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TRAVEL REPORT
Kenya

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 3 (NGOs) and section 4 (work permits) have been updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Kenya

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

The general elections in December 2007 led to two months of violence throughout the country. In February 2008, a power-sharing agreement was signed between the president and the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement. The formation of a Grand Coalition cabinet in April 2008 appears to have lowered the level of civil unrest. Although the general security situation in the country has remained relatively calm since, Canadians should be aware that the post-election violence led to the deaths of hundreds of people, the displacement of thousands more, and job losses throughout the country. This situation may potentially lead to a general increase in criminal activity throughout the country.

Heavy rainfall since early January is causing severe flooding in the Rift Valley. Some casualties and damage to infrastructure have been reported. The damage could affect the provision of essential services. Canadians residing in or travelling to affected areas should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution because of the potential of terrorist actions against Western interests throughout Kenya. Attacks could occur at any time and could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Canadians should be aware that the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed simultaneously in 1998.

Political demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country, often with little warning. Demonstrations have turned violent in the past. Canadians should maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid public gatherings and street demonstrations, including those intended to be peaceful.

National parks and tourist areas

Most visits to national parks, game reserves, and other popular tourist destinations in Kenya remain incident free. However, foreign tourists, including Canadians, have been victims of crime, sometimes involving violence. Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

Nairobi and other major cities

Nairobi and its surrounding regions have experienced an increase in violent incidents in recent months. There has been a particularly high number of incidents involving the Mungiki criminal gang and police forces, following the death of several high-level members of the Mungiki sect in April 2008. Although the majority of Mungiki-related incidents have been located in and around Nairobi, this sect has spread its activities to other parts of the country. In April 2009, fighting erupted between residents of the town of Karatina in Central province and members of this gang. More than 20 people were reportedly killed and several others injured. In recent months, foreign nationals have been the victims of daytime carjackings and kidnappings in neighbourhoods normally deemed safe during daylight hours. Travellers should be vigilant and avoid heavily populated areas of major cities to minimize the risk of being caught up in violent clashes. In Nairobi, travellers should particularly avoid the Kibera, Mathare, Kasirani, and Eastleigh neighbourhoods.

Northern Kenya

Northern Kenya, referring to the areas located north of the Kitale-Samburu-Garissa line, is considered particularly unsafe. The ongoing threat posed by terrorism is joined by various regional, tribal, or clan-based conflicts involving land, cattle, and water. Armed escorts are recommended when travelling to or from this region. Escorts are available from local police stations and it is advisable to contact them before undertaking any journey. Canadians are advised to avoid venturing away from tourist areas and to refrain from travelling after dark.

Western Kenya

Violence has also regularly been reported in the Mount Elgon area of western Kenya, and Canadians travelling to that region should remain vigilant at all times. In March 2008, military troops were deployed in Mount Elgon forest to pursue the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) militia, who are said to have killed hundreds of residents. The government has imposed a curfew in the Mount Elgon and Teso districts between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the border areas with Sudan and Ethiopia, and to the Tana River region due to armed banditry and cross-border violence.

Canadian travellers should also be aware that there are reports of landmines having been laid around the city of Moyale, close to the Ethiopian border.

Travellers are also strongly advised to avoid all travel in northeast Kenya, near the Somali border, where there is a risk of kidnapping and attack. Although Kenya's border with Somalia has been closed since January 2007, Somali militias have carried out cross-border attacks against foreigners and humanitarian workers in this region. Some of these incidents have resulted in injuries. Canadians should clearly evaluate their need to travel to this area.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

There is a high crime rate in most regions of Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts.

The level of violent crime in and around Nairobi is generally high, with regular reports of carjackings, armed attacks, muggings, kidnappings, home invasions, and burglaries. Incidents of breaking and entering have been steadily increasing in recent years. These attacks can occur at any time and in any location. They are becoming increasingly violent and often involve fatalities. The situation tends to become worse in the period leading up to the Christmas holidays.

The potential for carjackings and robberies of tourists travelling to and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Nairobi, particularly at night, continues to be of concern. Travellers arriving at JKIA should only use transportation organized by reputable tour companies or well-marked taxis. Currency should not be exchanged in the public areas of the airport. Checked luggage may be pilfered at the airport. Travellers should store their valuables in securely locked hand luggage and suitcases.

Petty crimes, such as purse-snatchings and robberies, occur frequently in other major towns (Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru) and coastal beach resorts. Criminals and swindlers have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police officers, or government officials. Visitors should ask for identification. Doors should be locked and the "do not disturb" sign should be displayed when leaving a hotel room. Personal belongings should be placed in safekeeping facilities. Visitors should absolutely avoid walking or travelling after dark and exercise caution while walking during daylight hours. Canadians should avoid showing signs of affluence or carrying large sums of money.

