Knowing what to do when something goes wrong can make a significant difference.
Whether you live in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Garissa or a rural part of Kenya, basic safety planning can help you respond more calmly to emergencies, avoid common risks and protect yourself and others.
This guide focuses on practical, legitimate safety advice for everyday life in Kenya, including personal security, road safety, home safety, emergencies, travel and what to do after an incident.
Emergency numbers in Kenya: The National Police Service and National Disaster Management Unit currently list 999, 112 and 911 for emergencies. (National Police Service Kenya)
Requirements and emergency arrangements can change, so verify important contact information through official sources when possible.
1. Save emergency numbers before you need them
An emergency is the worst time to start searching for a phone number.
Save important emergency contacts in your phone and consider keeping essential numbers somewhere accessible offline.
For police or other urgent emergencies, Kenya’s National Police Service lists:
999 / 112 / 911 (National Police Service Kenya)
When calling, explain:
- What happened
- Where you are
- Whether anyone is injured
- Whether there is an immediate danger
- The safest way responders can reach you
Stay on the line if the operator asks you to.
2. Know your exact location
When travelling around Kenya, especially in an unfamiliar area, know where you are.
Useful information includes:
- Building name
- Estate or neighbourhood
- Road
- Landmark
- Nearby shopping centre
- Nearest major road
- County
- GPS location where available
This can make it easier to direct emergency responders, friends or family to you.
If you are travelling somewhere unfamiliar, tell someone you trust:
- Where you are going
- Who you are meeting
- Your expected arrival time
- How you are travelling
For longer journeys, consider sharing your itinerary.
You do not need to broadcast your movements publicly on social media.
4. Stay aware of your surroundings
Situational awareness is one of the simplest personal-safety habits.
When walking or travelling:
- Pay attention to your surroundings.
- Avoid being completely absorbed in your phone.
- Notice unusual behaviour.
- Know where you are going.
- Keep valuables secure.
- Trust reasonable warning signs.
You do not need to be constantly afraid. The aim is simply to remain aware.
5. Be careful when using your phone in public
Phones are valuable and can attract unwanted attention in some environments.
Avoid unnecessarily displaying an expensive phone while walking in busy areas or near roads.
If you need to check directions, consider stepping into a safer location rather than stopping in an exposed position.
6. Keep valuables secure
Carry only what you need.
Avoid openly displaying:
- Large amounts of cash
- Expensive jewellery
- Multiple valuable electronic devices
Keep important documents secure, particularly when travelling.
7. Be careful with cash
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash unnecessarily.
Where practical, use secure and legitimate payment methods.
When withdrawing cash, pay attention to your surroundings and avoid accepting unsolicited assistance from strangers.
If something feels wrong, leave the area and seek assistance.
8. Protect your mobile money
Mobile money is part of everyday life in Kenya, making account security particularly important.
Never share your:
- Mobile-money PIN
- One-time verification code
- Password
- Security credentials
Treat unexpected requests for account information as suspicious.
If you believe your account has been compromised, contact the relevant provider through its official customer-service channels immediately.
9. Be alert to phone and online scams
Scammers may impersonate:
- Banks
- Mobile operators
- Government agencies
- Delivery companies
- Employers
- Friends or relatives
Do not assume a message is genuine simply because it contains your name or other personal information.
Verify independently before making a payment or revealing information.
10. Avoid suspicious links
Do not click unexpected links sent through SMS, WhatsApp, email or social media.
Instead, open the relevant organisation’s official website or app yourself.
This is particularly important for messages claiming there is an urgent problem with your:
- Bank account
- Mobile-money account
- Government account
- Delivery
- Online account
Home safety in Kenya
11. Check your doors and windows
Make sure doors and windows close properly.
Check:
- Locks
- Hinges
- Frames
- Gates
- Balcony access
- Other possible entry points
Report damaged locks or security features to the responsible landlord, caretaker or property manager.
12. Know who has access to your home
Be mindful of who has keys, access codes or other means of entering your home.
If you move into a new property, ask about changing locks or access credentials where appropriate.
13. Don’t advertise that your home is empty
Avoid publicly announcing that you are away from home for an extended period.
Be particularly careful with real-time social-media posts showing:
- Your empty house
- Travel dates
- Your location
- Valuable possessions
Consider posting holiday photos after returning rather than announcing every movement while away.
