Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 8 February 2010, 14:05 NZDT
Still current at: 10 February 2010
There is extreme risk to your security in the border areas with Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia and we advise against all travel within 30 kilometres of these borders. Cross-border kidnapping and armed banditry make these border areas extremely unsafe. Kenya’s border with Somalia has been closed since January 2007 due to instability in Somalia. In July 2009, three aid workers were kidnapped on the Kenyan side of the border with Somalia and taken into Somalia.
There is high risk to your security in the high density, low income areas of Nairobi due to the high level of violent crime and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these areas, particularly the suburbs of Kibera, Mathare, Kasirani and Eastleigh.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Kenya due to the threat from terrorism, civil unrest and violent crime and we advise caution.
There was widespread violence in Kenya following disputed elections held in late 2007. Tensions remain, particularly in parts of the Rift Valley and Central Province.
New Zealanders in Kenya are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as they could turn violent with little warning. We recommend you monitor the media to keep up to date on the security situation and adhere to any instructions or restrictions imposed by the local authorities.
Violent crime including car-jacking, home invasion and armed robbery occurs frequently, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. New Zealanders are advised to be very conscious of personal safety at all times and avoid travel at night.
There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Previous terrorist attacks in Kenya have been against visibly Western targets. Particular care should be taken in public and commercial areas known to be frequented by foreigners including airports, hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, tourist areas, embassies, UN premises, shopping areas, outdoor recreation events and expatriate housing areas.
Piracy has been reported in the coastal waters off Kenya. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau's piracy report.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Kenya should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Kenya are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Africa
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
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Contact details are
Street Address 125 Middel Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, 0181 Pretoria, South Africa
Postal Address Private Bag x 17, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
Telephone +27 12 435 9000 Facsimile +27 12 435 9001
Email enquiries@nzhc.co.za
Website New Zealand High Commission Pretoria [external link]
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0800 - 1630hrs
Contact details are
Street Address Diju Investments, Mirage Plaza, Room 2C Second Floor, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address PO Box 48311, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone +254 20 601074 Facsimile +254 20 601076
Email dijuinvest@inds.co.ke
