Kenya Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Kenya
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated March 17, 2025
Kenya recorded 4.9 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Kenya #69 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Kenya at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
4.9 /100k
Safety Rank
#127 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (2004-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Kenya Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Kenya, the homicide rate for men is 2.7× higher than the rate for women — 7.1 vs 2.7 per 100,000 (2022).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Kenya has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
66(2024)
Military Spending
1.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Kenya:
Updated to include a risk indicator for health and to reflect additional safety and security information. Do Not Travel to: Kenya-Somalia border counties (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera), Tana River County, and coastal areas north of Malindi due to terrorism and kidnapping; West Pokot and western Turkana County due to banditry; Parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border incursions. Reconsider Travel to: The Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to crime and kidnapping .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Kenya
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 18, 2024).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are using increasingly less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) Terrorist threats remain high in Kenya. Terrorist attacks in Kenya have cumulatively resulted in the death and injury of hundreds of people, including foreigners.
Regions to Avoid
: The northeastern Kenyan counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and the northeastern area of Marsabit (including the cities of El Wak, Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, Moyale, and Liboi). All parts of the coastal counties of Tana River and Lamu, and all areas of Kilifi County north of Malindi. The road between Kainuk and Lodwar in Turkana County due to banditry. The Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera. Avoid using the Likoni ferry due to safety and security concerns.
Crime
Crime in Kenya is a regular occurrence and Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter and investigate such acts. Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including home invasions, burglaries, armed carjackings, muggings, and kidnappings can occur at any time. “Matatus” (privately-operated public transportation buses) tend to be targeted since they carry multiple passengers. Cases of violent street crime targeting Westerners occur in many seemingly safe areas of Nairobi, ranging from simple muggings to kidnapping and extortion, including attacks during daylight hours. U.S. citizens using off-the-street taxis have also been victims of robbery, kidnapping, and extortion.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) and Cutting (C)
This act is known to occur in Kenya. It is a federal crime to perform FGM/C in the United States on any minor younger than 18 years old, punishable by fines and up to five years in prison. It is also a criminal offense knowingly to take a minor younger than 18 years old outside of the United States for the purpose of performing FGM/C (so-called “vacation cutting”).
Sexual Assault
is prevalent in Kenya and frequently goes unreported. Victims of sexual assault may have difficulty receiving adequate social or medical support . While sexual assault is mostly frequently associated with women, sexual assault of men also occurs in Kenya and often goes unreported because of the stigma attached to this type of assault. International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Kenya. Scams are often initiated through dating apps, internet postings/profiles, or by unsolicited emails and letters. Common scams include: Romance and online dating (Check this online dating scam infographic ). Someone you have not met in person quickly offers friendship, romance, and/or marriage. Job solicitations asking for a processing fee in advance.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 999, 112 or 911, and contact the U.S. Embassy during business hours at +254 (0) 20-363-6451, or after-hours at +254 (0) 20-363-6000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The Kenyan Tourism Regulatory Authority has oversight for the country’s tourism sector. The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities vary by region. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Game parks and related safari tours with well-established operators generally have been reported to be safe.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Kenya Population & Demographics
Population of 56,432,944, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenya safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Kenya at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include health. The homicide rate of 4.9 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Kenya?
Kenya has an intentional homicide rate of 4.9 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #69 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Kenya?
Kenya is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Kenya compare to other countries?
Kenya's homicide rate of 4.9 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.