Kenya Travel AlertPersonal Security Tips and RecommendationsMarch 19, 2007 The Embassy's Regional Security Office (RSO) has compiled a list of various tips, suggestions and recommendations for staying safe in Kenya. Remember no one can guarantee anyone's security, and no one cares more about your security than YOU! Be proactive with your family and household staff. Review this notice with them. Ensure they know what to do in an emergency and think about how to handle a potentially violent situation if confronted. Personal security awareness, caution, and vigilance are the best deterrents to carjacking. Don't get caught at the wrong place at the wrong time. If you don't know your way around, don't try to find it after dark. A vehicle which appears to be lost is an easy mark for criminals and would-be thieves. Nairobi's streets can be very confusing to the unfamiliar and the lack of adequate street lighting presents additional safety and security concerns. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Incident reports show that carjackers strike day and night in all parts of town, rich and poor, lit and unlit. Avoid driving on isolated dirt roads and at night. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when to expect you at your destination. Ensure they know who to call if you don't show up as planned. (Family, co-workers, police.) Look ahead when driving - either in heavily congested areas or on remote roads. Carjackers sometimes set up roadblocks on remote roads and can carjack 4 or 5 cars in a matter of 15-20 minutes. Do not stop to assist anyone in an accident or other incident. This is a common tactic used to lure good Samaritans into a dangerous situation. Instead, use your mobile phone to call for assistance. Don't stop on the side of the road to wait for someone. If you must meet someone, plan to meet in a busy public area such as a familiar shopping center parking lot. If possible, travel in a convoy - especially when driving long distances. Ensure your vehicle is road worthy at all times. You are most vulnerable at the gate of your residence. Cut back vegetation from gates and fences that could give an assailant a hiding place near your residence or your entry gate. Be sure you have adequate security lighting on the perimeter of your home. Criminals will try to get you to open your car door or lower your window. For example, someone may steal your car mirror with the hope that you will try to stop them in the act. Let the mirror go. Under no circumstances should you open your door or window in an attempt to stop such a theft. Do not carry large sums of cash but do have enough on hand to satisfy a carjacker or an armed assailant on the street. Avoid carrying ATM or credit cards. Have them with you only when you KNOW you need to use them. Don't wear expensive jewelry or jewelry that looks expensive as it may attract thieves and carjackers. Separate your car and house keys so that a stolen car only has the car keys in it. Carjackers have shown that they are willing to use lethal force to get what they want. If confronted by a carjacker, do not resist. Keep your hands on the steering wheel where they can see them. Speak loudly and clearly. Inform them that you are not armed and will cooperate. If you must reach down to unlock your door, let them know what you intend to do and get their attention. Armed robbery is also a problem in some parts of Nairobi. Maintain a low profile when in public. Keep your voice down and be wary of others who may have the opportunity to listen in on private or personal conversations. Be particularly aware of your surroundings in crowded public places, such as airports, hotels, restaurants, museums, landmarks and other prominent places that westerners frequent. Practice "what if" scenarios with your family. How fast can you and/or your family react if confronted by armed criminals? How fast can you get out of the car and get children out of your car? What will you do if confronted on the street by an armed criminal? Trust your instincts. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, remove yourself immediately. Ensure that you have some key telephone numbers for family and friends memorized in case you become a victim and your mobile phone is stolen. Large public events are where organized thieves like to target the ex-pat community for theft. Keep all belongings close to your person.
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