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 the capital of Kenya 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 while you visit.
Theft and mugging are the main threats to 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. Often the theft is not malicious, but rather opportunistic. So the easiest solution is not to provide the opportunity; don’t tempt people by carelessly leaving things. Ways to do this include:
· Do not wear jewelry (watches, necklaces, hoop earrings that can be easily grasped)
Be sure to check your change and put all your money away safely 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 away.
Bullying is another safety issue, not because you are necessarily in physical danger, but rather because it can make you uncomfortable and nervous. There is a market for young Africans to basically sell themselves to older foreign women. The woman will fall in love with this charming, handsome and charismatic man and soon find herself paying her 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 (this doesn’t necessarily put him off, 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 understanding 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 it, you’re probably right and your money is better in your pocket.
Violent crimes can be prevented simply by complying with the demands of the offender. 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 hatred is directed between the different tribes that share this nation, and that is 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. Police in Kenya 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 are not doing anything illegal. Some Kenyan laws that may be different from your home country include:
· Homosexual acts are illegal in Kenya.
· Penalties for drug offenses can be severe and include lengthy jail terms.
· 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 designated smoking areas face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment for 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.
· The distribution of religious material in public without a license is illegal.
There are also local customs to be aware of. By watching how the locals behave, you can easily fit in, but one custom that is regularly broken, and often offending, 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’s my conclusion too. With common sense, awareness of your surroundings, and some street smarts, your visit to Kenya should be trouble-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 look at 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 can help you. For Australians, http://www.smartraveller.gov.au is the website to register your trip.
