If you plan on going to Kenya, there are a few things you should know. This African country can be a wonderful destination, but only if you are fortunate enough to avoid potential problems. Here are some of the most important challenges you might face when visiting Kenya.
Check the Utilities
One of the first things you need to do when visiting another country is to inform yourself about utilities and what the place has to offer. You need to check out the location you’ll be staying in and whether it offers necessary utilities.
For example, those in need of fast internet might need to inform themselves further about the connection and what this country has to offer. Of course, there are things that are more important than the internet connection — for example, water and electricity.
Kenya has a severe problem with water supply, contamination, and droughts. While Kenya is one of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with the best electricity grid, it might not be the best compared to the rest of the world. And this is why you need to know what to expect. If you enjoy spending time in nature without water and electricity, Kenya might be a good traveling destination. Otherwise, you might want to look elsewhere.
Food Quality
The next thing on the list to discuss is food quality. Kenya is not the best place to go if you enjoy eating. Kenya has problems with food, undernutrition, poverty, and so on. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t find good places to eat. Like any other country, Kenya has numerous national dishes you might want to try if you are in the country.
The dishes in Kenya are made from meat and vegetables, and the residents use a lot of corn in their food. The main problem we should mention is that nearly 60% of all residents have access to drinking water. At the same time, only 30% of people have sanitation facilities. So, the hygiene in the country might not be the highest one.
Even in Nairobi, tap water is not safe for drinking, and you will need to boil or filter it at least. You will need to be careful when eating and drinking in the country in general since the last thing you want is to get sick during your trip.
Crime and Terrorism
Crime is quite common in Kenya. In fact, it is present in all regions of the country. And unfortunately, tourists are the most common victims. Reports of attacks on tourists are regular in this country, but the most reported crime is carjacking. When it comes to cities, it is not rare for someone to steal a purse or something similar and run away. Carjacking is used to commit armed robbery, and there are ten vehicle carjackings on average in Nairobi.
In the majority of cases, victims are not injured since they don’t resist. If the victim tries to defend their property, the criminals will not hesitate to start shooting. Corruption is another huge problem for Kenya, and it affects all parts of the country.
When it comes to terrorism in Kenya, there have been numerous attacks in the past couple of decades. Also, the country struggles with drug abuse as well. So, it is neither the safest nor the most peaceful country you can visit.
Views on LGBTQ+
If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or you plan on visiting countries that are more tolerant, Kenya is not the best destination. Let’s start with the obvious. Namely, members of the LGBTQ+ community will face numerous challenges when visiting this country. Firstly, sodomy is illegal, and any form of sexual practice between two males is forbidden.
Lesbians and female same-sex activities are not illegal per se, but the Kenyan Constitution does not recognize lesbian, bisexual, or transgender women at all. Since the term they prefer is “gross indecency,” it can be used to persecute the aforementioned groups as well. Also, same-sex marriages and relationships are banned in the country, and the same thing applies to adoption.
There is also nothing to protect people based on their sexual orientation or gender, which only shows potential problems that might happen to visitors. The country is rather conservative, and people are not fond of nor do they support homosexuality in any shape or form. In the past couple of years, there have been a few organizations that have been fighting for equal rights, but the progress is quite slow.
Women as Solo Travelers
Now, saying that the country is safe or unsafe for women solo travelers is not easy. You might visit the country and have a wonderful time. But at the same time, you might face numerous challenges and problems. It all comes down to luck. If you decide to visit Kenya alone, you should be careful.
This includes avoiding certain areas in Nairobi and Mombasa and anything that might seem dangerous. Don’t test your luck. The country is often harsh for travelers, and tourists are common victims in major cities.
Visiting any country alone can be tricky, especially if you don’t know what to expect. For those that still plan on going to Kenya alone, our recommendation is to be as careful as possible. As long as you focus on your surroundings, plan everything carefully, and avoid dangerous parts of the country, it is possible that you will have a nice time.
Ending Notes
If you plan on visiting Kenya all by yourself, you should be careful. Now, we aren’t saying that the country is bad and that the people living there will be hostile. In fact, there is a chance that you will have the time of your life.
But this doesn’t mean that you will have the same level of comfort as visiting some of the more developed countries. Our suggestion is to inform yourself as much as you can and prepare for the journey ahead. If you follow the rules and safety tips in Kenya, you can avoid potential problems along the way.
For those that plan to visit this African country in a group, the situation is a bit better. You can also find help in Kenya, and a tourist guide will be able to assist you along the way.
