Scam in KenyaOn the street
Opportunistic begging in Kenya
How it works
Some people approach visitors for money and use guilt to encourage payment. An approach does not by itself establish whether someone is in need.
Warning signs
- An unsolicited request for money.
- Pressure aimed at making you feel guilty.
How to avoid it
- Give a brief refusal if you do not want to give.
- Keep your money out of sight.
- Continue walking rather than entering a long discussion.
If it happens to you
End the conversation and leave if you feel pressured.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase thieves or confront anyone with a weapon.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
- Lock a stolen phone remotely if possible. Ask your mobile provider to block the SIM.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and transaction records. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report theft, robbery or threats to police. Ask for a report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Kenya2024The begging culture in Nairobi has gotten too much.Participants describe repeated requests for money and people expecting payment after giving directions or other informal assistance.Read on Reddit
- NewsKenya News Agency2019School children flocking Watamu beaches to beg from touristsTourism stakeholders reported children approaching Watamu beach tourists for maize flour or cash while saying their families lacked food.Read on News
- Redditr/travel2024Don’t give begging kids money!A commenter recalled a young boy in a Kenyan border town directly demanding money from them.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the opportunistic begging scam in Kenya?
Some people approach visitors for money and use guilt to encourage payment. An approach does not by itself establish whether someone is in need.
How can I spot it early?
An unsolicited request for money. Pressure aimed at making you feel guilty.
How do I avoid opportunistic begging in Kenya?
Give a brief refusal if you do not want to give. Keep your money out of sight. Continue walking rather than entering a long discussion.
What should I do if it happens to me?
End the conversation and leave if you feel pressured.
Where in Kenya does this happen?
Shopping centres in Nairobi. It has been reported in Nairobi.
How common is this scam in Kenya?
Occasional. 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: lamu touts charging inflated service prices, coordinated street cons, children used as a distraction.
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.
Reviewed by @snuck