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How safe is Kenya? Practical safety tips for your vacation in Africa

With an average of one million tourists arriving each year, tourism is Kenya’s number one industry and vital to the nation’s economy. However, the “Dark Continent” has a reputation: life is cheap, violence is brutal, and Kenya’s capital is commonly known as “Nairobbery.” But how accurate is this image? What is the reality for ordinary tourists visiting the world’s leading safari destination? This article examines the security situation in Kenya and suggests practical steps you can take to stay safe during your visit.

Theft and mugging are the main threats for tourists while traveling in Kenya (or Africa in general). The average salary across the continent is about one US dollar per day. So even if you consider yourself the most budget-conscious and cash-strapped backpacker, your Western possessions are often irresistible to people struggling to feed their families. The theft is often not malicious, but rather opportunistic. So the easiest solution is not to provide the opportunity; don’t tempt people by leaving things carelessly. Ways to do this include:

Do not wear jewelry (watches, necklaces, hoop earrings that can be easily grabbed)

Be sure to check your change and keep all your money safe before you leave the bank, exchange office or store.

If you like it, close it. Hotels often have safe deposit boxes to store your valuables. So if you don’t need it for the day, store it safely.

Bullying is another safety issue, not because you are necessarily in physical danger, but rather because it can make you feel uncomfortable and nervous. There is a market for young Africans basically selling themselves to older foreign women. The woman will fall in love with this charming, handsome and charismatic man and soon find herself paying his tuition, buying him a car or maybe even a ticket out of her life and into an elite western lifestyle in her home country. the woman. Sometimes it ends well (I can be as romantic as anyone!), but more often it ends in heartbreak. The result is that single white women are often the targets of unwanted male attention. Be courteous, but firm. Tell him you already have a husband (however, this doesn’t necessarily deter him, as the rules about promiscuity and fidelity are a bit different between cultures). Walking alone at night should definitely be avoided. Always go out with two or three other people and take a taxi after dark.

Scams can be a problem, as locals appeal to the sympathetic hearts of well-meaning travelers. They can assume the role of a political refugee and request money for their family or they can pretend to be students collecting contributions for their schools. The use of common sense is your main weapon against such tricks. If you’re not sure you believe him, you’re probably right and your money is better off in your pocket.

Violent crimes can be prevented simply by complying with the offender’s demands. Most Kenyans do not feel animosity towards foreigners, so violence would not be their first preference, they just need money. Most of the violence and hate is directed between the different tribes that share this nation, and that’s where most of the brutal stories originate.

Finally, corruption is a problem that everyone in the country (locals and visitors) must deal with every day, particularly the police. Kenyan police officers are poorly paid and therefore highly susceptible to corruption and crime, and extortion and bribery are not uncommon practices. The traffic police have been found to be the most corrupt people in Kenya. The best way to avoid becoming a target of corruption is to know the law and make sure you’re not doing anything illegal. Some Kenyan laws that may be different from those in your home country include:

· Homosexual acts are illegal in Kenya.

· Penalties for drug offenses can be severe and include lengthy prison sentences.

· Travelers are not allowed to work in Kenya, even as volunteers, without a valid work permit. Violators can be fined, imprisoned or deported.

· The destruction of Kenyan currency of any denomination is against the law.

· Smoking is prohibited in public places (even while walking down the street). Violators caught smoking outside of designated smoking areas face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment of up to six months.

· It is illegal to take pictures of some official buildings. If in doubt, seek the advice of an officer before taking any photos.

· Distributing religious material in public without a license is illegal.

There are also local customs to be aware of. Observing how the locals behave, you can easily fit in, but one custom that is regularly broken, and often offended, is that of dress. There are conservative standards of dress and behavior in Kenya, particularly in the coastal and rural areas.

So, is it safe to travel to Kenya? The Australian government’s travel advisory says you should “exercise extreme caution” but you can still go. And that is also my conclusion. With common sense, awareness of your surroundings, and some street smarts, your visit to Kenya should be hassle-free. Although that is not a promise! There are no guarantees in this game. All I am suggesting is that not all visitors to Kenya encounter difficulties and chances are high that you will have an amazing trip.

In my next article I will examine Kenya’s security in light of the March 2013 elections and how it may affect tourism next year. And don’t forget to register with your home country’s embassy or high commission in Kenya for the duration of your visit. This means that if disaster strikes, they will know you are there and will be able to help. For Australians, http://www.smartraveller.gov.au is the website to register your trip.

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