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6 Things to avoid in Nairobi to get through the festive season

By NYABOGA KIAGE December 25th, 2018 2 min read

It is that time of the year when gifts and fun increase simultaneously with crime in the city.

Nairobi News is here to guide you on how to stay safe in Nairobi during the festive season.

To ensure you enjoy and get through Christmas in Nairobi safe and sound, here are a few don’ts.

1. Avoid narrow alleys and backstreets

You want to cross from Moi Avenue to Kimathi Street and you want to use the narrow alley between stalls that join the two streets? Wrong move!

You better follow the main Kenyatta Avenue if you want to reach your destination safely.

This is a rule that you should keep in mind and put to practice especially during early morning hours, in the evenings and late at night.

These spots are favourite hideouts of muggers and hoodlums who will rob and even stab you at the slightest sign of resistance.

When you opt to use the narrow alleys and backstreets, you make their work all the more easier.

A man jumps over a puddle of water on Moi Lane, a backstreet which lies between Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya Street in downtown Nairobi. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU
A man jumps over a puddle on Moi Lane, a backstreet which lies between Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya Street in downtown Nairobi. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU

 

2. Secluded footbridges and flyovers

Footbridges and flyovers along secluded roads are a favourite for homeless street urchins who will pounce on you and make away with your cash and other valuables whenever you present them with the opportunity.

Avoid them at all costs!

3. Leave your car at home, when you go out drinking

If you will not leave your car at home, chances are that the wheel-caps will or some other valuable spare parts will be gone when you return.

Worse, you could find your car ‘missing’ and another one parked where you left it.

The no-nonsense Nairobi thieves know very well that you cannot stop enjoying your bottle and keep checking on your car after every other 10 minutes.

4. Avoid answering phone calls while seated next to a window in a vehicle

You are seated next to a window and just because it is locked you think you are safe? Think again!

The goons who make a living out of stealing from the public know just how to open the window from outside, snatch your phone and leave you watching as they stroll away and melt into the crowd.

Even women’s handbags are never safe if you are seated next to the window. You better place it far way from the window, especially if you are using public transport.

A motorist scrolls through his phone while holding it on the steering wheel next to the window. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL
A motorist scrolls through his phone while holding it on the steering wheel next to the window. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL

5. Avoid dressing conspicuously in some Eastlands neigbourhood

If you must venture out into some neighborhoods in Eastlands, then for your own safety don’t put on your most expensive clothes or carry around your trendy smartphone.

Doing so would be inviting the ever observant ‘mtaa’ gangs to come and make easy pickings of your valuables.

And after such an unpleasant experience, chances are that you will borrow what to wear from top to bottom.

6. Lastly, don’t drink and drive

You drink yourself silly and imagine it will be awesome to drive on the streets of Nairobi?

Here is what might happen to you.

The same way you drank is the same way every other Tom, Dick and Harry on foot has drank.

Some will carelessly walk into the road while others will dare you to run them over.

It will be a miracle if you avoid an accident, leave alone getting home safely.

The most likely scenario is that you’ll end up starting the New Year in hospital or in a police cell.

Please, don’t drink and drive this festive season.