Hello trusted Fodorites. I'm going to Kenya and Tanzania on a safari this summer with a very reputable tour operator. Can any recent travellers to Kenya, and those who've passed through Nairobi which I'm sure is most of you, comment on your feeling of safety and security in Nairobi and Kenya in general. I've read all the threads on the topic on this board, have travelled extensively elsewhere, and believe one can't hide at home, but admit to feeling a bit nervous given the recent upsurge in violent crime there the last couple months. Do any recent travellers have any perspectives to share? Thank you for your understanding of what I know is an often asked topic.

Been in some pretty scary places at times in my life (lower East Side NYC and bad parts of Rome late at night. Nairobi late at night with gangs of thugs hanging around on street corners looked about as scary as I have ever seen.

However, during the day seemed quite safe. Samburu and the Mara seemed perfectly safe. The occasional robbery in the Mara is very, very rare.

No worries (except late at night in downtown Nairobi)

Kevin from California

Kevin - What "year" on the Lower East side NYC? And, where in particular? Nowadays, it's a lovely regentrified neighborhood, with expensive housing and families with lots of children!

kbojca - There are plenty of places I wouldn't walk alone at night, even in NYC where I live. And, I'm sure there are similar feelings by others in other large cities worldwide. Nairobi is a large cosmopolitan city which is safe during daylight hours; some areas even after dark, but there is little reason to be walking about at night. If traveling with a tour operator, rather than individually as a backpacker, you'll have transport available during your time in NBO, or use of taxis is reasonable and perfectly safe. Most crime in NBO is perpetrated on locals as it is elsewhere. Rarely are tourists affected, unless they leave their common sense at home.

a lot of flights arrive into nairobi at night...if we are met at the airport and then transferred to the hotel, can we assume we won't be affected?

You will be just fine arriving after dark.
There should be someone at the airport to meet you, holding a sign with your name on it. You'll then be driven to the hotel and in the morning, picked up at whatever time you want.

I've done it many times, and many times alone.

Sandy:

1980, went to NYU. Had a rather scary walk once along a street in the evening from I believe Broadway over to the East side. Walked right through a bunch of gangbangers, did not make eye contact. Pretty scary.

However, I thought the men hanging out late at night in Nairobi looked even scarier.

Kevin - Figured it must have been years back. In the '80s you were "walking on the wild side" Thankfully, those days are gone. The Lower East Side is rather a nice.