Kenya

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations)
change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Kenya for the most up-to-date
information.
Kenya is listed by the World Health
Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow
fever. Yellow fever is a serious and potentially
fatal disease preventable by vaccination. We
strongly recommend that all travellers be
vaccinated for yellow fever before travelling to
Kenya. If you are arriving from a country
infected with yellow fever you will be required
to present a valid yellow fever certificate to be
allowed entry into Kenya.
Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate before
being allowed to board flights out of the country. For more information about yellow fever, including
Australian re-entry requirements, see the Department of Health website.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to
Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a
replacement passport while overseas.
Terrorism
Nairobi and Mombasa, including Diani Beach
We continue to advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Nairobi and the Mombasa,
including Diani Beach, region due to the high threat of terrorist attack and the high level of crime.
Australians in Nairobi or the Mombasa region, including Diani beach, who hold concerns for their
safety should consider leaving.
You should evaluate your personal security situation, the continuing terrorist threats and public
warnings of possible attacks. Should you choose to visit public places at this time we recommend
that you exercise heightened vigilance and closely monitor the local media for information affecting
your safety and security.
Ongoing high threat of terrorist attack:
A major terrorist attack on the Westgate Shopping Mall in the Westlands district of Nairobi on 21-24
September 2013 resulted in a large number of deaths, including one Australian, and injuries. Kenyan
authorities have implemented heightened security arrangements at public places in response to the
incident.
Several terrorist attacks have occurred in the months following the Westgate attack. Kenyan
authorities are at a high state of alert and further attacks are likely.
We continue to receive regular reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of
targets in Kenya, including in Nairobi, and the surrounding region, and in the Mombasa region. On
17 March 2014, a large quantity of explosives and weapons was found in a car impounded by police
in Mombasa. Media reports indicate Kenyan police are aware of further similar bombs in the area,
and are pursuing these threats. Kenyan police have suggested that the likely targets of the bombs
are heavily used buildings, including Mombasa Airport.
https://independent.academia.edu/TroyMaysy/Posts/2199867/If-you-checked-my-older-blog--
osts-I-think-yall-probably-figure-out-what-is-my-main-interest-here-an
In planning your activities, you should avoid the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets.
Australians should be particularly vigilant in the lead-up to and during religious festivals, including
Christmas, Easter and Ramadan, and days of national significance as militants have used such
occasions to mount attacks.
Locations that may be subject to terrorist attack
Kenyan authorities have encouraged extra vigilance against possible terrorist attacks on public
places. These attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against any locations known to
be frequented by foreigners, including Australians. You could be caught up in attacks directed at
others.
Attacks could be indiscriminate and target Kenyan institutions as well as places where expatriates
and foreign travellers gather. You should take extra care in public places and at public events.
Possible terrorist targets frequented by Westerners include Western embassies, UN premises,
hotels, airports, shopping areas, markets, bars, sports bars and nightclubs (including venues
broadcasting international sporting events), restaurants and cafes, tourist resorts (including beach
resorts and beaches particularly in the region surrounding Mombasa), safari lodges, international
schools, churches and other places of worship, commercial airlines and other places frequented by
foreigners.
Other possible targets include Kenyan Government buildings, transport hubs and infrastructure, and
refugee camps near the Kenya-Somalia border where Western aid workers may be targeted.
Terrorist acts could include suicide bombings, kidnappings, roadside IED attacks, attacks on civil
aviation and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports.
You should exercise particular vigilance if attending sporting events including football matches. You
should also avoid public venues, such as sports bars, nightclubs and restaurants that broadcast
sporting events, particularly international events, as well as public transportation to these events.
Recent terrorist attacks in Kenya include:
On 16 May 2014, explosions in Nairobi's Gikomba market area killed at least ten people and injured
many others.
On 4 May 2014, at least four people were killed and more than 90 injured when two explosive
devices were detonated on passenger buses travelling out of Nairobi on the Thika Road.
On 3 May 2014, at least three people were killed when a grenade was thrown at a bus in a Mombasa
bus terminal. There were no fatalities from a separate explosion at a hotel in the Nyali beach area.
On 23 April 2014, four people were killed, including police officers, when a vehicle exploded in the
Nairobi suburb of Pangani.
On 31 March 2014, six people were killed in explosions in the Nairobi suburb of Eastleigh. On the
previous day, a suspected terrorist was killed in a residential building in Eastleigh, when testing an
explosive device.
On 23 March 2014, five people were killed in an armed attack on a church in Likoni, Mombasa.
On 16 January 2014, an IED explosion occurred in a restaurant at Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport in Nairobi. There were no injuries.
On 2 January 2014, a grenade attack at a popular tourist restaurant/bar at Diani Beach (30
kilometres south of Mombasa) injured ten people.
