Nairobi is generally considered safe for American tourists, provided they follow the "big city" safety protocols common to any major global metropolis. Most visitors to Kenya pass through Nairobi on their way to a safari without any major incidents. For 2026, the safest areas for tourists to stay are Westlands, Karen, and Gigiri, which feature high-end hotels, secure shopping malls, and a large expatriate and diplomatic presence. However, the U.S. State Department maintains a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" advisory for Kenya, primarily due to the risk of petty crime like pickpocketing in crowded areas and the potential for civil unrest or terrorism in specific, non-tourist regions near the eastern border. To stay safe in the city, Americans are advised to use reliable ride-sharing apps like Uber rather than hailing street taxis, avoid walking alone at night, and keep high-value items like expensive jewelry or cameras tucked away when in public. While the threat of "street crime" is real, the vast majority of the millions of tourists who visit annually find Nairobi to be a vibrant, welcoming, and modern gateway to the African wilderness.