Life as a female expat in Kenya

Maybe I should write the guide on this one.
Kenya is very safe and good for women - in the sense that men are not so touchy if they are sleazy, there are a few sleazy pigs as everywhere but more in the verbal way.    Being a foreigner actually works to keep you safe to some degree as most criminals don't want undue attention.

Consider - you are foreign so most men you will meet long enough to interact with well will be educated and speak English.  These men are not gropers in Kenya but more make a comment.  They are usually very respectful when told NO.  Mostly I make excuse, and change tack

Marriage is no obstacle and it's gross when fat old and/or married men make a pass.  YUCK.  Thanks but no thanks.

Some times job offers are actually just bait for pick up...

Security is you, they say in Kenya.  So for a man or women, watch your hours and have a plan home.  So if you want to go for a drink, have a plan to get home - a taxi you know go to a place you feel okay with. 

Ladies walk the main areas of Nairobi at night before 9pm.  I follow what other women do and use common sense - avoid alley ways and stick to main roads and places with cafes and shops open.  I have been in a jam and reached home on matatu late - and there is a black out - to walk interior to my house - well there were the vegetable sellers out and they saw me and often we walk together, or one got her son to escort me.  They were very protective of me being foreign. 



CRIME - remember, it is a huge hassle to get in trouble with law if a foreigner involved, as in to assault one...  police don't want the stress, guests are treated with utmost respect from a culture point of view.  Someone might steal your phone or grab your purse if you turn your head for  a moment, but most people don't want to physically harm you.  The media and police scrutiny is also a major impediment plus tourism is a major industry so people look out for foreigners physical safety... 

Having said that, don't flash smart phones and expensive gear around...   I was once targeted on transport for my laptop - some guys pushed into my backpack where it was, as if there was a crowd to alight - but I was sitting separate to my boyfriend and they didn't know that so when we realised and I got off and found my bag unzipped and the (second hand) laptop gone, we raised alarm with the conductor and got it passed through the window eventually.  So even then, they didn't care for my life, just to make a quick grab.  I would not take a new one I could not afford to lose on transport but keep it for middle class establishments like going to Java or the house.  It's best to carry an older or second hand device in crowds or areas where anyone can go.

Keep windows closed in crowded streets in town in a vehicle - matatu or your own taxi or car - and if you on board a bus or matatu, if possible sit with the driver if you want to look on your smart device and also keep window closed even if high up. 

The other thing is this - I once may have had drink drugged by mhindi there, but I was staying at a guest house and my boyfriend came over and found me off my face when I had had two drinks... I cut contact with him and I can't prove -but be careful drinking with older men, and I always bought my own food.  Sometimes I let them buy me  1 soda or a beer, - these are things not just for Kenya by the way, never get into debt with an older man or business man.  A fat mhini offered me a wad of cash once and I refused.  I saw them offer waitresses money in the car park as well and one waitress said to me she never takes it as she knows what might follow.  So yeah, common sense.  When I ran out of money, have a back up plan, be willing to go home and work and or have a line of credit DO NOT get some slimeball's help.

I generally err on conservative side in Kenya and involve myself with those in churches and charities and watch my behaviour somewhat.  I prefer to let loose in the house with agemates as how you conduct yourself may mean something different to your country.  For instance, a neighbour hosted Wazungu volunteers and a European girl wore very short shorts, and I know "my dress my choice" but.... I told her point blank,, yes it is your right to wear that...  but... people will think you are a prostitute and disrespectful.  She was going to the mall at our estate - I advised her not to go further in such attire or walk around the slummier area as they view it differently to you may back home - do you want stares, looks rude comments etc???   Different ways of dressing mean different things in different contexts.  In the village I dress in a knee length dress, and not spaghetti straps, thicker straps, and no mid driffs.  In town there is more leeway and in cities, but I am involved in schools and have a kenyan mother in law so I don't want to cause ruffles in the family or community either. 

Also, as with anywhere, safety in numbers.  Get a male companion when doing risky adventures like going out at night.

Just wanted to commend you for taking the time to post a very well-written guide on safety.

The safety tips in your guide are common sense which apply to all including men.

As you have said safety begins with you.

So ALWAYS being aware of your surroundings is important.

Thank you