On 14 December 2013, an explosion on a public bus in the Pangani area of Nairobi killed six people
and injured a further 24.
On 12 December 2013, a grenade was thrown at a vehicle carrying two British tourists in Likoni,
Mombasa. The grenade failed to explode.
On 21-24 September 2013, a major terrorist attack on the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi
resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries. An Australian citizen was killed in the attack.
Nairobi suburbs of Eastleigh, Kasarani, Kibera, Mathare and Pangani: Australians should be aware
of particular risks in the Nairobi suburbs of Eastleigh, Kasarani, Kibera, Mathare and Pangani due to
the threat of extremist attacks, violent incidents and high crime levels.
Australian officials in Nairobi:
Due to heightened security concerns, staff at the Australian High Commission in Nairobi have been
advised to exercise greater vigilance and security measures have been increased, particularly when
travelling to Kenyan Government buildings, the CBD, and the Mombasa region. We advise you to do
the same.
Kidnapping
There is an ongoing very high threat of kidnap for Westerners in parts of Kenya that are close to the
border with Somalia. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping threat travel
bulletin.
Threats to humanitarian workers: You should be aware that humanitarian workers and journalists
covering the humanitarian situation in border areas may be targeted for kidnapping. Armed groups
from Somalia have previously kidnapped Western aid workers in Kenya from the Somalia border
region.
On 24 April 2014, aid workers were targeted in an attempting kidnapping from the Dabaab refugee
camp near the border with Somalia. One aid worker was injured in the attack.
On 29 June 2012, four foreign aid workers were kidnapped from the Dadaab refugee camp. A
Kenyan national was reportedly killed in the attack.
On 13 October 2011, two Spanish aid workers were kidnapped from the Dadaab refugee camp.
Threats to tourists and residents: Tourists and residents in coastal resorts and towns in eastern
Kenya have also been kidnapped by armed groups based in Somalia in recent years. On 1 October
2011, a French national was attacked and kidnapped from her beachfront residence of Manda Island
(adjacent to Lamu Island) by an armed group. She later died in captivity. On 11 September 2011,
two British nationals were attacked at a resort in Kiwayu, north of Lamu: one was killed and the
other was kidnapped and held in captivity for six months. Both attacks took place at beach front
properties. In light of these attacks we strongly advise you not to travel to areas along the Kenyan
coast north of Pate Island in Lamu District.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions
to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of
further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there
is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place,
seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.
Border Regions: We strongly advise against all travel to Kenyas border regions with Somalia,
Ethiopia and South Sudan because of the extreme threat posed by kidnapping, terrorism and violent
conflict. Along the border with Somalia, this area includes Mandera and Garissa Districts, Wajir and
east of Wajir and the area north of Pate Island in Lamu District, including Kiwayu and Kiunga.
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our
General advice to Australian travellers.
Civil unrest/political tension
Risk of civil unrest in Kenya: International events and political developments may prompt large
demonstrations in Kenya. You should monitor the media and other local information sources for
details about curfews, political events and possible safety and security risks. You should avoid all
political rallies and protests as they may quickly turn violent. Demonstrations over high food prices,
controversial media and tax legislation have resulted in violence and arrests in the past. In the event
of violence or civil unrest you should avoid all protests, monitor the media for information that could
affect your safety and security and follow the instructions of local authorities.
There have been regular outbreaks of violence across Kenya in recent years, though these usually
take place away from areas frequented by tourists. Riots and clashes have occurred regularly in
Mombasa in particular, with riots in February 2014, March 2013 and August 2012. Further such
events are likely. In 2012, serious incidents with multiple fatalities occurred in Tana River district in
the Coast Province and Samburu district in the Rift Valley Province, where more than 40 Kenyan
police were killed.
Other recent incidents include:
On 1 April 2014, a Muslim cleric was killed by gunmen in Mombasa, leading to unrest in the city.
On 2 February 2014, two people were killed during violent clashes between a group of youths and
police in the Majengo area of Mombasa. The violence occurred following a police raid on a mosque.
On 3 October 2013 a prominent Muslim cleric was shot by unknown gunmen in Mombasa.
On 30 March 2013, clashes in Kisumu following the Kenyan elections Supreme Court verdict killed
two people and injured many more.
Isiolo and the A2 Highway to Moyale: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Isiolo and
along the A2 Highway to Moyale, due to sporadic violent clashes that have caused a number of
deaths and injuries. You should exercise extreme caution in these areas.
Crime
The level of crime in Kenya is high. Due to the prevalence of street crime you should avoid walking
after dark and remain vigilant at all times.