14. Get to know your neighbours
You do not have to become close friends with everyone.
But knowing trustworthy neighbours can be useful during:
- Fires
- Medical emergencies
- Power problems
- Security incidents
- Other unexpected situations
Good neighbourly communication can be an important part of community safety.
15. Keep emergency items at home
Consider having a basic emergency kit containing items such as:
- Torch
- Spare batteries where applicable
- First-aid supplies
- Drinking water
- Essential medicines
- Phone charger
- Power bank
- Important contact information
- Copies of important documents
Adapt the kit to your household’s needs.
Fire safety
16. Know your escape routes
Everyone in your household should know how to leave the building during a fire.
Identify:
- Main exit
- Alternative exit
- Stairways
- Assembly point
Do not rely on a lift during a building fire unless emergency responders specifically direct you to do so.
17. What to do during a fire
If there is a fire:
- Raise the alarm.
- Leave immediately if it is safe to do so.
- Help children or vulnerable people where possible without putting yourself in danger.
- Use stairs rather than lifts.
- Stay low if there is heavy smoke.
- Call emergency services from a safe location.
- Do not return for possessions.
If smoke blocks an exit, move to a safer location and signal for assistance if possible.
18. Be careful with cooking fires
Kitchen fires can escalate quickly.
If cooking oil catches fire, do not pour water onto it.
If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat and use an appropriate fire-extinguishing method for the type of fire.
If you cannot control the fire safely, leave immediately and call for emergency assistance.
Gas safety
19. Take gas leaks seriously
If you smell gas or suspect a leak:
- Do not light a match.
- Do not smoke.
- Avoid creating sparks.
- Do not operate electrical switches unnecessarily.
- Move people away from the area.
- If safe, shut off the gas supply.
- Ventilate the area if this can be done safely.
- Seek professional assistance.
If there is an immediate danger, leave the building and call emergency services.
Road safety in Kenya
20. Wear a seat belt
Always wear a seat belt where one is provided.
Passengers should not assume that sitting in the back makes a seat belt unnecessary.
21. Use child restraints correctly
Children should be transported using appropriate child restraints and seating arrangements suited to their age and size.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable Kenyan road-safety requirements.
22. Be extra careful around matatus and buses
When boarding or leaving public transport:
- Wait until the vehicle is properly stopped.
- Watch traffic around the vehicle.
- Keep belongings secure.
- Avoid stepping into the road unnecessarily.
Remember that other vehicles may pass close to a stopped bus or matatu.
23. Watch for motorbikes
Motorbikes and boda bodas are common across Kenya.
When crossing roads or changing direction, look carefully for motorcycles because they can approach from unexpected directions.
24. Don’t use your phone while driving
Avoid texting, browsing or otherwise handling your phone while driving.
Even a short distraction can prevent you from noticing:
- Pedestrians
- Motorcycles
- Other vehicles
- Road hazards
- Sudden traffic changes
25. Don’t drive when impaired
Never drive when your ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, extreme fatigue or another condition that makes driving unsafe.
Arrange an alternative way home.
26. Be careful during heavy rain
Heavy rainfall can create:
- Poor visibility
- Flooded roads
- Slippery surfaces
- Hidden potholes
- Fast-moving water
- Traffic congestion
Do not attempt to drive through water when you cannot determine its depth or whether the road underneath remains safe.
27. Never underestimate floodwater
Floodwater can conceal:
- Open drains
- Potholes
- Damaged roads
- Debris
- Electrical hazards
Fast-moving water can sweep people and vehicles away.
If a road is flooded, find a safer alternative rather than taking unnecessary risks.
28. Walking at night
If you need to walk at night:
- Use well-lit routes.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid isolated shortcuts.
- Keep your phone secure.
- Where practical, travel with trusted companions.
- Tell someone your expected arrival time.
Choose a route based on safety rather than simply distance.
Public transport safety
29. Check the vehicle before travelling
When using public transport, pay attention to the condition of the vehicle and how safely it is being operated.
If you believe a journey presents an immediate and serious safety risk, consider using another option.
30. Keep your belongings close
On buses, trains and matatus, keep important belongings where you can monitor them.
Be particularly careful when:
- Boarding
- Leaving a vehicle
- Passing through crowded areas
- Waiting at busy stages
31. Be careful with ride-hailing services
When using a ride-hailing service:
- Confirm the vehicle details.