In many rural regions of Kenya, including the Maasai territory and the Eastern and Central provinces, conflicts over ethnicity, land ownership, cattle rustling, and access to water continue to cause confrontations, attacks, and unrest. The situation can also be tense in northern Kenya, which often experiences severe drought.

Banditry is common throughout the Northeastern province in the area bordering Somalia. Attacks directed primarily at foreign aid workers and refugee camps, as well as disputes between Somali clans, make the region unstable and dangerous. Kenyan efforts to restrict Somali incursions and gun-running have curtailed travel to the northern areas near the Somali border.

Women’s Safety

Women travelling on their own should remain particularly vigilant, as attacks involving sexual assaults, including against foreigners, are regularly reported. The City of Nairobi has an anti-rape awareness campaign.

The Department publishes a booklet, Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel, whose prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Foreigners volunteering with local NGOs have reported incidents of fraud, threats and mistreatment by local personnel. Other volunteers have been left stranded when the illegitimate NGOs they were working for closed.

Canadians contemplating volunteer work with NGOs in Kenya are strongly advised to contact the National Council of NGOs before making any commitments and before departing Canada in order to confirm that the organization they wish to work with is genuine. All NGOs in Kenya are required by law to be registered with the National Council of NGOs, a self-regulating, non-partisan body.

Other Safety Information

The mail system can be unreliable, and credit cards and cheques are often stolen. International couriers should be used to ship envelopes or packages, and all objects of value should be insured.

Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places. They should also take appropriate security measures, particularly on the roads that link the city centre to residential areas. They should refrain from travelling at night and drive defensively, with vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times. If stopped at a roadblock, Canadians should verify the identification of police officers. Victims of attacks are advised not to offer resistance. Canadians should avoid travelling to low-income neighbourhoods in Nairobi, where a higher concentration of crime occurs.

Canadians should monitor local developments as well as register and remain in regular contact with the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi (see Section 5 below).

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Kenyan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of Kenya for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian Passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Kenya. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Visitors to Kenya require visas. It is recommended that visas be obtained prior to departure to avoid delays and difficulties on arrival. Visas are valid for up to three months but may be extended.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required
Work Permit: Required

Work Permits

In Kenya, anyone engaging in paid work must obtain a work permit. The National Council of NGOs can provide assistance in obtaining a work permit through the relevant NGO if contacted in advance. If an employee moves from one organization to another, the first permit becomes void and the individual has to apply for a new permit to work with a subsequent organization.

For those working on voluntary basis without pay, a work permit is not necessary.

Further information on work permits can be obtained by contacting the Kenya High Commission in Ottawa.

Yellow Fever

Canadians require a yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving from countries where this disease is endemic. Travellers arriving without proof of vaccination could be stopped at the airport and required to receive a vaccination, at a cost of US$50, or could be required to leave.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, Nairobi, 00621, Kenya
Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900
E-Mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.kenya.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers use personal protective measures against mosquito bites to prevent getting dengue fever. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue. People experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Since April 28, 2009, Kenya officials are conducting on-board screening of passengers arriving on international flights for H1N1 Flu Virus.

Malaria and cholera occur in Kenya. Only drink boiled or bottled water. Travellers are encouraged to take personal protective measures against insect bites, including using an insect repellent.

Good medical facilities are available in Nairobi, but health care standards in other parts of the country may vary. Visitors should not drink local tap water, nor use it for brushing their teeth or for ice. Sealed bottled water is recommended and available at hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Kenya is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour, particularly in the coastal region where the majority of the population is Muslim. Visitors should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

On July 8th 2008, a new law banning smoking in all public places came into effect. Travellers who violate this law could have to pay high fines or serve a jail sentence.

It is illegal to destroy Kenyan currency, even in small amounts. Violators may be arrested and fined.

Visitors are forbidden from working in Kenya, even in a volunteer capacity, without a valid work permit. Violators may be fined, jailed, and/or deported.

Permission to carry firearms must be obtained from local authorities prior to entry. Firearms are strictly forbidden in wildlife reserves and national parks.

Persons convicted of possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can expect prison terms and heavy fines. Persons convicted of possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, could receive a 10-year prison sentence.

Canadian travellers should be aware that cases of “mob justice” are regularly reported, in which crowds lynch suspected criminals prior to police arrival.

