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UNDSS Travel Advisory – Kenya; Nairobi (SRM Area 6)

Emergency Contact Information

UN/UNDSS Security Duty Officer & location of security office

G Block - UNON Gigiri Complex UN

Ave, Gigiri, Nairobi Weekly Duty officer: + 257798474777

FSCO Nairobi: Ms. Fidelia Abara +254700306148 abara.fidelia@un.org LSA Nairobi: Ms. Lensah Oluoch +254742969135

lensah.oluoch@un.org

UNDSS Security Operations Centre 24/7

UNDSS Security Operations Centre: +254 207622053 +254 707722503

UNDSS/UNON Security Control Room: +254 207622999 +254 720629999 UNDSS Emergency: +254 207626666

Host country emergency services Police, fire department, ambulance

Kenya Police hotlines: 999/112/911 Diplomatic Police Unit: +254 708589522

+254 731170666 Fire: +254 724628470 Ambulance: +254 202210000 (St. Johns) +254 700395395 (Red Cross)

UN Department of

Safety and Security

UNDSS

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Background: The UN Security Management System in Kenya has sub-divided the country into nine Security Risk Management areas.

Nairobi remains stable although there are several aspects that UN personnel need to pay close attention.

Terrorism: On 15th January 2019, at the 14 Riverside complex, Westlands housing the Dusit D2 hotel and

over 30 businesses, a complex attack was staged by 6 persons for nearly 18 hours. 21 people were killed

and 28 injured. This is the first major incident since the terrorist attack by four persons at Westgate

shopping mall in 2013 which killed 67 persons. On Saturday 26th January, a small IED device was also

denoted outside a local restaurant/hotel in the Nairobi CBD injuring two persons.

It is advisable that staff members maintain a high level of awareness and preparedness to minimize unnecessary exposure to any terrorist related threats. Crime: UN personnel in Nairobi (including staff on either official or private visits) have on many occasions been victims of crime. Housebreak-ins are common in the city with reports of criminals becoming more heavily armed and violent. Other crime threats such as car-jacking, burglaries and robberies, often with violence or with the threat of violence (using and possession of weapons), represent significant challenges. In the clear majority of criminal incidents, weapons (firearms, knives, and traditional/improvised weapons such as axes, stones) are carried by assailants and are often used to threaten and /or attack victims. Criminals on motor-bikes often pounce on unsuspecting victims on the roads. For car-jacking and burglaries, criminals generally operate in small teams, plan the operation in advance and use a variety of methods to execute attacks. Most car-jacking incidents take place during the late evening hours and some take place at the gates of residences. There have also been reports of perpetrators renting residential facilities with fake details on short term basis and then burgling neighbouring apartments.

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Civil Unrest: There are occasional violent demonstrations organized by students, hawkers, trade union organizations and civil societies. Often criminal elements take advantage of the riots. Demonstrators (often students or other community groups) generally try to attract public attention to their cause by disrupting mainly the smooth flow of traffic. However, riots can develop wherever large numbers of people gather and become agitated.

Travel Preparation

Security clearance procedure Security Clearance must be always requested and obtained before travel through TRIP (Travel Request Information Processing) system at http://dss.un.org. Ensure that your TRIP profile is up to date. UNDSS use TRIP to track staff movement to provide support during time of emergency. Failure to obtain security clearance potentially invalidates any insurance cover that may be available to staff members in the unfortunate event of an accident or another malicious act. Operating radius in Nairobi includes Nairobi county inclusive of the following: JKIA to CBD and Gigiri (including Bypasses – Southern and Northern), Nairobi to Karen, Mombasa Road going to Kitengela, Nairobi Central to Limuru, Nairobi to Kiambu, Nairobi to Rongai/Ngong, CBD to Nairobi National Park in Langata.

Visa / entry permits Entry visa A United Nations Laissez Passez is accepted as a travel document in Kenya. Holders of United Nations Laissez-Passers do not require

Hazards: The most significant hazards are Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) which may include non-injury, injury and fatal accidents. The Traffic Laws which are now fully in force since December 2012, are stringent on the issue of drunk driving or use of mobile phones whilst driving. Traffic jams during both peak and non-peak times (including rainy periods) are a common feature on the roads in Nairobi. Criminals take advantage of these situations to rob motorists and passengers of their valuables.