- Confirm the driver’s details.
- Check that the information matches the booking.
- Avoid getting into a different vehicle simply because someone claims to be your driver.
- Share your trip details where the service allows it.
If something does not match, do not proceed until you have verified the journey.
Travel safety in Kenya
32. Tell someone before a long journey
For long-distance travel, tell a trusted person:
- Your route
- Your transport provider
- Your expected arrival time
For remote travel, consider sharing more detailed plans.
33. Keep important documents secure
When travelling, protect:
- ID
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Travel documents
- Bank cards
- Mobile phone
Keep digital backups of important documents where appropriate.
34. Don’t carry everything in one place
When travelling, avoid keeping every important document, payment method and valuable item in one bag.
If that bag is lost, you could lose everything at once.
35. Stay informed about your destination
Before travelling to an unfamiliar part of Kenya, learn about:
- Weather
- Road conditions
- Local transport
- Accommodation
- Potential hazards
- Areas you intend to visit
For remote or unfamiliar destinations, local advice can be particularly valuable.
Personal safety during an incident
36. If you are being followed
If you believe someone is following you:
- Do not lead them directly to your home.
- Move towards a busy, safer location.
- Enter a reputable business or other secure public place.
- Contact someone you trust.
- Seek police assistance if you believe you are in danger.
Trust your instincts when something feels seriously wrong.
37. If you are being robbed
If confronted by a robber, prioritise your safety over your property.
Avoid escalating the situation unnecessarily.
Once you are safe:
- Move away from the area.
- Contact the police where appropriate.
- Block compromised bank or mobile-money accounts.
- Contact your mobile operator if your phone or SIM was stolen.
- Record important details while they are still fresh in your memory.
Do not attempt to chase or confront a fleeing suspect.
38. If your phone is stolen
Act quickly.
Consider:
- Contacting your mobile operator.
- Securing your mobile-money account.
- Changing important passwords.
- Using your device’s remote-lock or location tools.
- Reporting the theft to the police where appropriate.
- Informing your bank if your device could provide access to financial accounts.
Your phone may provide access to many other accounts, so securing them quickly is important.
39. If your bank card is stolen
Contact your bank through its official channels as soon as possible.
Ask about:
- Blocking the card
- Reviewing recent transactions
- Replacing the card
- Protecting your account
Do not use a phone number supplied in a suspicious message to contact your bank.
40. If you witness a crime
Do not put yourself in danger trying to intervene.
If safe:
- Move to a secure location.
- Contact the police.
- Provide factual information.
- Note useful details such as location and direction of travel.
- Preserve relevant evidence where appropriate.
Avoid confronting suspects.
41. Preserve evidence after an incident
If you are a victim of crime, avoid unnecessarily destroying or altering evidence.
Depending on the incident, this could include:
- Messages
- Photographs
- Video
- Transaction records
- Receipts
- Vehicle information
- Other relevant documents
Keep original files where possible.
42. Report crimes through legitimate channels
For emergencies, contact the police through the recognised emergency numbers.
The National Police Service currently lists 999, 112 and 911 for emergencies. (National Police Service Kenya)
You can also report matters through the nearest police station where appropriate.
Do not rely on social media alone to report an emergency.
Cyber safety
43. Protect your online accounts
Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where available.
This is particularly important for:
- Banking
- Mobile money
- Social media
- Government services
- Cloud storage
44. Be careful with personal information
Do not unnecessarily publish:
- ID details
- Passport information
- Bank information
- Home address
- Personal phone numbers
- Account credentials
on public websites or social media.
45. Watch out for impersonation
Someone may pretend to be:
- A relative
- A colleague
- A police officer
- A government official
- A bank employee
- A mobile operator
If a request involves money or sensitive information, verify the person’s identity independently.
46. Safety when meeting someone you met online
If you are meeting someone you only know online:
- Choose a public location.
- Tell someone you trust.
- Arrange your own transport.
- Avoid isolated locations.
- Keep control of your phone and belongings.
- Leave if you become uncomfortable.
You do not owe anyone a meeting simply because you have been chatting online.
Medical emergencies
47. Know where your nearest healthcare facility is
At home and while travelling, know where you could seek medical attention in an emergency.
For families, make sure other household members know this information too.
48. Keep basic first-aid supplies
A basic first-aid kit can be useful for minor injuries.
