It's customary to shake hands when meeting and taking leave of people. Upon meeting, always ask, "How are you?" In the African culture, it is important to show great respect for older people.
Kenyans appreciate it if you try to use even a few words of Swahili: jambo (pronounced JAM-bo) is "hello"; Habari gani ? (pronounced ha-BAH-ree GAH-nee) means "how are you?"; asante sana (pronounced ah-SAHN-tay SAH-nah) is "thank you."
Never photograph someone without asking first, and it's expected that (with strangers) you'll tip them in return, especially in the countryside. The Masai in particular will not pose for photographs without payment.
Crime, especially theft, continues to increase, so be careful at all times. Lock your suitcases and do not leave temptation lying about on a car seat or in your hotel room. Leave valuables at home or lock them in the hotel safe. Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches, and don't walk around with a camera hanging around your neck. Be aware that backpacks can easily be pilfered or slashed while on your back, and fanny packs can be ripped off. There are several areas that you are advised to avoid altogether in Nairobi. These are River Road, Uhuru Park and Haile Selassie Avenue. Beyond Kimathi Street and to the east of the city are also generally considered iffy. Some thieves specialize in jostling and robbing you on overcrowded public transport, so take a taxi instead and be sure to lock the passenger doors once inside.
On the streets, it's best to avoid discussions with people who have hard-luck stories: Although there are plenty of legitimate beggars, there are even more con artists trying new ways to part you from your money. Do not accept food or drink items from strangers, including children. There have been incidents where these have been drugged to aid robbery.
Carjacking is a fact of life in Nairobi. If you're in a car downtown, keep the windows rolled up and your doors locked at all times. If you are involved in a minor collision, especially at night, drive on to the nearest police station. Do not stop to assist with any roadside emergency—this may be a ploy. You should not offer rides to anyone you don't know, and it's best to drive with a companion whenever possible.
Student demonstrations are often advertised days before the event. When they take place, avoid the city center, the rally grounds and areas around the universities.
For more information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Consult your physician about taking antimalarial pills (most will recommend them). Don't believe people who tell you there's no malaria in Nairobi: There is, but it's rare, so take along insect repellent. Vaccination against yellow fever is required only if you're arriving from an endemic area, such as countries in western Africa. Keep in mind that AIDS is a major problem in Kenya among residents of all ages, sexes and races. You might consider packing some syringes in case you should need an injection while you are there—it will be safer than taking a chance of getting an unsterilized needle.
Be careful eating and drinking: It's not uncommon for travelers to get diarrhea, and food poisoning, though rare, can be a real problem if you eat food that's not freshly cooked. Eat only fruits that you peel yourself and vegetables that are cooked. Street food, especially if it is fried in oil that is used over and over again, can cause upset stomachs. It's not the food itself that's unsafe—it's the sanitation practices of the staff handling the food (this is usually not a problem in major hotels and restaurants). Do not drink Nairobi's tap water—it has a high magnesium content. Stick to prepackaged beverages whenever possible. Many types of bottled water are available in Nairobi—however, when you purchase a bottle, make sure the seal has not been broken.
Your hotel will provide necessary help in obtaining emergency medical services if needed. The city's major hospitals provide more-than-adequate care. Nairobi Hospital (phone 272-2160) and Aga Khan Hospital (phone 374-0000) are two of the best in Africa. Almost all doctors and hospital staff speak English.
The African Flying Doctors provide excellent care in case of emergency in remote areas. The service offers evacuation by air to a hospital or medical center and can be reached through the African Medical Research Foundation. Coverage is available through membership in the organization (tourist memberships are available). Phone 501-301. http://www.amref.org. Several leading HMOs, such as AAR Health Services, have also launched tourist health coverage for short visiting periods.
For the latest information, contact your country's health-advisory agency.
Nairobi's streets are not wheelchair friendly, and the pavements and curbs can be broken and pretty rough in places. Despite this, Kenya can be visited by travelers with physical limitations. Many hotels are fully accessible, with adaptive facilities for handicapped guests. In the parks around Nairobi, the only problem for wheelchairs is the sharp acacia tree thorns that can puncture tires. Check directly with hotels, restaurants, malls and travel tour companies for the most up-to-date information on facilities for the physically handicapped.
Do remember that Kenya is not the same as all of Africa. Most Kenyans are patriotic and will not mind references to things generally Kenyan. They will, however, draw the line at generalizations equating a visit to other parts of the continent as the same in Kenya.
Don't ask every young man you meet whether he is a runner. Although Kenya produces great long-distance runners, not everybody is a runner.
Do learn something about local politics. Kenyans love to talk about politics, and this will help break any ice.
Don't offer anybody anything in public spaces, restaurants or pubs, however friendly they are. This could lead to a familiarity that might be hard to shrug off. Be firm but friendly. Most Kenyans will decently refuse, anyway.
