Kenya Country Report
Kenya has long been one of the most developed and stable countries in the East African region, with a growing economy focused on technology, agriculture, and tourism. However, this country is one of the least developed countries in the world and a large part of its population lives in poverty.
Criminal activities remain the biggest threat to Kenyan travelers. Home invasions, robberies, petty thefts, armed carjackings, and kidnappings are common in most of the country. Pickpocketing and pickpocketing are especially common in crowded areas of major city centers, including Nairobi’s upmarket markets. Kenya also faces a credible threat from the Somalia-based al-Shabaab terrorist organization and domestic Islamic extremists.
Al-Shabaab is likely to focus on vulnerable rural areas in the porous northeast bordering Somalia and along Kenya’s coastal regions. Still, the group has also carried out widespread attacks, particularly in Nairobi and major cities. It is possible to create Potential targets that include government infrastructure and security personnel, as well as hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars, sporting events, supermarkets, shopping malls, transportation hubs, and more. However, most attacks still occur in areas close to the Somali border.
In rural areas of the country, communal tensions over ethnicity and access to resources have led to sporadic conflicts, and the proliferation of firearms has exacerbated violence. Road travel can be dangerous, especially for foreign travelers who are not used to the local driving environment. Although Nairobi’s road conditions are reasonable compared to rural areas, traffic accidents occur frequently due to poor driving standards.
Last updated: August 16, 2023
Security
The biggest threat to travelers in Kenya is criminal activity. Crime rates are high in urban centers and foreigners are often targeted for armed robbery, burglary, car theft, and petty theft. Perpetrators are often armed and quickly resort to violence when faced with resistance.
Somalia-based al-Shabaab and its sympathizers in Kenya remain a credible terrorist threat. Although most Al-Shabaab-related incidents occur in remote areas of the counties bordering Somalia, high-profile attacks have also occurred in Kenya’s major urban centers.
Protests are held regularly over various local political and environmental issues and can quickly turn violent or provoke an aggressive response from security forces. Ethnic and tribal violence, exacerbated by armed bandits, is common in rural areas of the Rift Valley.
Last updated: April 26, 2022
Infrastructure
Land travel is dangerous in many parts of Kenya and road accidents are fairly common. Bad roads, careless driving, excessive speed, unsuitable vehicles, and alcohol are the main causes of many accidents. The dangers of road travel also extend to public transport, where many drivers are poorly trained and vehicles lack adequate safety features. However, there are a few serious concerns about domestic commercial air travel.
Electricity infrastructure is inadequate in many areas, with old energy grids and insufficient power generation capacity leading to frequent blackouts, despite relatively high connection rates by local standards. Internet penetration is also high and mobile data networks are reliable in most urban centers.
Last updated: April 26, 2022
Environment
Western Kenya occasionally experiences low to moderate earthquakes. However, earthquakes over magnitude 5 are rare. Flooding is also common during the long rainy season from April to June and the short rainy season from October to November. Large parts of the country are also prone to drought, which can lead to food insecurity across the country.
The threat of terrorism in northern Kenya has increased pollution from landmines and unexploded ordnance, particularly along the border with Somalia. Due to active use, contamination levels cannot be accurately assessed and all potential mining sites should be considered unmarked.
Last updated: April 14, 2022
Health and Medical
Malaria is present in many parts of the country below 2200 meters above sea level, such as dengue fever, cutaneous and disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis, African trypanosomiasis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Kenyan typhoid fever, and onion fever. Although Nairobi and Mombasa have adequate health facilities, the quality and availability of health care in rural areas and small towns are significantly lower. Drug shortages and counterfeit or substandard drugs are also a problem, especially outside the two big cities.
Last updated: August 11, 2023
Political
The ruling Kenya Kwanzaa Coalition (KKC) and the opposition Azimio La Umoja One Party United Kenya over alleged rigging of the August 2022 general elections, socio-economic, political, religious or security concerns. Political tensions between the two countries have led to frequent strikes. and demonstrations, usually violent. Previous demonstrations had caused nationwide violence and regular clashes with security forces. In addition, protesters committed arson, including burning public utility vehicles and public transport, and stealing gas cylinders from gas stations. Looting has also been reported across the country.
Corruption remains a major concern in Kenya and is generally recognized to permeate all levels of society. A weak judicial system and frequent requests for bribes by government officials increase the cost of doing business for foreign investors.
Last updated: August 16, 2023
