Travel Security Information File: Security Level Area 6 (Nairobi)

Transcription

1 Travel Security Information File: Security Level Area 6 (Nairobi) The UN security management system in Kenya has sub-divided the country into 9 Security Level Areas (SLA). SLA 6 covers the County of Nairobi. The Security Level here is classified as Moderate (Level 3). GENERAL SECURITY SITUATION IN NAIROBI Terrorism: This is one of the major security challenges to UN operations in Nairobi. The terrorist threat is assessed to have increased following Kenyan military engagement in Somalia in It mostly emanated from Al-Shabaab or Al Qaeda linked individuals. Al- Shabaab has frequently threatened Kenya for its military engagement in Somalia. These threats have been followed by multiple terrorist attacks in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya, including recent devastating terrorist attacks in Garissa, Mandera and the Coast. Currently the threat level has been elevated because of recent incidents which include complex attack on a shopping mall in 2013, a twin blast at an Open air market on May 2014, grenade and IED attacks on PSVs, churches, mosques, restaurants as well as reports of disruption of planned terrorist activities in Nairobi by the Host Country Security Agents. The government has also 1

2 heightened security alerts on terrorism for Nairobi. In view of this, please minimize your exposure in public places such as public transport hubs, shopping malls, prominent hotels and night clubs/bars, particularly during peak periods. In the event of an explosion, avoid the scene as the possibility of secondary device being detonated cannot be ruled out. As recent incidents have shown, there will be a surge of people after the shock effect has worn out. Stay away from the scene of explosion. If not injured, get to safety without any delay and be on the lookout all around you to assess the surroundings. Crime: Currently there is an increase in violent crime and some UN personnel in Nairobi (including staff on either official or private visits) have been direct victims of robbery thus, losing valuable goods or money and in some cases, being casualties. Residential crimes have increased and criminals have become 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 the most significant challenges. In the vast 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. The majority of carjacking incidents take place during the late evening hours and often take place at the gates of residences. See below advisory on car-jacking. Financial and logistic challenges often prevent security services from adequately responding to criminal incidents. 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. 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 issue drunken driving or use of mobile phones whilst driving amongst others. Traffic jams during both peak and non-peak times (including rainy periods) are a common feature on the roads in Nairobi. Criminals take advantage to rob motorists and passengers of their valuables. PERSONAL SECURITY Security Clearance: Security Clearance must be always requested and obtained before travel through TRIP (Travel Request Information Processing) system at Ensure that your 2

3 TRIP profile is up to date. UNDSS use TRIP to track staff movement in order 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 other malicious act Crime Alert: At all times Have emergency numbers registered on your phone; Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and that you have sufficient credit to make calls. Stay informed: Read / listen to local media, read UNDSS Weekly Security Advisories, attended DSS Country orientation security briefings which is conducted every Friday at UNON at 0900 hours. Register for UNON sms alert using the link Brief your dependents, share advisories with them and ensure that they have all emergency phone numbers readily available. Their security is also your responsibility! Know who your agency warden or focal person is and include your mobile number into your agency communication tree. Use UNDSS recommended hotels/guest houses and taxis TRAVEL While travelling in Nairobi If travelling on foot, avoid carrying bags, purses and valuables that could attract attention or that are not required for immediate use. Avoid making phone calls while walking on the street. Restrict movement to what is reasonably necessary especially at night time, including in the UN Blue Zone. You can only be carjacked when you are in your car! If in a public place, avoid carrying valuables and keep your belongings with you (i.e. in your sight) at all times. Be observant of your surroundings, and report any suspected hostile surveillance; Vary routes and hours of movements as much as possible, including your dependents movements (school, work, shopping etc.); Pay closer attention when approaching the gates to the hotel, residence, shopping centres and places of entertainment. Always take evasive action when you reasonably suspect that you are being followed by suspected criminals; whether in a vehicle, motorcycle or on foot. Keep car windows and doors locked at all times; if travelling on-board a hired vehicle (taxi), request the driver to do so. When confronted by assailants: In order to reduce the likelihood of assailants using violence, DO NOT RESIST. Comply with all demands and hand over any valuables. 3

4 Immediately report the incident to the Security Control Room and/or your AFP Security Officer or focal person. Taxis: Patronise only licensed taxis (telephone numbers listed below). Local unlicensed taxis are often unreliable, un-roadworthy and should be avoided. Always confirm the fare in advance if there is no meter. Never take a lift from a stranger. Hitchhiking can be dangerous. Taxis: Pewin Cabs, Tel: Jatco Taxis, Tel: Jim Cab Services, Tel: Apollo Tours Ltd, Tel: Amicabre Travels Ltd, Tel: 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. 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. Robbers and pickpockets are known to frequent public transportation. Airport Pick-up: 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 JKIA; staff accommodated at private residences and staff resident in Nairobi are encouraged to make arrangements with a recommended taxi company (please see above) prior to the arrival. Never take an unmarked taxi vehicle. Staff should be also aware of the available option to hire an escort service from the following private security companies for a fee: Bob Morgan G4S KK Security Radar Security Riley Security Securex Security Group Ultimate Security 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. 4

