Sub Saharan Africa
Kenya
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Still current at: 25 July 2008
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Updated: 18 July 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Local Laws and Customs section (application of the Tobacco Control Act). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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On 13 April 2008, President Kibaki announced a Grand Coalition cabinet following the disputed election on 27 December 2007. However, tension in Kenya remains, particularly in parts of Rift Valley and Central Province, which have received large influxes of Kenyans displaced in the post-election violence.
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Large gatherings and demonstrations could still occur and should be avoided. Any rallies, even if advertised as peaceful, could potentially turn violent. If you are currently in Kenya, you should exercise caution and keep an eye on local media reports, including reports of further demonstrations and possible local curfews. See the Local Travel (Election related concerns) section of this advice for more details.
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We advise against all but essential travel to low income areas of Nairobi, including all township or slum areas, which experience high crime levels. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
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There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Previous attacks have included a bomb attack on a hotel, which resulted in significant loss of life, and an unsuccessful attempt to bring down a civilian airliner in Mombasa, both in November 2002.
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On 8 July 2008 the Tobacco Control Act came into force in Kenya. This prohibits smoking in public places except for designated smoking areas. Heavy fines and/or imprisonment will be imposed for those violating the Act.
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205,000 British tourists visited Kenya in 2007 (Source: Kenya Touris Board). The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Kenya in 2007 were: replacing lost or stolen passports (over 160 cases); dealing with arrests or detentions, for a variety of offences (23 cases); deaths, mainly from natural causes (17 cases); and hospitalisations, mainly due to road accidents (16 cases).
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
The most recent attacks in Kenya include:
- A suicide car bomb attack on a hotel near Mombasa on 28 November 2002, in which at least 15 people died.
- An unsuccessful attempt to shoot down an Israeli charter plane on the same day.
These incidents highlight the threat posed by terrorism in Kenya and the capacity of terrorist groups to carry out attacks.
For further information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
There are incidents of car-jacking and armed robbery involving foreign nationals in and around Nairobi.
You should remain vigilant at all times, particularly at night and on the roads that link Nairobi city centre to residential areas. You should avoid stopping at the side of the road and should drive defensively, with vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times.
Muggings and armed attacks by gangs can occur at any time, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. Avoid walking around after dark as attacks can occur anywhere, but especially in isolated areas such as empty beaches. There have been a number of armed attacks on golf courses around Nairobi, be extra vigilant while playing in remote areas away from the Club House of any golf courses. Be alert at all times. Do not accept food or drink from strangers as it may be drugged. Only stay in tourist camps with good perimeter security. If in doubt, seek advice from your tour operator or the Kenya Tourist Federation (Tel: + 254 20 604730). Do not carry valuables or wear jewellery in public places. Do not carry credit cards or cash cards unless you must: people have been forced by thieves to withdraw cash. Beware of thieves posing as police officers; always ask to see identification.
So far in 2008, two British nationals resident in Kenya have been killed during robberies at their homes. The most recent incident occurred in April 2008.
We advise against all but essential travel to low income areas of Nairobi, including all township or slum areas, which experience high crime levels. Since 13 April 2008, there has been a recurrence of clashes between the Kenyan police and members of the outlawed criminal Mungiki sect in parts of Nairobi, Central and Rift Valley Provinces. There have been sporadic demonstrations and fighting in low-income areas in Nairobi and a number of towns including Nyeri, Nakuru and Eldoret. Routes leading out of Nairobi and local transport have been disrupted.
There are many low-income areas in Nairobi, not normally frequented by tourists. You should avoid visiting such areas, which include Kibera, Mathare, Huruma, Kariobangi and Kawangware.
If you travel to remote areas or border regions you could be the target of attacks or kidnappings. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking. Incidents of armed car-hijackings are more prevalent in Nairobi and Mombasa but can occur in any area of the country. Do not attempt to escape from hijackers or resist their demands (See Local Travel for more information).
You should take sensible precautions for your personal and vehicle safety, travelling in convoy in remote areas.
If you are involved in any security incident you should insist with both the Kenyan authorities and your tour operator that the British High Commission be informed straight away.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Kenya Country Profile.
On 13 April 2008 President Kibaki announced a Grand Coalition cabinet bringing to an end weeks of negotiation following the signing of a power-sharing agreement on 28 February. However tension in Kenya remains, particularly in parts of Rift Valley and Central Province, which have received large influxes of Kenyans displaced in the post-election violence.
Local Travel
Election related concerns
Although a Grand Coalition government has been agreed following the disputed election, tensions remain in certain areas of Kenya. Tensions persist where large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain, particularly in areas of Rift Valle and Central Provinces, including Nakuru, Eldoret and Naivasha.