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visas whilst on official UN Business. Otherwise a valid national passport and visa are required to enter Kenya. Visitors to Kenya can obtain an e-Visa, online without submitting the original passport. For more information visit: Website: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html Telephone: +254 708 206 206 Email: support@ecitizen.go.ke Visas can also be obtained upon arrival. It can be tedious with an

extended waiting period in long queues.

The current single entry visa fee is US$51. Only cash or money order

are accepted. In addition, visas are normally valid for entry within

three months of the date of issue. Travelers to Kenya and

neighbouring African countries should ensure that the validity of

their passports is at least six months beyond the end of their

intended stay, and that their passports contain sufficient blank

pages for visas and immigration stamps.

For more Information visit: http://www.immigration.go.ke/Information.html

Required security training

prior to travel

Complete BSAFE mandatory training available via

https://training.dss.un.org or https://inspira.un.org

Arrival

Arrival arrangements at airport / seaport / road entry

Air: Staff from other duty stations visiting Nairobi and staying at a hotel are advised to arrange the hotel shuttle service to pick them up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA); staff accommodated at private residences and staff resident in Nairobi are encouraged to make arrangements with a recommended taxi company (see below) prior to the arrival. Never take an unmarked taxi vehicle.

Specific border entry requirements & restrictions

Nil

Currency restrictions/exchange/usage UNON Complex in Gigiri has two local banks and the UNFCU on site. Most banks have a reasonable network of branches and ATMs across the city. ATMs will generally accept international cards, particularly Visa cards. The Central Bank of Kenya compiles indicative foreign exchange rates daily for use by the public. For more information visit: https://www.centralbank.go.ke/index.php/rateandstatistics/exchange-rates-2

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Security Briefing / SSAFE Location and schedule

New Arrivals security briefing is held virtually through Microsoft Teams; Every Friday at 0900hrs; and excludes UN holidays. Interested staff are requested to send their contact details (name &email address) to undss-kenya@un.org. SSAFE training is not a requirement for Nairobi.

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Movement, accommodation, security advisories and restrictions Transport to accommodation and office

UN vehicle/taxi/public transportation

Driving: Many of the roads in Nairobi are currently under repair. This often leads to huge traffic congestion especially during peak hours thus creating potential targets for criminals. Therefore:

• Always drive defensively, expecting the worst and from the most unlikely sources. Obey all traffic rules, even when other drivers do not.

• Ensure that the safety devices are in good working order (seat belts, headlamps, brakes etc.)

• Do not stop when in dark, isolated areas.

• Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight when driving.

• Do NOT open car windows when stopped at traffic lights etc. Necklaces, mobile phones and bags can easily be snatched.

• Never drive a vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicant.

• Never use a mobile phone when driving. Not only is it illegal, it also distracts you from driving.

• If you hire or borrow a vehicle make sure it is in good condition.

• Be very reluctant to stop for people apparently looking for help on the road side. Frequently they wait for people to stop and either rob occupants or steal their car.

• Be wary of motorbike robbers Public Vans and Buses: You are strongly advised to be very cautious if you must travel using public transport, however exciting or convenient they might look. The majority are in poor condition and often have reckless drivers. Robbers and pickpockets are also known to frequent public transportation. Recommended Taxi companies: Pewin Cabs: +254 727 776761 Jatco Taxis: +254 725 280000 Jim Cab Services: +254 735 555559 Apollo Tours Ltd: +254 723 794249 Amicabre Travels Ltd: +254 710 760055 Little Cab: +254 709 302302 (online)

Car Hire: Only hire cars from a reputable car hire firm; a short list of some reputable car hire firms is below. You can then be certain that you have the right insurance cover, the vehicle has been maintained and it will be in a reasonably good condition. Avenue +254 20 2219725 Avis +254 20 2533610/14 Budget +254 20 223072/330169 Car Hire Services +254 20 3743270/1/2

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Chequered Flag +254 20 3882629 Hertz +254 20 313608 Easy Coach +254 20 2210711/2 +254 20 3593790 ApolloTours +254 721 734323 +254 20 2467350/1/2/3

Curfew or other movement restrictions

Following COVID 19 pandemic, the GoK imposed curfew from 2100 0400hrs

daily. Official movements are restricted in informal settlements and require Police support.

