The United States Embassy has issued a security alert over residential estates within Nairobi County.
In a statement dated Friday, March 15, the Embassy noted that there had been increased incidents of insecurity within the estates in the city.
Incidents of phone and purse snatching were highlighted to be on the rise.
Consequently, the Embassy advised American citizens to undertake various precautions including keeping a low profile and locking doors when stuck in traffic.
"There are reports of increased criminal activity in residential areas of Nairobi. Incidents include crimes of opportunity such as purse and phone snatching. The government of Kenya is taking measures to place more police in high-crime areas.
"Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches, or flashing large sums of money; keep valuables, such as phones, concealed," read the advisory in part.
US citizens were also called upon to roll up their windows whenever they are in traffic.
On the other hand, the Embassy advised that individuals should avoid confronting those who attempt to rob them.
"Be aware of your surroundings. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt and remain calm. Confrontation with these individuals often leads to violence," the Embassy added.
Notably, the Embassy did not mention the specific estates which were experiencing the recent surge in crime.
Data
A recent survey by the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) revealed that people are targeted in crime mostly based on their economic status, gender and age.
"The most prevalent crimes experienced were highlighted as housebreaking (28.5 per cent), general stealing (26.6 per cent), theft of stock (20.7 per cent), burglary (12.9 per cent), stealing from a person (16.6 per cent) stealing from a building (12.8 per cent), robbery with violence (9.8 per cent) and theft of farm produce (4.3 per cent).
"On the day of the week when crime victimisation mostly occurs,(52.0 per cent) said no specific day,(16.2 per cent) flagged out Saturdays,(9.5 per cent) pointed out Sundays, and (8.4 per cent) profiled Fridays," read the report in part.
