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Common in Kenya

Scam in KenyaTheft

Armed road robbery and abduction in Kenya

Northern roads, with greater danger near the South Sudanese, Ethiopian and Somali borders.

How it works

Armed bandits, described as shiftas, rob or abduct people travelling by road.

How to avoid it

  1. Avoid these northern road journeys where possible.
  2. Use air travel for Lake Turkana and Lamu.
  3. Seek specialist local advice before any necessary road journey.

If it happens to you

Avoid resisting armed attackers. Contact police and your embassy when it is safe to do so.

  1. Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase thieves or confront anyone with a weapon.
  2. Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
  3. Lock a stolen phone remotely if possible. Ask your mobile provider to block the SIM.
  4. Save receipts, messages, booking details and transaction records. Write down what happened while you remember it.
  5. Report theft, robbery or threats to police. Ask for a report or reference number.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensNorthern roads, with greater danger near the South Sudanese, Ethiopian and Somali borders.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in KenyaPickpocketing in crowds and on buses: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the armed road robbery and abduction scam in Kenya?

Armed bandits, described as shiftas, rob or abduct people travelling by road.

How do I avoid armed road robbery and abduction in Kenya?

Avoid these northern road journeys where possible. Use air travel for Lake Turkana and Lamu. Seek specialist local advice before any necessary road journey.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Avoid resisting armed attackers. Contact police and your embassy when it is safe to do so.

Where in Kenya does this happen?

Northern roads, with greater danger near the South Sudanese, Ethiopian and Somali borders.

How common is this scam in Kenya?

Common. Tourist overcharging, pushy touts and theft are recurring risks in Kenya. Pickpocketing is especially common in Nairobi and around Kisumu's Kibuye Market, while transport fares, souvenir prices and basic services can cost visitors much more than locals pay. Robbery is a more serious risk, especially after dark.

Are there similar scams in Kenya?

Yes: pickpocketing in crowds and on buses, street mugging and snatch theft, valuables snatched through vehicle windows.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, robbery, threats or fraud at a police station. Ask for a written report or reference number. Mombasa Central police station: visit Makadara Road or call +254 41 225501. Police on Mama Ngina Drive are also listed at +254 41 225501 and +254 41 222121. Kisumu police: call the provincial headquarters on +254 20 465767 or Kisumu division on +254 20 333151. The headquarters are on Nairobi Road near the long-distance bus terminal. Card issuer or bank: use the official app or published contact number to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Transport company or airline: report fare disputes through the operator's official support channel. Report missing checked-bag contents to the airline promptly and keep your baggage tag. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or a serious incident. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Kenya?

Emergency assistance; listed for Mombasa: 112, Police and fire emergency assistance; listed for Mombasa: 999.

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