How to avoid getting robbed while on holiday in Kenya

May 5, 2011 - PRLog -- Virgin Content,  have released some smart and applicable tips to help their discerning customers coming to Kenya on vacation or business travel avoid getting robbed. The tips are very easy to apply and more or less demand common sense only.

Kenya is more of a cosmopolitan society, a boiling pot of cultures both indigenous and exotic. Thus one needs to be well endowed in ways of navigating in such a community.See here below the list:

Don’t flash around your wealth:
Wanton display of riches is the mother of all travel nightmares. This does not apply to Kenya only but other holiday destinations too. While you may have enough on you, try not to show the locals that you own the central bank of your home country.
Keeping away expensive jewelry could be a good start.  Have loose, small denominations on you (if paying in cash e.g. cab, tips etc).  

Keep away from the shadows.
While there is increased security in the streets of Nairobi nowadays, why would you walk in unlit areas at odd hours? It is common knowledge that people intent on stealing prefer dark zones, keep off!  Nairobi is well wooded too and street urchins; prowlers lurking by the trees, flowers may pounce on you and get whatever is on you.

Look in the eyes.
An intense look straight in the eye of an individual bent on robbing you certainly unnerves that person. Plus they realize that you now can describe them. Also a stare gives the impression that you are not that weak, sick, tired tourist.

Don’t be the sick, weak, tired tourist.
I am horrified when I see a drunk traveler stagger around Nairobi, headed to hotel or into a cab; robbery material! Avoid looking sick, tired and weak, especially with the impression from your eyes. Be bold, walk upright and look sharp.
Should you catch someone watching you, stare back, wink or say ‘ Niaje? This will surely deter them from setting you up for robbery.

Avoid getting drunk.
In Kenya we call it “Chakari” – too drunk to care. A drunk traveler is easy prey, like a wounded buffalo is to a prowling Lion in the vast plains of Masai Mara.

Listen to local advice.
There are some streets, alleys that are a no go zone for visitors. Has your travel agent advised you to avoid such? Listen and obey.  Have you been told to get away from a particular spot? That could be the best time to show you have ears.
While you are not expected to take each word from locals as gospel truth, with common sense, you may know what is good for you and avoid trouble.

Keep valuable stuff where least expected.
This may happen in hotel rooms. Take into mind that hotel break inns are done by people in a rush not to be caught. So don’t make it easy for them to rob you by placing your valuable item in the usual suspect places like bags, suitcases, dressing tables etc.
Under chairs, bed in a safe and with hotel management is a good place.

Watch out for cabs.
Especially in the night, good to let your hotel, travel agent arrange cab service. If adventurous, avoid cabs that are just lying in wait for fare (we are not saying that all cabs waiting are bad- in fact many in Kenya just park and wait). Great if you can flag down one passing by, chances are they are in the business of taking people to their destinations and not spying out targets for robbery.

Avoid scuffles, rowdy crowds.
For those in bars or other drinking joints, be reasonable and avoid arguments or scuffles. Good set-ups to be robbed. While on ferry, bus stations try not to be hemmed in. Pick pockets still abound. Rowdy crowds will always have one or several people intent on stealing and you may be the target because you have just fished out your camera, phone etc to take images.

Ask for and verify identification from security or council personnel.
We have seen cases whereby unsuspecting travelers break council rules (speaking on phone while crossing road, smoking in public places etc). Be bold and ask the city council staff or police for identification and ask the nearest security guy you see for verification. You stand a great chance of being robbed with these fellows- some who may be fake or rogue.
Keep well, use common sense and be safe as you travel within Kenya.

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Virgin Content Ltd is a bespoke luxury vacations outfitter specially for discerning travelers to Kenya. you will enjoy amazing safari guiding on wildlife safaris in national parks and other areas of interest. Escape to resort by the beaches and have fun.