Tips for a comfortable, happy and safe visit ...
Security
Hawkers - buying services from street salesmen and beach boys - should be avoided.
The Government of Kenya, together with some of the major tourist companies, launched a pilot Tourist Police Unit in 1996. The Unit is operated along the lines of those in place in Egypt, Jordan and Thailand. The highly trained force is seen as a major breakthrough in Kenya's tourism development. The Unit also has a women's group in order to deal with more sensitive cases.
The game reserves and the main tourist areas at the coast are generally safe - although muggings and armed attacks can occur anywhere and at any time - particularly in the cities.
The Government of Kenya, together with some of the major tourist companies, launched a pilot Tourist Police Unit in 1996. The Unit is operated along the lines of those in place in Egypt, Jordan and Thailand. The highly trained force is seen as a major breakthrough in Kenya's tourism development. The Unit also has a women's group in order to deal with more sensitive cases.
The game reserves and the main tourist areas at the coast are generally safe - although muggings and armed attacks can occur anywhere and at any time - particularly in the cities.
PAY ATTENTION
- Put your passport and your money in a safe place. If you are staying in an hotel, deposit your money and valuables in the hotel safe.
- Do not carry too much cash.
- Do not carry important documents that are not necessary to your trip.
- Carry your handbags, cameras etc. close to your side.
- Beware of necklace snatchers, both on the street and at traffic lights. It is best not to wear jewellery at all.
- One exchange your foreign currency at licensed establishments and banks. It is illegal to exchange currency elsewhere.
- Be aware of con-men and tricksters.
- Always lock your car. Do not leave things in view.
- Do not accept food or drink from strangers.
- Avoid travelling after dark.
- Avoid isolated places, particularly empty beaches.
- Do not attempt to escape from hijackers or resist their demands.
- Traffic using the north Eastern Province, the Tana River district of Coast Province and the Isiolo and Marsabit district of Eastern Province (apart from the Samburu Game Reserve - when accompanied by tour operators, the Shaba Game Reserve).
THE TOURIST POLICE UNIT
PO Box 30281, Nairobi ....................... Telephone: (+254) 020 272 7844
http://www.kenyapolice.go.ke/tourism%20police%20unit.asp
The Tourist Police Unit is committed to ensuring safety for tourists to make them feel at home away-from- home. However, it is not possible to wipe out crime completely. Real security starts with observing one’s personal security. Observe personal security. It is wise to deal with recognised foreign currency exchange bureaus and avoid engaging in long conversations with strangers on the street.
Tourism police officers work in the police uniforms and do wear a TPU badge on the left hand side of the shirt. Approach them for general guidance and information in case of doubt.
The Tourist Police Unit's functions include:
The achievements of the Unit:
PO Box 30281, Nairobi ....................... Telephone: (+254) 020 272 7844
http://www.kenyapolice.go.ke/tourism%20police%20unit.asp
The Tourist Police Unit is committed to ensuring safety for tourists to make them feel at home away-from- home. However, it is not possible to wipe out crime completely. Real security starts with observing one’s personal security. Observe personal security. It is wise to deal with recognised foreign currency exchange bureaus and avoid engaging in long conversations with strangers on the street.
Tourism police officers work in the police uniforms and do wear a TPU badge on the left hand side of the shirt. Approach them for general guidance and information in case of doubt.
The Tourist Police Unit's functions include:
- Protection of tourist lives and property.
- Provide security and safety to tourists.
- Handle and receive enquiries, claims and complaints by tourists.
- Investigate tourist-related crimes and to prosecute offenders.
- Patrol beaches, hotels and tourist circuits - streets and roads - used by tourists.
- Provide escorts to tourists.
- Protect tourists from harassment by beach operators and illegal hawkers.
- Enforce local authority by-laws.
- To offer general advice and guidance to tourists.
- Assist tourists during cultural festivals.
- Detect and prevent over-charging of goods in the tourism sector.
- Handle various cases concerning the tourism industry, and to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
The achievements of the Unit:
- Reduction of violent crimes committed against tourists.
- Increase in the number of tourists visiting tourists attractions.
- Training officers in foreign languages and offering tourism sensitisation courses.
- Cultivating good relationships with members of the public.
- Creation of more Tourist Police Bases.
- Building confidence in tourists about their safety.