Accommodation Recommended hotels and guesthouses, restricted zones/areas, accommodation arrangements where staff is required to

reside in UN compounds

Refer to Annex A for a list of recommended accommodation which can be found for residential use in Nairobi. Alternatively, those renting must live within the ‘Blue Zone’ (map attached as Annex B). The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) assists tourists, tour companies, hotels and the public in general on queries about safety and security aspects of local national parks and other tourist locations in Kenya. In case you plan to visit a tourist site and need information, please feel free to contact them as follows: Nairobi 24-Hrs Help line: +254 20 604767 (land) +254 722 745645/+254 738 617499 (mob) Email: safetour@wananchi.com

Communications equipment, mobile phone networks, internet

There are several mobile phone providers (Safaricom, Airtel, Telekom and Orange) and sim cards are readily available with identification provided for registration. 4G coverage is Nairobi wide. The internet is also available with many free wifi locations in malls, restaurants and businesses. M-pesa: (M for mobile, pesa is Kiswahili for money) allows users to deposit, withdraw, transfer money and pay for goods and services with a mobile device. Users are charged a small fee for sending and withdrawing money using the service. It’s very useful if on an extended stay or permanently. You can pay for a taxi, buy food at the supermarket, pay for a dinner at a restaurant or the electricity and water bills, recharge your phone credit, send money to others… etc. Register for it with your ID and some money to deposit at any Safaricom shop or Airtel Shop (in any mall).

Security equipment

N/A

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UN security advisories and restrictions

All conferences/meetings/training being arranged in Nairobi must be reported to UNDSS FSCO with one month notice.

All persons visiting malls and hotels will be subject to search, this includes vehicles. No exceptions are made for diplomats after the recent attack at Riverside complex. In Nairobi, one must be vigilant when going about daily life. The level of crime in Kenya, particularly Nairobi and other big cities is high. Caution should be exercised always. Crime ranges from petty theft by domestic staff, to kidnapping and carjacking. When

driving, close car windows as thieves may snatch objects in the car such as cell phones, jewellery, and car radios. In addition, Kenya has been under terrorist threats targeting civilians in public places, particularly in places where members of the international community frequent. Avoid crowded public places during peak hours including hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs, shopping centres, key infrastructure and places of worship that remain susceptible to possible terrorist attacks; DO NOT BECOME COMPLACENT Always remain alert and conscious of your surroundings; avoid peak hours whenever possible. Wherever you go, make a quick contingency plan and familiarise yourself with the area. Remember the Avoid-Deny Defend principles! Do you know emergency or secondary exits? Can you spot a place to hide in the vicinity? Have you considered the possibility of secondary attacks? Do your dependents know how to react to a possible incident? Staff members in transit who choose to leave the airport should also be cautious as to where they will spend their time as many are robbed due to lack of awareness of their surroundings. NOTE

If you are involved in an incident, report immediately to the UN Security Operations Room (phone numbers are listed at the top) which is based at the UN Complex in Gigiri. Tell the officer on duty that you are a UN visitor to Kenya. He will then be able to contact the Police and provide necessary assistance. If you become involved with the police because of an incident, always make your UN status clear to them, and make sure you carry some form of official identification.

Health Health advise to be obtained from UN Medical Services Division and/or local UN physician; Chief Medical Officer in mission environments

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Health advisory and recommendations

Refer to JMS Infectious Disease health advisory attached to your TRIP clearance.

Vaccination requirements Travelers should ensure that they have a valid yellow fever

immunization card as this may be requested on arrival.

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to

any destination. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are also

recommended in Kenya.

