Africa • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Kenya

Overall Risk Rating

Medium

Capital

Nairobi

Languages

Swahili and English (official)

Currency

Kenyan shilling (KES)

Executive Summary

Kenya is classified as a MEDIUM risk destination, balancing a world-renowned safari and tourism industry against real risks from crime, terrorism near the Somali border and periodic unrest. The main safari circuits, coastal resorts and business districts are manageable with sensible precautions, and the medium rating reflects urban crime, an Al-Shabaab threat concentrated in the north-east, and protest activity rather than blanket danger. Al-Shabaab, based in Somalia, continues to threaten attacks and has struck Kenya repeatedly, including in Nairobi, though the threat is concentrated in the counties bordering Somalia and the northern coast, which carry do not travel designations alongside a kidnapping indicator. Urban crime in Nairobi and Mombasa, including mugging, carjacking and smash-and-grab, is the most common risk for visitors and is managed with vetted transport and sensible districts. Anti-government protests, most common in Nairobi and western Kenya, have turned violent and can block roads and disrupt movement. Road safety is a leading hazard, medical care is limited outside main centres, and malaria and other diseases are present. The safari circuits themselves, the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and the conservancies, are generally safe.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Low	No internal conflict; the threat is terrorism near the Somali border.
Terrorism	Moderate	An Al-Shabaab threat, concentrated in the north-east and coast but able to reach Nairobi.
Kidnapping	Moderate	A kidnapping indicator applies; risk is highest near the Somali border and in named Nairobi areas.
Crime	High	Mugging, carjacking, smash-and-grab and home invasion in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Civil Unrest	Moderate	Anti-government protests, common in Nairobi and the west, that can turn violent.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Good private care in Nairobi; limited elsewhere. Evacuation may be needed.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Road safety, urban crime and restricted regions affect travel.
Digital / Cyber	Moderate	Card fraud, scams and mobile-money fraud are common.

Essential Precautions

1Avoid the counties bordering Somalia, including Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Lamu and Tana River and the coast north of Malindi, given terrorism and kidnapping risk.

2Avoid the Nairobi neighbourhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, given crime and kidnapping risk.

3Guard against urban crime, including mugging, carjacking and smash-and-grab in Nairobi and Mombasa.

4Maintain terrorism vigilance, as Al-Shabaab has attacked places popular with foreigners.

5Avoid protests and demonstrations, which are common in Nairobi and the west and can turn violent.

6Use vetted transport and avoid off-street taxis, and do not walk after dark with valuables.

7Take care on the roads, as traffic accidents are a leading hazard.

8Take malaria and health precautions, and hold comprehensive medical evacuation cover.

Security Situation

Medium

Kenya balances a major tourism industry against risks from urban crime, terrorism near the Somali border and periodic unrest. The safari circuits, coast and business districts are manageable with precautions, while the north-east border counties and named Nairobi areas should be avoided.

Nairobi and the Centre

Medium

Nairobi and the centre function for business and tourism, with urban crime, protests and a residual terrorism risk the main concerns, and Eastleigh and Kibera to be avoided.

Mombasa and the Coast

Medium

Mombasa and the coast host resorts and are generally safe in tourist areas, with crime and a terrorism concern on the far north coast.

The North-east and the Somalia Border

Extreme

The north-east and the Somalia border face Al-Shabaab attacks, kidnapping and banditry and should be avoided.

The Safari Circuit (Maasai Mara, Amboseli)

Low

The safari circuit, including the Maasai Mara and Amboseli, is generally safe with standard precautions.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Low

Kenya is not in internal armed conflict, but it conducts military operations against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and the group’s cross-border attacks and incursions affect the counties bordering Somalia. The threat is terrorism and banditry rather than internal war.

Terrorism

Moderate

Al-Shabaab continues to threaten and carry out attacks, having struck Nairobi and the coast in the past, with the threat concentrated in the north-east and northern coast but capable of reaching the capital. Crowded places and potential targets warrant vigilance.

Kidnapping and Detention

Moderate

A kidnapping indicator applies to Kenya, with Al-Shabaab and criminals seeking to abduct locals and foreigners, and risk is highest in the counties near Somalia and in named Nairobi neighbourhoods. Express kidnapping and robbery via off-street taxis also occur.

Crime and Lawlessness

High

Violent and opportunistic crime, including mugging, carjacking, smash-and-grab and home invasion, affects Nairobi and Mombasa and can occur in daylight. Crime is managed by residents with vetted transport, sensible districts and avoiding walking after dark with valuables.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Road safety is a leading hazard, urban crime affects movement, and the north-east and border regions are restricted. Domestic flights and reputable transport serve the safari circuits and coast, and off-street taxis should be avoided.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Good private healthcare is available in Nairobi, but care is limited elsewhere and may require upfront payment, and malaria and other diseases are present. Serious cases often require medical evacuation, and travellers should hold comprehensive cover.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Moderate

Kenya is diverse, with Christian, Muslim and traditional communities, and is generally welcoming. Modest dress in rural and coastal Muslim communities, particularly on the coast and near Somalia, and respect for local customs are advisable.

LGBT Travellers

High

Same-sex relationships are criminalised and face strong social hostility. LGBT travellers face serious risk and should exercise absolute discretion, including over digital content.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Moderate

Kenya is a democracy under President William Ruto, a key Western partner, but has faced significant anti-government protests, including deadly unrest, and concerns over police conduct. Consular support is good in Nairobi.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Moderate

Card fraud, scams and mobile-money fraud are common, and travellers should guard financial information and be cautious with mobile payments. Connectivity is good in cities and tourist areas.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Yellow Fever
Recommended; required if arriving from an endemic area.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.
Rabies
Consider for safari, rural or long stays.

Other Health Hazards

Malaria: Risk in most areas, lower in Nairobi and the highlands. Take prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.
Road safety: Traffic accidents are a leading hazard; use reputable transport.
Upfront payment: Facilities may require payment before treatment; hold cover and funds.
Remote evacuation: Serious cases may require evacuation; hold comprehensive cover.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Kenya is available on a specialist basis, with the Somalia border counties and named Nairobi neighbourhoods typically excluded. The main tourist and business areas are manageable with strong precautions, and cover should include medical care, upfront-payment provisions and comprehensive evacuation.

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Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Checkpoints operate, heavier near the Somali border; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. The Somalia border counties and Eastleigh and Kibera should be avoided. Do not photograph security, military or government sites.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Risk is highest near Somalia and in Eastleigh and Kibera. Robbery and abduction via off-street taxis occur. Al-Shabaab seeks to abduct locals and foreigners near the border. Express kidnapping occurs in urban areas.

High-Risk Travellers

North-east and border travellers face terrorism and abduction risk. Nairobi urban travellers face crime and named-area risk. Protest-area travellers face unrest risk in Nairobi and the west. Night and lone travellers face robbery risk.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Avoid the border counties and Eastleigh and Kibera in Nairobi. Use vetted transport and avoid off-street taxis. Hold comprehensive medical and evacuation cover. Take malaria prophylaxis and carry bite-avoidance measures.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Guard against card and mobile-money fraud. Be alert to scams. Consider a local eSIM. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Avoid the Somalia border counties and named Nairobi neighbourhoods. Use vetted transport and internal flights for safaris. Avoid demonstrations. Do not walk after dark with valuables.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Dress modestly in Muslim and rural communities. Keep valuables out of sight. Never photograph security sites.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.