While the Kenya government reported that more than 1,000 Kenyan nationals were killed during the period of post election violence, tourists have not been specifically targeted. Nevertheless you should continue to avoid all public gatherings and large public meetings. You should check local media reports for information on future demonstrations. Any rallies, even if advertised as peaceful, could potentially turn violent.
Non-election related concerns
Most visits to game reserves and other tourist areas are trouble-free. Robberies of visitors to game parks, including the Masai Mara have occasionally been reported. If you wish to visit reserves you should use reputable tour operators and arrive at your destination in daylight hours. You are strongly advised not to buy safari tours from touts but only through reputable agencies or from your hotel. You should always follow park regulations and wardens' advice, but be aware that there are risks associated with viewing wildlife, particularly on foot or at close range. Bathing in rivers and lakes is forbidden in National Parks and is best avoided elsewhere due to the dangers from both wildlife and from water-borne disease.
Rural areas, and in particular the arid north and north eastern parts of Kenya experience sporadic cattle rustling, banditry and ethnic clashes which regularly cause fatalities. A land dispute in the Mount Elgon area of Western province has caused over 140 deaths since December 2006. On 3 March 2008, 12 local residents were killed. An operation commenced in March 2008 by the Kenyan security forces against a local armed group, the Sabaot Land Defence Force, has caused widespread disruption in the area.
Whilst foreigners are not usually the targets of this type of violence and banditry, travel in the north and north east should only be undertaken with care and after seeking the advice of the police and in convoy with at least two vehicles to ensure back-up. You should be alert and avoid demonstrations and gatherings of people in these areas, which could turn violent. You should also seek local advice if intending to travel in the area of Mount Elgon.
Whilst foreigners are not usually the targets of this type of violence and banditry, travel in the north and north east should only be undertaken with care and after seeking the advice of the police and in convoy with at least two vehicles to ensure back-up. You should be alert and avoid demonstrations and gatherings of people in these areas, which could turn violent. You should also seek local advice if intending to travel in the area of Mount Elgon.
The border with Somalia has been closed since 3 January 2007. In addition landmines have in the past been used in attacks around Moyale, close to the main A2 road south. Vehicles crossing the Kenya-Ethiopia border at this point should stay on the A2, avoid staying at the rest house at Sololo, and travel directly to Marsabit Town before breaking the journey.
You should, if possible visit Lamu Island by air. This is for security reasons and also because of the bad road conditions. Buses and other vehicles on the road to Lamu have been attacked by armed robbers in the past and overland travel from Lamu to Malindi should only be undertaken in an armed police convoy.
Road Travel
A UK driving licence is sufficient in Kenya. Only hire vehicles from reputable companies.
Take care if driving, especially at night, as road conditions and driving standards are often poor. You are advised to avoid driving at night wherever possible.
There have been a number of serious accidents involving Kenyan long-distance bus services. Vehicles are often poorly maintained, and driven at excessive speed even on poorly maintained roads. Check with any bus operator on the standards they observe before using this form of transport. Another common form of public transport is the matatu, usually a minibus plying a specific route. Though very cheap to use, matatus are notorious for being poorly maintained, badly driven and in some instances do not have proper insurance cover. There are frequent reports of matatus being hijacked, or of passengers being robbed. You are advised to think carefully before using matatus.
The main types of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Kenya are road accidents and muggings (five and eight cases respectively in 2006).
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Rail Travel
First and second class sleeping compartments area available on the Nairobi-Mombasa train. Doors can only be locked from the inside. If you are leaving your compartment, it is advisable to take your valuables with you. Several British nationals have recently reported that their passports have been stolen whilst travelling on this train.
Air Travel
We are concerned about the lack of security arrangements in place at Wilson airport in Nairobi. The airport is mainly used for domestic flights, including charters. Concerns have been raised with the Kenyan authorities. We continue to monitor the situation. You should remain vigilant at all times when transiting airports.
If you plan to charter a private aircraft, you are advised to check with the company's Safety Pilot about the condition of the aircraft and runways to be used. If the company has no Safety Pilot, seek another that does.
Local laws and customs
Although there are no strict dress codes, you should note that the coastal areas are predominantly Muslim in tradition. You should dress conservatively away from the tourist resorts and hotels, especially in Mombasa town, to avoid offending local sensitivities. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.
Smoking in all public places (except in designated areas) is prohibited throughout Kenya. This applies to areas such as hotel grounds, lounge areas and entrances. If you wish to smoke in your hotel room please confirm first with hotel management that it is permitted. Offences attract fines ranging from 50,000 to three million Kenya shillings and/or imprisonment for six months to three years. If in doubt about whether smoking is permitted in a certain place, it is recommended that you should check before doing so or refrain from smoking.
The use and trafficking of illegal Class A drugs in Kenya carries heavy fines and jail sentences. The penalty for possession is ten years imprisonment.
You must obtain a valid work permit before taking up any paid or volunteer work in Kenya; the penalties for not doing so can be a fine, jail or deportation depending on the nature of the offence.
