Is Nairobi Safe in May 2026?

Fraudsters send a convincingly fake M-Pesa confirmation SMS to tourists who have sold goods, rented equipment, or agreed to pay for services, claiming that funds have been transferred to your number. The message replicates the official Safaricom M-Pesa sender ID and format precisely. The scammer then demands the goods or service before the victim checks their actual M-Pesa balance and discovers no transfer was made. In 2024, M-Pesa fraud losses in Kenya surged to Ksh 810 million, a 344% increase, with fake confirmation messages one of the primary methods used.

How to avoid: Always open your M-Pesa app and check your actual account balance before releasing goods or services — do not rely on an SMS notification alone. If someone claims to have sent money, verify it shows in your transaction history, not just as an incoming text.

Matatu (minibus) drivers and informal taxi operators charge tourists far above local rates. City taxis have no meters and quote flat rates. Drivers may claim distances are longer than they are.

How to avoid: Use Uber or Little Cab apps in Nairobi for transparent pricing. Ask your hotel for the approximate taxi cost to your destination before getting in any vehicle. Negotiate the total price before departing.

Since Kenya replaced its visa system with the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) on January 1, 2024, dozens of fraudulent websites have appeared that closely mimic the official government portal at etakenya.go.ke. These fake sites charge tourists processing fees of USD 30–150 for an eTA that may never arrive, or may arrive as an unofficial document that is rejected at immigration. The Kenyan government, crisis monitoring services, and multiple tour operators have publicly warned about this scam, which proliferates through paid search ads targeting tourists searching for the application form.

How to avoid: Apply for your Kenya eTA only through the official government website: etakenya.go.ke. Bookmark this URL directly rather than searching for it each time. If you find a site through a search engine advertisement, verify the exact URL before entering any personal or payment details — the official site has a .go.ke government domain, not .com, .org, or any other extension.

The Nairobi Central Business District and City Market are hotspots for pickpockets, who use distraction techniques and work in groups to target tourists carrying cameras or visible phones.

How to avoid: Use a secure anti-theft bag and keep phones in a front zippered pocket. Leave valuables at your hotel when possible.

Criminals in Nairobi's nightlife areas target tourists by spiking drinks with sedatives, typically at bars and clubs along Westlands Road and in the Kilimani district. Once incapacitated, victims are robbed of cash, phones, and bank cards, sometimes transported to ATMs and coerced into making withdrawals. The UK Foreign Office and US State Department both flag this as a growing risk in Nairobi's upmarket entertainment zones.

How to avoid: Never leave a drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers in bars or clubs. Stick to drinks you watch being poured at the bar. If you feel suddenly dizzy or confused, alert bar staff and contact your hotel or a trusted contact immediately.