It may contain appropriate supplies such as:
- Plasters
- Sterile dressings
- Gauze
- Antiseptic supplies
- Gloves
- Scissors
- Other suitable first-aid items
Learn basic first aid rather than relying entirely on having a kit.
49. Don’t give unsafe medical treatment
If someone is seriously injured or unwell, seek professional medical help.
Avoid giving medicines or treatments when you are unsure whether they are appropriate.
For serious bleeding, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, severe burns or other life-threatening situations, seek emergency assistance immediately.
50. Learn basic first aid
Everyone benefits from knowing what to do in an emergency.
Useful skills include:
- Calling for help
- Recognising serious bleeding
- Basic CPR awareness
- Helping someone who is choking
- Treating minor wounds
- Responding safely to burns
Consider taking a recognised first-aid course.
Safety during power outages
51. Use alternative lighting safely
Keep a torch or rechargeable light available.
If using candles, keep them away from:
- Curtains
- Bedding
- Paper
- Children
- Pets
- Other flammable materials
Never leave an open flame unattended.
52. Be careful with generators
Generators should be used strictly according to the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Never operate a fuel-powered generator inside a house, enclosed room or poorly ventilated space because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep generators appropriately away from buildings and openings.
Safety during severe weather
53. Monitor weather warnings
During periods of heavy rain, storms or other severe weather, monitor credible weather information and local authorities.
Avoid relying solely on forwarded WhatsApp messages.
54. Stay away from dangerous water
During floods or heavy rainfall, keep away from:
- Rivers
- Swollen streams
- Open drainage channels
- Flooded bridges
- Fast-moving water
Never assume water is safe simply because it looks shallow.
Safety for children
55. Teach children emergency information
Children should know:
- Their full name
- Parent or guardian’s name
- A trusted contact
- How to seek help
- What to do if separated from their family
Teach children not to share personal information with strangers unnecessarily.
56. Teach children about road safety
Children should learn to:
- Stop before crossing.
- Look carefully for traffic.
- Cross at appropriate points where available.
- Avoid playing on roads.
- Follow responsible adults when crossing busy roads.
57. Keep dangerous items out of reach
Store potentially dangerous items securely, including:
- Medicines
- Cleaning chemicals
- Matches
- Lighters
- Sharp tools
- Other hazardous household products
Do not rely on a child simply knowing that something is dangerous.
Emergency preparedness checklist
Every household should consider having:
- Emergency contacts saved
- A working torch
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Charged phones
- Power bank where practical
- Important documents backed up
- A basic emergency plan
- Knowledge of nearby healthcare facilities
- Knowledge of evacuation routes
- Trusted emergency contacts
What to do in an emergency
A useful approach is:
1. Get safe
Move away from immediate danger if you can do so safely.
2. Call for help
Contact the appropriate emergency service.
3. Give your location
Provide a clear location and nearby landmark.
4. Explain the problem
Briefly describe what happened and whether anyone is injured.
5. Follow instructions
Listen to emergency responders and follow their instructions.
6. Don’t create another emergency
Do not rush into a burning building, floodwater, violent situation or other dangerous environment unless you are trained and it is safe to do so.
Frequently asked questions
What are the emergency numbers in Kenya?
The National Police Service and National Disaster Management Unit currently list 999, 112 and 911 for emergencies. (National Police Service Kenya)
What should I do if I am robbed?
Prioritise your safety. Avoid escalating the situation, move somewhere safe and report the incident through appropriate channels. Secure any compromised phone, bank or mobile-money accounts.
What should I do if my phone is stolen?
Contact your mobile operator, secure your financial and online accounts, use device-location or remote-lock features if available and report the theft where appropriate.
How can I stay safe when walking at night in Kenya?
Use well-lit and reasonably busy routes, remain aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated shortcuts and consider travelling with someone you trust.
How can I avoid scams in Kenya?
Be cautious with unexpected calls, SMS messages, WhatsApp messages and links. Verify requests independently and never disclose your PIN, password or one-time verification code.
What should I do during a fire?
Raise the alarm, leave the building using a safe exit, avoid lifts, stay away from smoke and call emergency services once you are in a safe location.
What should I do during flooding?
Avoid moving through fast-moving or unfamiliar floodwater. Do not drive through water when you cannot establish that the route is safe.