Crimes targeting the foreign community in Nairobi: In Nairobi, violent crime against Westerners,
including armed carjacking, kidnapping for ransom and home invasions, occurs frequently and can
be brazen and brutal. A number of recent home invasions in Nairobi targeting the foreign
community have resulted in the death of householders, including an Australian citizen in November
2013. We strongly recommend Australians living in Kenya invest in robust personal security
measures and regularly review their personal security arrangements. Anecdotal evidence suggests
that foreigners are increasingly being targeted in homes, tourist areas and while travelling by road.
A number of recent incidents have occurred at night where criminals lay in wait outside residential
security gates. You should be particularly vigilant when waiting in a vehicle while gates are being
opened.
Violent robbery, car-jacking and kidnapping throughout Kenya: The risk of armed banditry, violent
robbery, carjacking and kidnapping has increased in recent years. Crimes of this nature are common
in Kenya's urban centres, coastal beach resorts, northern Kenya (including the North East Province),
the northern parts of Eastern, Coastal and Rift Valley Provinces and north of Malindi. If you travel to
remote areas or border regions, you could be the target of attacks or kidnappings. The incidence of
crime generally rises during the holiday periods.
Other crimes; Muggings and armed robberies are common, though victims are generally not harmed
if they don't resist. Jewellery and bag-snatching from open vehicle windows frequently occur while
motorists are either stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic. You should also avoid displaying
expensive items that can readily be stolen, including jewellery and watches, when travelling or in
public. When driving, you should ensure that windows are up, doors are locked and valuables are out
of sight.
Due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly
encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
Scams, whereby criminals try to extort money from travellers using fake police, hotel and
government identification, are common. You should always ask to see identification in order to
establish bona fides.
In Nairobi, confrontations between police and criminal suspects occur regularly. Bystanders have
been wounded or killed as result of indiscriminate gunfire in crowded areas. We advise you to
remain vigilant at all times.
National parks and game reserves: There have been several attacks on Australian and other Western
tourists on safaris in national parks and game reserves, including the Masai Mara. Police and the
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have increased security in the affected areas. You should take care
with personal security when visiting parks and game reserves.
Visitors to the Ngong Forest Reserve and Ngong Hills should get an armed escort from the KWS
because of the risk of robbery. The Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) can provide advice
on reputable travel firms and guides.
North, north-eastern and western Kenya: Banditry, cattle rustling and ethnic clashes have caused
sporadic violence in north and north-eastern Kenya and in the Mount Elgon region of western Kenya.
Australians could inadvertently be caught up in violence directed at others. We advise you to seek
advice from the police and travel in convoys or with police escorts if visiting these regions.
Borders with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia: We strongly advise you not to travel to the border
regions with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia because of the extremely dangerous security
situation. Localised incidents of violence, such as armed banditry, violent cattle rustling and counter
raids, are common along the Kenya-Ethiopia border and Kenya-South Sudan border.
Borders with Uganda and Tanzania: There have been reports of banditry and robbery at
unauthorised border crossing points on the borders with Uganda and Tanzania and along the road
from Nairobi to the Tanzania border crossing.
Australians in other parts of Kenya: Australians in other parts of Kenya should exercise a high
degree of caution in Kenya at this time due to the high risk of terrorist attack, kidnapping and high
crime levels. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for
information about possible new safety or security risks.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards,
travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find out which is the
most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
ATMs that accept international cards are widely available in Nairobi and major towns. Australian
currency is not accepted in Kenya. Travellers cheques are accepted at large banks and
foreign exchanges, though are not widely accepted in hotels.
Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers'
cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with
someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and
cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information
on luggage safety is available from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity
to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to
report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact
the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the
Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Airport security arrangements: Enhanced security checks are in place at Kenyan airports. Local
authorities have advised travellers to arrive one hour ahead of the normal time ( i.e. at least three
hours before scheduled flight times) to complete security formalities.
Driving in Kenya is dangerous due to poor road conditions, poorly maintained vehicles and
insufficient street lighting. Australians travelling by road should verify local security conditions
beforehand. Travel at night on major highways in and out of Nairobi and on rural roads is not
recommended and should be avoided. Travel at night to and from Nairobis international
airports (JKIA and Wilson) should only be undertaken with a reputable tour or taxi company.
We recommend that in Kenya you only use radio taxis and only from official taxi stands or via
callout.
Bus terminals and other gathering areas for public and private transport have been the target of
terrorist and criminal attacks on a number of occasions in recent years. They remain vulnerable to
attack and you should exercise particular caution in such locations. Public transport (primarily buses
and minivans known locally as matutus) is dangerous as driving standards
are poor and roads and vehicles are inadequately maintained.
For further advice, see our road travel page.