5 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 Armed Vehicle Hijacking: This is a common crime in Nairobi. If you become a victim of car hijacking do as you are told and do not resist the hijackers. If you comply, there is a strong likelihood that you will be released unharmed. Always take the basic precautions highlighted above seriously. According to police statistics, most of the current carjackers are petty criminals who usually apply some of the following tactics to their unsuspecting victims: The Good Samaritan Someone appears to be in need of help and you stop to assist, then you get carjacked. The gate The carjackers ambush you as you wait for the gate to your residence to be opened. The road block - They erect a road block on a road with little traffic during the late hours of the night. The Accident The carjackers use a second vehicle to collide with your car forcing you to stop. The above list of tactics is not exhaustive. However, the best precaution one can take is to always be alert and never attempt to resist if you are confronted by carjackers. Try to avoid driving along quiet roads, especially late at night. If you have gate guards make arrangements with them to reduce the amount of time you have to wait between arriving at the gate and entering your compound. DIPLOMATIC POLICE UNIT (DPU) This unit was formed by the Kenya Police to support the diplomatic and UN community. It is situated in the Gigiri area off UN Avenue. They will usually respond to the scene of a crime or incident where members of the diplomatic community are involved. They provide security advice and/or escort upon request. The Unit provides officers to patrol areas within Nairobi where members of the diplomatic community reside. Contact information for the Diplomatic Police Unit is provided below: 5

6 Diplomatic Police Unit ; HOTELS The following hotels are recommended: Central Area Fairview Hotel Country Lodge Laico Regency Hotel Hilton Hotel Inter-Continental Hotel Nairobi Safari Club Norfolk Hotel Panafric Hotel The Stanley Hotel Serena Hotel Panari Hotel (Mombasa Rd) Crowne Plaza Ole Sereni Hill Park Hotel Red Court Hotel Boma Hotel EKA Hotel Westlands Jacaranda Hotel Sankara Hotel Southern Sun Mayfair Villa Rose Kempinski DUSIT Hotel Ruaraka/Gigiri Tribe Hotel Safari Park Hotel Windsor Golf Hotel Tara Suites Bedelle Daisy Homes Gigiri Homestead (54) Casa Bella Suites Comfort Gardens Guest Houses (within Gigiri) The 140 Shanema Homes Dream Place Kingdom Gardens Villa Leone Hotels When checking out of hotels, ensure that you keep briefcases, handbags and small luggage items with you as there have been cases where these items have been stolen from inside hotel lobbies while guests are busy checking out. Always ensure that items which are attractive and valuable are kept out of sight. 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: 24-Hrs Help line: Nairobi Fax: Nairobi Mobile no: / safetour@wananchi.com NOTE If you are involved in an incident, report immediately to the UN Security Control Room (telephone numbers are listed below) which is at the UN Complex in Gigiri. Tell the officer on 6

7 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 as a result of an incident, always make your UN status clear to them, and make sure you carry some form of official identification. USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Emergency Numbers: UN Security Control Room - Gigiri /2344/ / UN Common Radio Room Gigiri / ; UN Joint Medical Services ; UNON Staff call Centre (staff support) NAIROBI POLICE NUMBERS Diplomatic Police Unit / / / / (Sat phone) Nairobi Provincial HQs Police Control Room / Deputy Provincial Police Officer Office line Staff Officer Operations / Office line Nairobi Area Police Divisional HQ s Central Division Officer Commanding Police Division

8 Deputy Officer Commanding Police Division Officer Commanding Police Station Gigiri Division Gigiri Division Officer Commanding Police Division Kasarani Division Officer Commanding Police Division Police Stations Pangani Office line Officer Commanding Police Station Deputy Officer Commanding Police Station Parklands Officer Commanding Police Station Deputy Officer Commanding Police Station Hospitals: UNON JMS / St. John s Ambulance / / / Red Cross-E Plus Ambulance , Amref Flying Drs , AAR Ambulance , Nairobi Hospital , Mater Hospital ,

9 Gertrude s Children s , Hospital MP Shah Hospital , Aga Khan Hospital , Nairobi Women's Adams Nairobi Women s Hurlingham , Karen Hospital , /2/3, /2/3. Metropolitan Hospital , FIRE Emergency Services FIRE Station Car Hire: Avenue Avis /14 Budget / Car Hire Services /1/2 Chequered Flag Hertz Easy Coach /2 or Apollo tours , /1/2/3 9