Staying Safe in Nairobi: Practical First-Hours Guide for Tourists

What to do from the moment you land at JKIA until you reach your accommodation: airport exits, tout pressure, checking your car, after dark, and who to call.

1. Leaving the terminal and handling pressure

Don't hand over your bag or phone — keep walking.
Say “Hapana, asante” firmly, once. You don't need to explain.
Head for a uniformed airport officer or a branded shop counter.
Only enter cars booked in your app, with matching plate and name.
If you feel unsafe, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).

Buy a SIM only at a branded Safaricom or Airtel shop in the arrivals hall. Unregistered SIMs sold outside get blocked. SIM guide

2. Getting into the right car

Request your ride in the app and follow the pickup pin and directions shown for your arrival terminal. Pickup arrangements can change; confirm with your driver and uniformed airport staff if the directions differ.
Check the car plate and driver name match the app before getting in.
Rideshare is usually much cheaper than taxis at the kerb. With an official taxi, agree the price first. See fares by area
Send someone you trust your pickup message: “I'll message when I arrive. If you don't hear from me in 2 hours, please call me.”

3. During the ride and reaching your stay

Keep windows up and phones and bags out of sight in cars.
Show your saved address to the driver.
Tell someone you've arrived: “Nimeshafika” means I have arrived.

4. Moving around town and after dark

Don't walk alone after dark. Use a rideshare or hotel taxi.
Leave valuables in the hotel safe and carry a copy of your passport, not the original.
Avoid political gatherings and protests.
Don't photograph police, military or government buildings.

Before setting out, check current local conditions with your accommodation and official travel advice. This is general safety guidance, not a live protest alert.

5. Money and M-PESA safety

Never share your PIN. 3 wrong tries locks it. Call 100 or visit a Safaricom shop.
Check the business name shown before confirming a payment.
Top up with cash at an M-PESA agent (green sign) with your passport. M-PESA guide

6. Emergency contacts and safety phrases

Police / Ambulance / Fire: 999
Emergency from a mobile: 112
Tourist helpline (KTF, 24h): +254 722 745 645
AMREF Flying Doctors emergency: +254 20 699 2299

Hapana, asante = No, thank you (ha-PA-na, a-SAN-teh)
Bei gani? = How much? (BAY GA-nee)
Saidia! = Help! (sa-ee-DEE-a)
Polepole = Slowly, please (PO-leh PO-leh)

These numbers are also in your Pocket Pass, which works without internet.

Rules and prices can change. Confirm with official staff or the official website before you rely on them.