Emergency Help Abroad – Kenya

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Kenya — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession or trafficking of illegal drugs carries severe penalties including long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons (including knives or sprays) without lawful authority is illegal.

• Alcohol laws vary by region; drinking in public may be restricted.

• Drink-driving is strictly enforced and can lead to arrest.

• Attempting to bring illegal drugs into the country results in immediate prosecution.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Kenya is culturally diverse — respectful dress is expected in villages, markets and religious sites.

• Public displays of affection may cause offence in some areas.

• Littering in national parks, beaches or public spaces is punishable by fines.

• Damaging wildlife habitats or removing plants is illegal.

• Disrespecting religious sites or ceremonies may lead to police action.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request ID — travellers should carry their passport or a copy.

• Theft, bag-snatching and robbery can occur in cities and crowded areas.

• Avoid walking alone at night in Nairobi, Mombasa and other urban centres.

• Participation in political demonstrations is strongly discouraged and may be dangerous.

• Bribery is illegal and can lead to serious consequences.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Road conditions vary; speeding, reckless driving and seatbelt violations are enforced.

• Using unlicensed taxis or motorcycle taxis may be unsafe — choose reputable providers.

• Overloading vehicles and ignoring road rules can result in fines.

• Overstaying your visa can lead to fines or deportation.

• Entering restricted border regions without permission is prohibited.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Photographing military sites, government buildings or airports is prohibited.

• Drone usage requires permissions — unlicensed use is illegal.

• Photography may be restricted in some cultural villages and protected parks.

• Always request permission before photographing individuals.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing plants, rocks, shells or wildlife from parks or reserves is illegal.

• Feeding wild animals, especially monkeys and baboons, is prohibited.

• Swimming in rivers or lakes can be dangerous due to currents and wildlife.

• Hiking in closed areas or ignoring ranger warnings is unsafe and may be fined.

• Starting fires in protected areas is strictly controlled.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging archaeological sites or cultural monuments is illegal.

• Unauthorized entry into heritage sites or conservation areas is prohibited.

• Purchasing or exporting items made from endangered species is illegal.

• Respect local customs, traditional villages and sacred cultural locations.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels familiar or harmless in the UK may be perceived through a different cultural lens in Kenya.

• Don’t feed wildlife, as it’s dangerous and illegal in national parks.

• Don’t wander from your vehicle on safari, unless your guide clearly instructs you to do so.

• Don’t take close-up photos of Maasai or local communities without permission.

• Don’t ignore park rangers’ instructions, especially near elephants, lions or buffalo.

• Don’t walk alone at night, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa.

• Don’t display valuables openly, to avoid attracting attention.

• Don’t rely on tap water, and use bottled or filtered water instead.

• Don’t approach stray dogs or animals, due to the risk of rabies.

• Don’t assume all beaches are safe for swimming, as currents and marine wildlife vary.

• Don’t buy ivory or wildlife products, which is illegal and heavily penalised.

• Don’t disrespect cultural norms, particularly around dress in villages or rural areas.

• Don’t ignore malaria precautions, especially in coastal and lowland regions.

• Don’t overestimate mobile coverage, particularly on safari routes.

• Don’t wander into slum areas, unless with a reputable guide.

• Don’t take photos of government buildings or checkpoints, which may be restricted.

• Don’t leave belongings in vehicles, as break-ins are possible in tourist areas.

• Don’t haggle aggressively in markets, where respectful bargaining is preferred.

• Don’t underestimate distances between safari lodges, and always plan fuel carefully.

• Don’t travel without checking road conditions, especially in rainy season.

• Don’t ignore sun and heat exposure, which can escalate quickly on game drives.