Possession of pornographic material is forbidden. Photography of official buildings or embassies may lead to detention.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road travel

Traffic drives on the left. Excessive speeds, unpredictable driving habits, lack of adequate street lighting and poorly maintained vehicles pose hazards. Road conditions are poor. During the rainy season, some unpaved roads are impassable, even with four-wheel drive vehicles. Visitors should drive with doors locked and windows closed at all times. The road from Nairobi to Mombasa is congested and can be dangerous for tourists unfamiliar with local driving conditions. Visitors should consider air travel. Canadians should only use authorized border crossings when travelling by vehicle between Kenya and Tanzania.

Public transportation is unsafe. Long-distance buses have been involved in a number of serious accidents. Minibuses (matutus) are generally poorly maintained,  recklessly driven and are often without adequate insurance coverage.  Incidents of matatus being highjacked or passengers being robbed have been reported. Visitors should only use hotel taxis and confirm the fare in advance. Passenger trains are not safe and are routinely late.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Safaris and reserves

Visitors travelling overland to certain game parks and reserves have been attacked by armed bandits. Travel by road north of Isiolo to Samburu and Shaba/Meru/Buffalo Springs National Parks should be undertaken in escorted convoys only. The route from Malindi to Lamu can also be dangerous. Visitors to Lamu should travel by air. If road travel is necessary, it should be done in convoy. Kenyan police organizes daily convoys to and from these two points. There have been rare reports of attacks or robberies of travellers on the roads between Nairobi and the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Nakuru, Tsavo Game Parks/Reserves and Mount Kenya/Aberdares area. However, there have been periodic hijackings, robberies and attempted robberies on the main road between Nairobi and the Tanzanian border, a road which also serves as the route to Kenya's Amboseli National Park.

Tourist facilities are widely available in Nairobi, on the coast, in game parks, and in wildlife reserves, but are non-existent in the regions bordering Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia.

There are inherent risks associated with viewing wildlife (both marine and on land), particularly on foot or at close range. Travellers should always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife and avoid exiting vehicles unless it is deemed safe to do by professional guides and wardens. Visitors should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice.

Adventure tours

Visitors contemplating adventure tours should contact the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) by telephone: 254-20-2713348, 254-20-2722401, or 254-20-2726517; by e-mail: info@katokenya.org; or visit their website: www.katokenya.org.

Most reputable tour companies operating in Kenya are registered with KATO.

Visitors may also contact the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association by telephone: 254-20-609355 or 254-20-577018; by fax: 254-20-609355 or 254-20-604730; by mobile telephone: 254-721-448428; by e-mail: info@safariguides.org; or check their website: www.safariguides.org. Travellers can also seek advice from the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi.

Avoid camping alone or without expert local assistance.

The Kenya Tourism Federation operates a Safety and Communication Centre, which provides the latest information on tourism, road conditions, and assistance in an emergency. Travellers can obtain information by calling Nairobi 254-20-604767 or 254-20-505614 (24 hours), or tel/fax 254-20-604730 (24 hours), or by e-mailing safetour@wananchi.com.

The ferry service that connected Mombasa with Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) is no longer running.

Mariners should be vigilant in view of attacks on ships in Somali waters north of the Kenyan coast.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

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Currency

The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Many banks and hotels exchange foreign currency. Hotel bills are generally settled in U.S. dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted, and traveller's cheques, preferably in U.S. dollars, may be exchanged at banks, hotels, and foreign exchange offices. Travellers who import the equivalent of US$5,000 or more must provide documentation stating the source and purpose of the funds. It is possible to convert Kenyan shillings into foreign currency at the airport upon departure.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Drought

During times of minimal rainfall, droughts can occur, particularly in Northeastern Kenya. When droughts occur, local services and the availability of water and basic food can be affected. Travellers should take preventive measures and exercise caution.

Rainy Seasons

There are normally two rainy seasons in Kenya: from October to November, and from late March to mid-June. Heavy rains can result in flash floods and mudslides. Roads may become impassable during these periods. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Volcanoes

Natural disasters are possible due to regional volcanic activity. The Mount Elgon volcano, located 350 miles from Nairobi, has shown increasing signs of volcano and seismic activity. Pay careful attention to all warnings issued and specifically for the Mount Elgon volcano area.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Power cuts occasionally occur. Telephone systems are generally unreliable. Kenya Telephone and Telegraph has discontinued its collect call facility. 1-800 numbers cannot be accessed from Kenya. When making a long-distance call within Kenya, the area code must be preceded by a zero. For example, to dial Nairobi from elsewhere in Kenya, you must dial 020 followed by the local number.

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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