Is Kenya safe for solo female travelers?

Kenya, like many places can have safety concerns particularly during late hours, and general advice would recommend avoiding walking alone at night. This is especially true in isolated areas, although busy well-lit areas can be relatively safer. It's always important to listen to the advice of locals and stay knowledgeable about your surroundings.

Public transportation in Kenya, including buses and matatus (minibuses or vans), is often crowded and can be less regulated. It's advised to remain vigilant due to instances of pickpocketing, particularly in larger cities like Nairobi. Also, road safety can be an issue, as traffic regulations are not always adhered to. However, the introduction of more regulated services like Uber and Bolt has helped increase the safety standards. Make sure to use reliable and accredited services whenever applicable and avoid traveling during late hours if possible.

While Kenya is generally welcoming, some experiences of verbal harassment are reported, particularly in urban settings or busier tourist areas. It is often unaggressive and usually in the form of unsolicited comments or compliments. Responding calmly or ignoring can often stop the behavior. Dressing modestly also helps, particularly in the more traditional areas. As always, trust your instincts, be aware of your surroundings and stick to well-populated areas as much as possible.

Kenya has instances of petty crimes such as bag snatching, pickpocketing, and theft from hotel rooms. Typically these crimes are more prevalent in crowded places such as markets and public transportation, especially in larger cities like Nairobi. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and always monitor their belongings.

Drinking tap water in Kenya is generally not recommended for travelers. There can be contaminants in the water, including bacteria and parasites that can cause illness. It's advisable to drink bottled water, boiled water or treated water. Ensure the bottled water you buy is properly sealed. Alternatively, carry a water purification device or water purification tablets.

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas exhibit increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Kenya, due to the threat of terrorism and high crime rate. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Kenya overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.