The taking of photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, is not recommended and can lead to detention. If in any doubt about what a building is used for, do not photograph it or film around it.
Permission to carry any kind of firearm must be obtained from the local authorities prior to entry
It is illegal to destroy Kenyan currency whatever the denomination.
Homosexual activity is illegal in Kenya.
The use and trafficking of illegal Class A drugs in Kenya carries heavy fines and jail sentences. The penalty for possession is ten years imprisonment.
You must obtain a valid work permit before taking up any paid or volunteer work in Kenya; the penalties for not doing so can be a fine, jail or deportation depending on the nature of the offence.
The taking of photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, is not recommended and can lead to detention. If in any doubt about what a building is used for, do not photograph it or film around it.
Permission to carry any kind of firearm must be obtained from the local authorities prior to entry
It is illegal to destroy Kenyan currency whatever the denomination.
Homosexual activity is illegal in Kenya.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
British passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. Visas may be obtained on arrival by air with a cash payment of 50 US Dollars. More information, including application forms and visa fee rates is available at http://www.kenyahighcommission.net.
Passport validity
You require three months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter Kenya.
Airport Departure Tax
In Kenya there is also an airport departure tax of 20 US Dollars, which is normally included in the price of airline tickets.
Work permits
If you are coming to live and work in Kenya, you should be aware that there can be delays in obtaining work permits. It is illegal to work without a permit and this also applies to voluntary work and to the self-employed. British nationals living in Kenya are advised to register with the British High Commission in Nairobi: Kenya: British High Commission Nairobi
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at Immigration, please contact the Kenya High Commission in London.
Health
Cholera and malaria are common to Kenya. The latter is found outside of Nairobi and in areas below 1,800 metres above sea level. However, in 2006 there was an outbreak of highland malaria in the West Pokot District (north western Kenya) that was associated with several fatalities.
An outbreak of cholera was confirmed in June 2008 in the Kisumu district in Western Kenya. The worst affected areas include the townships of Manyatta, Nyalenda and Obunga in Kisumu East. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at any time. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Kenya you should seek immediate medical attention.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,200,000 adults aged 15 or over in Kenya were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 6.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Kenya and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
An outbreak of cholera was confirmed in June 2008 in the Kisumu district in Western Kenya. The worst affected areas include the townships of Manyatta, Nyalenda and Obunga in Kisumu East. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at any time. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Kenya you should seek immediate medical attention.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,200,000 adults aged 15 or over in Kenya were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 6.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Kenya and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Natural disasters
Kenya lies on an active fault line and tremors occur from time to time. The last significant earth tremor to affect the region was a magnitude 5.2 tremor on 20 August 2007. The epicentre was 180-km south south west of Nairobi. The Kenyan Government has made it clear that there is no information to suggest an earthquake in Kenya is imminent. They are continuing to monitor the situation.
General
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Medical facilities, including ambulance services, outside major cities are very limited, and your insurance should cover you for the possibility of medical repatriation. You should check also any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see How We Can Help.
We advise that you leave your passport in the hotel safe, but carry a photocopy for ID purposes.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see How We Can Help.
We advise that you leave your passport in the hotel safe, but carry a photocopy for ID purposes.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
British nationals visiting Kenya for more than a month and/or travelling to remote areas are recommended to register with the High Commission using the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s online consular registration service. If you are unable to access the internet you should contact the High Commission in advance or on arrival.
Advice on tourist and travel matters
There is a Safety and Communication Centre operated by the Kenya Tourism Federation which can give up to the minute advice on tourist and travel matters, road conditions etc as well as providing help in an emergency. This can be accessed at any time by telephoning + 254 20 604730 or by e-mail to: safetour@wananchi.com
Time difference
There is a Safety and Communication Centre operated by the Kenya Tourism Federation which can give up to the minute advice on tourist and travel matters, road conditions etc as well as providing help in an emergency. This can be accessed at any time by telephoning + 254 20 604730 or by e-mail to: safetour@wananchi.com
Time difference
Local time is three hours ahead of British winter time (GMT) and two hours ahead of British summer time (BST).
Money
It is unlikely that you will be able to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes in Kenya. ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and the main towns. Credit cards and travellers’ cheques are widely accepted.
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Change country
contacts
Kenya, Nairobi, British High Commission
Address:
British High Commission
Upper Hill Road
P.O. Box 30465-00100
Nairobi
Telephone:
Telephone: (+254) (20) 2844 000
Fax:
(+254) (20) 2844 088
Office hours:
Opening hours
GMT:
Mon-Thurs: 0400-1300
Friday: 0400-1000
Local Time:
Mon- Thurs: 0700-1600
Friday: 0700-1300
See contact us page for further contact details and information on opening hours
Website: http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/kenya