Passenger trains are considered to be unsafe, especially during the rainy season. Train services are
also unreliable. Theft is common on trains and there have been cases where passengers
belongings have been taken from their compartments.
The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure
activities such as scuba diving, are not always met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided
and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. You should
only use reputable tour operators and check that safety measures are in place.
Piracy
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Kenya. To the immediate north of Kenya's waters, attacks by
pirates against all forms of shipping around Somalia's waters and the Gulf of Aden are increasing in
frequency. Somali pirates using motherships have attacked shipping further than 1,000 nautical
miles (1,850 kilometres) from the coast of Somalia. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy
reports on its website. See also our piracy bulletin for more information.
Airline safety
Please refer to our air travel page for information on aviation safety and security.
When you are in Kenya, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by
Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will
do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble
overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Some homosexual activity is illegal in Kenya and penalties may include imprisonment. Homosexual
activity is frowned upon by some members of the community, and may lead to harassment by the
public and/or police. See our LGBTI travellers page.
Penalties for drug offences can be severe and include lengthy jail terms.
Travellers are not allowed to work in Kenya, even in a volunteer capacity, without a valid work
permit. Offenders may be fined, deported or jailed.
Destroying Kenyan currency of any denomination is against the law.
Smoking in public places is banned. Offenders caught smoking outside designated smoking areas
face a substantial fine and/or jail for up to six months.
It is illegal to take photographs of some official buildings. If in doubt, seek advice from an official
before taking any photos.
Distributing religious material in public without a licence is illegal.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public
officials, terrorism, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, child pornography, and child sex
tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be
prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians
overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child
pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment for
Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Local customs
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Kenya, particularly in coastal and rural
areas. You should take care not to offend.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for
Muslims.
Information for dual nationals
The new constitution on Kenya recognises dual nationality but this portion of the law has not yet
been fully enacted. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular
assistance to Australian/Kenyan dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We recommend you
travel on your Australian passport at all times.
Our Dual nationals page provides further information for dual nationals.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any
overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your
insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities
are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't
afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a
traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
It is important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas. We encourage
you to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make
an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your
travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical
condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our health
page also provides useful information for travellers on staying healthy.
The standard of medical facilities throughout Kenya varies. Medical facilities are adequate in urban
areas, but may be extremely limited elsewhere. Public and private facilities will require either an up-
front deposit for services, a guarantee of payment or confirmation of medical insurance before
commencing treatment. In remote areas, air evacuation to a major city is sometimes the only option
for medical emergencies. Costs for such an evacuation can exceed $A10,000.
Kenya is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Yellow fever is
a potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which is preventable by vaccination. We
strongly recommend that you are vaccinated against yellow fever before travelling to Kenya. See the
Entry and Exit section for important information about vaccination certificate requirements. For
more information about yellow fever, see the Department of Health website.
Malaria is endemic throughout the year in Kenya, except in Nairobi and at altitudes above 2500m.
Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, Rift Valley fever, filariasis and African sleeping
sickness (Trypanosomiasis)) also occur. We encourage you to consider taking prophylaxis against
malaria, and to take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times,
wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito
proof, including with treated mosquito nets.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholera, hepatitis, meningococcal,
measles and tuberculosis) are also prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to
time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and
undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases
such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from
diarrhoea.
Outbreaks of polio have occurred in Kenya within the last 12 months. All travellers to polio infected
countries should ensure they have completed a primary course of polio vaccinations and also need a
booster dose prior to travel. If you are unsure of your polio vaccination status, check with your
doctor or travel clinic, at least 6-8 weeks before you depart.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Kenya is very high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if
engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. You can find out more information from
the Department of Health.
A decompression chamber is located at the Kenyan Naval Base in Mombasa.
In Kenya, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian High Commission
Riverside Drive (400 metres off Chiromo Road),
Nairobi KENYA
Telephone: (254 20) 427 7100
Facsimile: (254 20) 427 7139
Website: http://www.kenya.highcommission.gov.au/
If you are travelling to Kenya, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage
you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in
person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will
help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family
issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission you can contact the 24-
hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02)
6261 3305.
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
There are two rainy seasons, from October to November and from March to June, when flash
flooding and mudslides are common. Roads may be impassable during these times.
Northern and eastern Kenya are currently experiencing a severe drought. There may be disruption
to essential services and delays should be expected when travelling in these areas.
Kenya is subject to earthquakes. It lies on a fault line and tremors occur infrequently. Volcanic and
seismic activity can also occur near Mt Elgon, on the Kenya-Uganda border.
All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there
is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes
along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a
natural disaster occurs, pay attention to warnings issued and follow the advice of local authorities.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with children page.