Hospitals

St. John’s Ambulance

+254 20 2210000/20 2241000/ 20 243999 +254 721 225285

Red Cross-E Plus Ambulance +254 700 395395 +254 738 395395

Amref Flying Drs +254 722 314239 +254 733 639088

AAR Ambulance +254 725 225225 +254 734 225225

Nairobi Hospital +254 20 2846000 +254 703 082000

Mater Hospital +254 732 163000 +254 719 073000

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital

+254 20 7206000

MP Shah Hospital +254 722 204427 +254 722 783350

Aga Khan Hospital +254 20 3662000 +254 711 092000

Nairobi Women's Adams +254 707 675648

Nairobi Women’s Hurlingham +254 728 249825 +254 733 618353

Karen Hospital +254 206613000 +254 736200001/2/3 +254 726222001/2/3

Metropolitan Hospital +254 202002145 +254 722207665

UN doctor / clinic UNON Joint Medical Service (JMS): Located UNON lower concourse area opp. UNFCU

+254 20 7625999 / +254 724 255378 JMS is an occupational health unit. It is responsible for medical

clearances for new appointments, travel clearances including

vaccination and issues of occupational health. It also offers a drop in

service for advice and treatment. Since the appointment of a

fulltime doctor at Gigiri, the UN Joint Medical Service today offers

the comforting presence of on-site medical advice and treatment,

alongside its more traditional roles of medical supervision,

vaccinations and insurance administration.

Gender equality and inclusion Security threats and risks related to sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity

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Types of incidents, social and legal

aspects affecting women and LGBTI

personnel

UN staff and dependents should be aware that consensual samesex activity, and activities such as campaigning for LGBTI rights or disseminating pro-LGBTI materials are illegal in Kenya, and may be

punishable by long prison sentences on conviction or deportation. Further, public displays of affection between persons of the same sex may result in harassment or violence, and members of the LGBTI community may be targeted, harassed, and/or charged with offenses related to their sexual and gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (or perceived sexual and gender identity, and gender expression). Unfortunately, recent incidents involving UN staff have brought to light the use of online dating sites by criminals in Nairobi. Online dating opens the doors to certain vulnerabilities and may come with risks. Public meetings are set up via online dating sites which has later developed into an armed robbery. Staff members were invited to meet in public places, after having built a rapport online, and later convinced by the perpetrators to meet in an unknown apartment. Staff have found themselves locked in, held at gunpoint and robbed of their money, phone, credit cards and other valuables by an organized criminal group. Because personal details are known, the gang continues to keep contact and extort money from the staff member by MPESA or other means. Criminals seem to particularly target staff/dependents who are seeking same-sex relationships online.

Staff members should also be aware that UN-GLOBE, the group that represents LGBTI-identified staff of the UN system has a website which can be used to contact its members. The principal Focal Person for unglobe.org for Kenya is Mr. Kilian Christ with email as kilian.christ@un.org. http://www.unglobe.org/about-us-1

Advisory to mitigate risks for women and LGBTI personnel

Staff and dependents are advised to exercise caution and take precautionary measures as appropriate to avoid being subjected to

harassment, threats or violence. Do not engage in activities which may attract the attention of potential

perpetrators. Keep a low profile in public places and be sensitive to cultural diversity. National Gender Based Violence (GBV) Hotline: 1195.

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Recommended Accommodation List – Nairobi, Kenya (SRM 6) This document provides a list of recommended establishments at specified locations within Nairobi that have been assessed as meeting the UNSMS residential security standards for personnel accommodation. Their inclusion in the list is limited to safety and security considerations and no validation has been undertaken of guest amenities or standards of service provided by hotel management. The list is to aid individual personnel and UNSMS organisations in making informed decisions on accommodation and in some cases conference facilities solely for safety and security considerations.

Central Area

# Accommodation Address Conference Facilities (*Recommended/

Not Recommended/None available)

1 Crowne Plaza Kenya Rd, Upper Hill Recommended

2 Fairview Hotel Bishops Rd, CBD Recommended

3 Fourpoint By Sheraton Argwings Kodhek Rd Recommended

4 Hillpark Hotel Lower Hill Rd, Nairobi Recommended

5 Hilton CBD Mama Ngina St, CBD Not Recommended for conferences but for staff stay only

6 Hilton Doubletree Hurlingham Ngong Lane, Hurlingham Recommended

7 Inter-Continental Hotel City-Hall Way, CBD Recommended

8 Laico Regency Hotel Uhuru Hwy, CBD Not Recommended for conferences but for staff stay only

9 Nairobi Safari Club Koinange Street Recommended

10 Radisson Blu Elgon Rd, Upper Hill Temporarily Closed

11 Sarova Panafric Hotel Valley Rd Recommended

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12 Sarova The New Stanley Hotel Kimathi St, CBD Not Recommended for conferences but for staff stay only.

