about. oh also when/if you go to the Masai Market bargain your prices. the people selling will raise the prices 3 or more times than the real price, ppl in kenya believe everyone in U.S have ALOT of money. and take a calculator so that you divide the amount that they give you by 60 so that way you will know the amount in dollar form. also take bug spray with at least 15% deet. it should say on every bottle how much deet they have. also be sure to get all the shots you need, such as tetanus, typhoid, and against measles. and MAKE SURE to take anti-malaria pills with you. your doc needs to perscribe them to you. take one pill a day and take them after you eat such as breakfast cuz then youl get VERY nauceus when you take them on an empty stomatch. also every where you go be sure if your gonna carry a bag with you, carry it very close to you and sort of clutch it in a way, becouse even though it is very safe there, there is always some crazy ppl that will try and take it from you, and if that does happen yell THIEF!! right away and ppl will try and catch him. and with the kids, DONT give them money, cuz they will just want more and more if you happen to run into a begger that wont stop following you(as it happened to me)just buy them food instead. well I hope you have alot of fun and if you have any question feel free to email me anytime, [e-mail]

Answer 2

The Department recommends that private American citizens in Kenya

evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing

terrorist threats and the limited ability of the Kenyan authorities to

detect and deter such acts. The U.S. Government continues to receive

indications of terrorist threats in Kenya and elsewhere in eastern

Africa aimed at U.S. and Western interests. Terrorist actions may

include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil

aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports.

U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on

civilian targets in public places including tourist sites and

locations where Westerners are known to congregate, as well as

commercial operations associated with U.S. or other Western interests.

American citizens in Kenya should remain vigilant, particularly in

public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts,

Western-oriented shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship.

Americans should also remain vigilant in residential areas, schools,

and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations

and large crowds. In particular, there is a continuing threat against

Westerners in the capital, Nairobi, and some locales in the coastal

region. In addition to the terrorist threat, there are increasing

incidents of criminal activity, including carjacking, robbery, and

other violent crime, especially after dark.

Americans who travel to or reside in Kenya despite this Travel Warning

are encouraged to register through the State Department?s travel

registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By

registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to

contact them in case of emergency. Americans without Internet access

may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. The U.S.

Embassy is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya;

Safety Rules within Cities: The central areas of the larger cities

(e.g. Nairobi, Mombasa) have a criminal element that preys on unwary

tourists! Do not walk alone in apparently deserted places especially

at night; wherever possible walk with a group. Be on the look out for

pickpockets and bag snatchers. Do not carry more cash than required.

Do not wear jewellery. Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.

Don't carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities.

Keep a photocopy of the first few pages of your passport, visas and

air tickets, separately from the original documents. Beware of thieves

posing as police officers.

Safety on Roads: hen driving in Africa there are a few simple rules,

drive carefully and slowly (speed kills), remember animals and humans

can cross the road at any time (quite often just in front of you), try

never to drive at night, stay alert as roads are often poorly

maintained and pot holes are to be found. Another fairly common

occurrence are vehicles with missing headlights. Always wear you seat

belts. If you are renting a car, keep the doors and windows locked

while driving in the major cities. Car-jacking occurs fairly regularly

but may not end in violence as long as you comply with demands made.

Terrorism in Kenya: Sadly Kenya, like so many other countries striving

towards development, is not free of terrorism. 243 People were killed

and over 1000 injured during the 1998 attack on the US Embassy in

Nairobi. November 2002 saw a car bomb explosion which killed 15 people

outside a hotel near Mombassa. The militant group Al-Qaeda are thought

to be behind the attacks. Despite these are scary statistics you can

still enjoy your safari or the beach in Mombassa. After all, tourists

haven't stopped going to New York city after 9-11 and security has

improved in Kenya since 2002. For more information on terrorism check

with your Foreign Office or Department of State for the latest

warnings and developments and stay up to date with current world

affairs (see top).

Generally people are very friendly towards tourists in Kenya and you

will be humbled by their hospitality. However, poverty is rampant in

Kenya and you will soon realise that you are far richer and more

fortunate than most local people you meet. You will probably attract

your fair share of souvenir hawkers and beggars, but try and take the

time to meet ordinary people going about their day to day business

too. The experience will be worth it. Don't be afraid to step out of

that tour bus, just take some precautions. Stay aware of what's going

on around you, you have a good chance of enjoying a problem-free

safari!

Safety on Safari: Always listen to your guide!

When visiting wildlife areas do not walk into the bush without your guide!

Do not approach any wild animals too closely: It is dangerous!

Do not swim in any rivers (presence of crocodiles and hippo's)!

Never feed any animals, however inquisitive they may appear to be!

Kenya Holiday Insurance

A traveler must ensure a good quality medical insurance before visiting and insurance also includes coverage for baggage loss, third party liability, cancellation and curtailment, etc.

Money Tips

In Kenya, travelers' checks and major credit cards are readily accepted. A traveler is suggested to carry a small amount of cash otherwise he or she can be a target for thieves.

One should always change currency through the authorized dealers and banks.

The American Reference Center in Nairobi, Kenya is a specialized

reference and research facility. Our purpose is to provide accurate,

up-to-date information and background about the United States and

about topics that are important to both Kenya and the U.S..."

PHONE: [phone]/197

FAX: [phone]

EMAIL: [e-mail]

Security Measures

One should keep a track of his or her passport number, airline tickets and travelers' checks while visiting any African country. Make sure, you keep these original documents in a safe place, separately from the usual luggage bag.

Medical Precautions

African countries are prone to various kinds of diseases and infections. That is why, it is better to go through a thorough medical check-up of your body. Consult a good doctor and take adequate antibiotics. You can keep good quality of mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito bites.

Food & Drink in Kenya

Try to use mineral or bottled water while on a trip to Africa. In hard & soft drinks, you can get a wide range of local beers, as well as imported wines, beers. Choose your drink carefully to remain healthy.