11 Ways Of Keeping Yourself Safe Amidst High Insecurity In Nairobi

Arguably the most worrying trend in Kenya right now is the capital city of Nairobi and its surroundings witnessing an increase in cases of insecurity in recent months.

Nairobi Police Commander, James Mugera has denied numerous reports of an increase in crime in the city in the past few weeks that have seen even politicians cry foul, including former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. He further claimed that the reports were meant to ruin the reputation of President William Ruto's administration.

However, his allegations have done little to alleviate the vice that is growing worryingly in the city and more prominent voices are backing up medical practitioners and Kenyans in piling pressure on the authorities and the Head of State to urgently address the issue as it is spiralling out of control.

“A general sense of lawlessness is taking shape. Our security appears to have deteriorated overnight, with widespread incidents of daylight crimes, making families lose their loved ones to thugs in broad daylight, particularly in Nairobi,” said Odinga on Thursday, November 10, further warning of more consequences if the current trend is not addressed, which will make criminals bolder and begin targeting communities as well as security officers.

Dr Lilian Munyua, who is attached to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), shared a viral Facebook post on Tuesday, November 8 painting the true nature of the insecurity situation while naming hotspots Kenyans should be cautious about while on their travels.

They include areas such as Drive-In Flyover up to KCA University, KCA Underpass and Total exit, Globe roundabout and Kipande Road as some of the hotspots where victims have been accosted and injured by the armed criminals.

Others include ABC Place and Kangemi along Waiyaki Way, Naivas AllSops along Thika Super Highway and the Central Business District (Archives), River Road and Fig Tree area as well as around Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Offices.

A report by the National Police Service (NPS) on Friday, November 11 seen by Viral Tea listed 11 measures Kenyans should implement to keep themselves safe:

1. Do not resist, argue or fight back with the criminal gangs but comply with their demands.
2. Pedestrians to be aware of your surroundings. Take note of parked cars, and individuals loitering around you.
3. Avoid walking alone in darkness, try as much as possible to get home before late
4. Reduce the use of mobile phones, tablets and laptops in traffic (especially if you do not have tinted glasses).
5. Do not carry ATM cards when not absolutely necessary.
6. Evaluate the amount of money to be deposited in your mobile money account.
7. Do not leave bags, wallets or any valuable item on the chair of your vehicle when parking in a public place as it attracts criminals.
8. Keep your car doors locked and rolled up at all times.
9. While driving home, lookout for cars following you, look out for cars parked too close to your gate and watch out for unfamiliar individuals in your neighbourhood.
10. Highly advisable to install CCTV systems in your homes
11. Those with security fences, ensure they are working.

Crime Spots To Look Out For

The report also listed crime hotspots such as the Drive-In flyover, up to KCA along Thika road, KCA underpass and Total exit along Thika road, Globe cinema roundabout and Kipande road, ABC Place and Kangemi along Waiyaki way and Within CBD whereby areas affected include, River road, Archive area, Kirinyaga road and fig tree; some of which were mentioned by Dr Munyua.

Other notable areas known for crimes include Kibra, Mathare, Huruma, Babadogo, Kariobangi, Dandora, Kayole, Kawangware, Kangemi and Mukuru Kwa Njenga/Kayamba.

Causes Of Crime

According to the NPS, some of the causes of rising crime include unemployment, hard economic times, illiteracy, rural-urban migration and drought spell by extension.

The crimes range from muggings, assaults/serious assaults, robbery with violence, carjackings, murder and housebreaking & burglaries.

"Just spoke to the new Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. We have agreed to meet and share solutions and tasks in restoring order and security in Nairobi.

"Security may be a National Function but it’s our shared responsibility. We will support our officers as they protect our people," updated Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja after the new IG was sworn in on Friday morning.

Koome in his inaugural speech promised to deal with the vice head-on, warning criminals that their days are numbered and he will not hesitate to take action against the culprits.

"For the criminals out there, those brandishing knives and guns and threatening wananchi’s lives and property, livestock rustlers, be warned! Criminality will not be tolerated under my watch.