13 Serena Hotel Processional Rd, CBD Recommended

14 Silver Springs Valley Rd, Upper Hill Recommended

15 Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel Ralph Bunche Rd Kilimani Recommended

Gigiri Area

16 Adies Garden Suites 1302, Lobelia Drive None available

17 The Bedelle No. 551 Runda Crescent, Runda None available

18 Casa Bella Suites Mumwe Drive, Runda None available

19 Dolfran Guest House 72 United Nations Crescent, Gigiri None available

21 Dream Place 75 United Nations Crescent, Gigiri None available

19 Hob House Kinanda Rd Kitisuru None available

20 Kijiji Home Stay 120 Village Rd, Gigiri None available

21 Tara Suites United Nations Crescent, Gigiri Recommended

22 Villa Leone Hotels Daisy Drive Runda None available

23 Orchid Homes United Nations Crescent, Gigiri None available

Ruaraka/Gigiri/Muthaiga

24 China Gardens UN Avenue, Gigiri None available

25 City Lodge Hotel Off Limuru Rd, Two Rivers Mall Recommended

26 Comfort Gardens 34 United Nations Crescent, Gigiri Not Recommended for conferences but for staff stay only

27 La Mada Hotel Thika Rd Recommended

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28 Magna Hotel Suites United Nations Crescent, Gigiri Not Recommended for conferences but for staff stay only.

29 Safari Park Hotel Thika Rd Recommended

30 Smothers Boutique Hotel UN Crescent, No. 122 None available

31 Trademark hotel United Nations Crescent, Gigiri Recommended

32 Tribe Hotel Market Rd, Village Market Gigiri Recommended

33 Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club Kigwa Lane, Ridge Ways, Off Kiambu Rd Recommended

Karen

34 Hemingways Hotel Mbagathi Ridge, Karen Recommended

35 House Of Waine Bogani Rd, Karen Recommended

36 Karen Country Lodge Second Ngong Ave, Karen None available

37 SOS Training Centre Acacia Drive Recommended

38 Acacia Tree Lodge Marula Lane Recommended

JKIA Airport/ Mombasa Rd

39 Boma Hotel Red Cross Rd, off Mombasa Rd Recommended

40 Boma Inn (was Red Court Hotel) Red Cross Rd, off Mombasa Rd Recommended

41 Crown Plaza Airport (Lazizi Premiere) First Freight lane, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Recommended

42 Eka Hotel Mombasa Rd Recommended

43 Four Points by Sheraton Tower Avenue, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Recommended

44 Hilton Garden Inn Mombasa Rd Recommended

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45 Ole Sereni Mombasa Rd Recommended

46 Panari Hotel Mombasa Rd Panari Sky Centre, Mombasa Rd Recommended

Westlands

47 Azure/Royal Orchid Lantana Rd Recommended

48 Bidwood Suites Lower Kabete Rd Recommended

49 The Concord Hotel Wangalapa Rd Recommended

50 Ibis Style (formerly Tunes) Rhapta Rd Recommended

51 Kingpost Apartment Homes Rhapta Rd None available

52 Movenpick Hotel Mkungu Close Recommended

53 Park Inn by Radisson Waiyaki Way Recommended

54 Pride Inn Hotel Rhapta Rd Recommended

55 Sankara Hotel Woodvale Grove Recommended

56 Southern Sun Mayfair Parklands Rd Recommended

57 Villa Rosa Kempinski Chiromo Rd Recommended

58 The Zehneria Portico 10 Karuna Rd, Lower Kabete Recommended

Nairobi Blue Zone Map

(original which can zoom in is available from the FSCO Nairobi)

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