Kenya’s overall security is poor, with frequent armed robbery and theft, and robberies and thefts affecting Chinese projects and individuals do occur. Even so, most Chinese residents in Nairobi, Mombasa and other cities live and run businesses normally with routine precautions. The highest-risk areas are the counties bordering Somalia, such as Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu, where al-Shabaab attacks are a threat.
Two other risks have grown in recent years: unrest during large protests, and telecom fraud that targets or involves Chinese nationals. The sections below cover regions, crime types and precautions.
Overall picture
The 2025 MOFCOM guide says security has deteriorated since the early 1990s, citing illegal weapons from unstable neighbouring countries, high poverty and unemployment, ethnic disputes over land and water, and frequent road accidents [1]. According to Kenya’s Economic Survey 2025, 101,220 crimes were reported to police in 2024, 3.5% fewer than in 2023 [1].
Kenyan residents can legally own firearms with police approval [1], and armed robberies are not rare. If you are robbed, your physical safety comes first.
Risk by area
| Area | Main risks |
|---|---|
| Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Lamu and other border areas | Al-Shabaab attacks. On 25 October 2023 China’s MFA and the embassy advised Chinese citizens to be cautious about travelling there [3]. The MOFCOM guide urges companies and project staff near the Somali border to stay alert [1]. |
| Nairobi | Robbery and theft; clashes and road closures during protests. The guide says security forces in Nairobi have been strengthened in recent years [1]. |
| Mombasa, Kisumu and other cities | Robbery, theft and other crime; protests may spread. |
| Wildlife parks | Many parks are unfenced; do not leave your lodge after dark [2]. |
Protests and unrest
In June 2024 protests against a tax-raising finance bill broke out in Nairobi. Crowds led by “Gen Z” youth stormed Parliament, and the unrest spread nationwide, killing dozens and injuring hundreds. It was one of the worst outbreaks of violence since the 2007 election crisis [1]. During the “Saba Saba” protests on 7 July 2025, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported at least 38 deaths and 130 injuries [4].
Around protest days, follow the news and embassy notices, stay in, close shops early if needed, and avoid the city centre, the area around Parliament and crowds [1][2]. Kenya holds general elections every five years [1]; be careful around election periods too.
Risks for Chinese residents and companies
Robbery and theft
The MOFCOM guide says several Chinese workers have been robbed in recent years, losing passports and property and suffering injuries or death [1]. Chinese project sites are also robbed from time to time [1]. Shops with cash on hand and sites with materials are easy targets.
Telecom fraud and online gambling rings
In July 2026 Kenyan police raided a telecom-fraud operation in Kilimani, Nairobi, and arrested and deported a group of Chinese nationals suspected of fraud. On 24 July the Chinese Embassy published an open letter to Chinese citizens in Kenya. It warned that cross-border fraud and gambling rings rent apartments and houses under the cover of well-paid jobs or business partnerships; that fake high-salary offers can lure people into fraud dens where they may be illegally detained; and that fake investments and high-rate currency exchange can cause losses, frozen bank accounts or investigation [5].
The embassy’s advice: landlords and businesses should not provide housing, network equipment, referrals or recruitment to suspicious groups; if you notice premises closed all day with people online around the clock, frequent recruitment or large underground currency exchange, keep evidence, report to Kenyan police and inform the embassy; stay away from casinos and do not trust private high-rate currency exchange [5].
Document checks and law enforcement
If immigration officers or police check your documents, stay calm and cooperate [1]. The embassy advises carrying your passport and eTA and a copy of the bio-data page; when police ask for documents, ask to see their ID first and note their badge and vehicle numbers [2]. Missing paperwork is the main reason people get into trouble, so keep work permits in order; see Kenya visas and work permits.
Precautions
Cash and valuables
- Do not show off cash or valuables. Keep them in the room safe and carry only small amounts of cash [2].
- Bank shop takings promptly and avoid moving cash at fixed times along fixed routes.
- VISA and Mastercard work in shopping centres, supermarkets and hotels, and UnionPay cards work at Equity Bank and Standard Bank POS terminals and ATMs [1], which reduces cash handling.
Getting around
- Take a vehicle even for short distances, avoid walking, and avoid going out at night [2].
- Kenya drives on the left. Roads are narrow with many unmarked speed bumps, and long-distance buses often speed [2]. Check the vehicle before setting off, wear seatbelts, lock doors and windows, keep phones and valuables out of sight, and do not open windows or doors to strangers [2].
- Travel in groups and avoid isolated streets, crowds and illegal venues [2].
Homes and businesses
- When checking in, locate alarms and emergency exits, lock your door, and do not open it to anyone you cannot identify [2].
- The MOFCOM guide asks Chinese companies to prepare internal security contingency plans that put staff safety first, to report incidents to local police immediately, and to inform the Chinese Embassy and their head office [1].
- Security companies are among the Chinese firms listed in the guide [1]; larger businesses may consider professional guards. For compliance risks, see registering a company in Kenya.
If you are robbed or scammed
Stay calm, do not argue with the attacker, report to local police afterwards, and get a police report for insurance claims and replacement documents [2].
Health and natural hazards
Malaria, cholera and mpox occur in some areas; protect against mosquitoes and take care with food and water [1][2]. In the rainy season, watch forecasts and flood warnings, do not camp or stay by rivers, and do not wade across flowing water [2]. The long rains run from March to June and the short rains from October to December [1].
Emergency numbers
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Kenya police, fire and ambulance | 999 / 112 [1] (the embassy’s 2026 notice also lists 911 [2]) |
| Chinese Embassy 24-hour consular protection | +254-20-2711222 [1][2] |
| Embassy consular document enquiries | +254-717070214 [2] |
| MFA Global Consular Protection and Service Hotline | +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308 [2] |
| Kenya Directorate of Immigration | +254-20-2222022 [2] |
Embassy consular email: nairobi@csm.mfa.gov.cn [2]. For what consular protection can and cannot do, see consular protection in Africa. Chinese associations in Kenya can also help; see the Chinese community in Kenya.
References
- Country Guide for Outward Investment and Cooperation: Kenya (2025 edition) (PRC Ministry of Commerce, 2025)
- Chinese Embassy in Kenya reminds Chinese citizens to travel safely during the Spring Festival holiday (China News Service, reproducing the embassy notice, 8 January 2026)
- China issues security advisory to nationals in Kenya (Citizen Digital, 26 October 2023)
- Saba Saba protests death toll hits 38 (Daily Nation, July 2025)
- Chinese Embassy: Kenya raids telecom-fraud den and deports Chinese suspects (The Paper, 24 July 2026)