Health and Safety
Be it for men or women, Nairobi has unfortunately picked up a reputation of being an unsafe city giving it the name ‘Nairobbery’. Though many travelers may never have had a problem it is strongly advised that one be careful at all times, avoid lonely areas, stay within hotels, or in groups, take cabs, do not carry large amounts of money or wear expensive watches or jewelry. If one does have to carry money it is best to divide it up and hide it in various parts of your clothing. One must also be careful in not getting carried away with sob stories of people who will ask for financial assistance, or who offer reasonable accommodation in other hotels.
If being mugged it is best to cooperate and not resist as they are normally only after your money or goods and not you.
As anywhere else one must take precautions against diseases. Nairobi has a lot of slums and people living in poor unhygienic conditions. As such there are many ailments one must take precautions against here. Cholera is prevalent and spread mainly through water or food. One must be careful in eating cooked food and drinking only mineral water which should be carried at all times. Malaria is another widespread disease. Anti-malaria pills and repellents are advisable. It is best to avoid feeding street or wild animals as a bite may cause rabies. TB and typhoid is also common. Stomach ailments from minor to diarrhea are possible. Street food is avoidable. Yellow fever certificate is a must if traveling through an infected zone. AIDS is widespread in Africa.
Health insurance is a must. The flying doctor service has now been extended to tourists on a membership. This is through the African Medical and Research Foundation. It takes care of free transport for any injured or ill tourist during a safari. The website is www.amref.org
Some hospitals are listed here:
Mater/ Metropolitan Hospital
Tel: (020) 531 199
Aga Khan Hospital
Tel: (020) 374 0000
Nairobi Hospital
Tel: (020) 271 4400
Kenyatta National Hospital
Tel: (020) 272 630
Gertrude’s Garden Children’s Hospital
Tel: (020) 376 3474
M P Shah Hospital
Tel: (020) 375 0513
Also always carry these numbers with you:
Police Emergency Service 999
Nairobi Police Control Room 714995/724201
Anti-Vehicle Theft Unit 767730
Central Police 222222
Gigiri Police 521353
Nairobi Fire Department 999/222181-2
Emergency Response Service 911
Africa Air Rescue(AAR) 2717374-6/0722-314394/0733-636617
AMREF (Flying Doctors) 315454/600090/0722-314239/0733-639088
St. John’s Ambulance 222396/224066