The United States Embassy in Kenya (US Embassy Kenya) has issued a security alert over increased crime in select residential estates within Nairobi County.
In a statement dated Friday, March 15, 2024, the Embassy noted that there had been increased incidents of crime and insecurity within the estates in Nairobi City.
“There are reports of increased criminal activity in residential areas of Nairobi. Incidents include crimes of opportunity such as purse and phone snatching,” read part of the statement.
The Embassy stated that the government of Kenya was keen on taking measures to place more police officers in high crime areas.
As part of a security advisory, the Embassy listed a list of actions to be taken by residents to avoid falling prey to the criminal activities.
US Embassy issues advisory
Residents were urged by the Embassy to be aware of their surroundings and maintain a low profile.
“Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches, or flashing large sums of money; keep valuables, such as phones, concealed,” the statement added.
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Victims who fall prey to the robbery were also asked to avoid physically resisting any robbery attempt and to remain calm.
According to the Embassy, confrontation with such individuals often leads to violence.
Also, as part of the safety advisory, residents were urged keep their car doors locked and windows up while in traffic.
UN Staff robbed
The security alert comes following an earlier incident on March 6 where armed men riding on a motorcycle were reported to have robbed a United Nations (UN) staff.
Identified by police as a diplomat from the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire working with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the man was robbed of his phones as he was taking an evening walk in Runda estate of Nairobi.
Police said that he was walking with his dog when he was confronted by the three men along Glory Road in Runda at around 8.30pm.
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“One of them removed something resembling a pistol and pointed it at him before ordering him to surrender everything he had,” police said.
The armed men further proceeded to rob him of his two mobile phones, an iPhone and Samsung, both valued at Ksh170,000, before they escaped to an unknown destination. Luckily, the humanitarian and emergency specialist was not injured during the incident.
