Kenya is among the various African countries with high crime rates. These include daytime robbery with violence, carjackings, and forceful muggings, among others.
According to data from recent security reports, while the overall crime rate in Kenya has decreased, shanty and densely populated regions continue to be hotspots of crime. Times Digital Kenya highlights five spots in Kenya where safety feels like a luxury.
Kayole, Nairobi
Located in Nairobi, Kayole continues to manifest rampant crime rates. Here, many victims have reported being robbed in broad daylight. For instance, there is a man who revealed how his shoes were sold to a willing buyer while he was wearing them.
This slum is also known for its criminal gangs that include teenage boys and girls. It is here in Kayole that Clare Njoki, the famous teenage gangster girl, was killed.
Kiandutu, Kiambu
Located in Thika, Kiandutu is well known for its rampant crime rates. Security reports indicate thousands of criminal cases in the last year, 2025. Here, victims have experienced carjackings and robbery with violence. Moreover, Kiandutu is also notorious for its high cases of assaults and drug trafficking.
Tigania East & West, Meru
Despite being relatively far from the capital city, Meru has in the recent past been a crime hotspot. With its rare rural and urban mix, the town is flagged for its theft and violence. As of late 2025, the Tigania east and west regions of Meru reported high cases of cattle rustling, where criminals engaged the police in serious armed conflict.
Changamwe, Mombasa
As a coastal city and business hub, Mombasa is well known for its cases of illicit activities, including drug abuse as well as dangerous gangs that use extreme violence in their operations.
In April 2025, over 60 incidents of criminal activity were reported here. As a shanty region in Mombasa, Changamwe has been cited as having the worst drug abuse cases in Kenya.
Kondele, Kisumu
Kondele is an informal settlement in Kisumu. This ghetto has some of the worst crime rates. Facing similar challenges that affect typical cities, like unemployment and the struggle for limited resources, Kondele is characterized by dangerous gang-related operations that terrorize innocent citizens.
