Least Secure Places in Nairobi Based on Police Records

The above table summarizes the top 10 least secure places in Nairobi, drawing from recent police records and crime analyses. These areas are identified based on high incidences of crimes such as homicides, robberies, gang violence, and thefts, as reported in sources like the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) studies, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) surveys, and private security firm reports from 2024-2025. Contacts refer to nearby police stations for reporting incidents, while addresses provide approximate locations for context. Note that these are informal settlements or estates with fluid boundaries, and security can vary by time of day or specific sub-areas. The data reflects a broader trend of urban crime concentration in low-income zones, influenced by poverty, unemployment, and limited policing resources. While Nairobi saw an overall 13.92% reduction in reported crimes in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, these hotspots persist due to organized gangs and socioeconomic factors.

Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, is a city of contrasts—vibrant economic hubs juxtaposed with sprawling informal settlements where crime thrives. According to the 2025 Economic Survey by KNBS, Nairobi recorded the highest number of crimes nationally, with 9,717 incidents in 2024 alone, down from 11,108 the previous year but still accounting for 9.6% of Kenya’s total. This article explores the least secure places based on police records, focusing on areas with elevated rates of violent crimes like homicides, muggings, and gang activities. Factors such as rapid urbanization, youth unemployment (over 30% in some areas), and porous borders contribute to this vulnerability. Police data from the NCRC’s 2025 homicide study reveals that 70% of Nairobi’s killings occur in Eastlands’ informal settlements, often linked to gangs like Gaza and Super Power. Implications include economic losses from tourism deterrence and health impacts from trauma, while edge cases like nighttime spikes highlight the need for targeted interventions.

1. Mathare

Mathare, one of Nairobi’s oldest slums, tops the list for insecurity with frequent gang clashes and robberies. Police records from 2025 show 14 homicides in Kasarani alone, many in Mathare, driven by territorial disputes among youth gangs. This densely populated area, home to over 200,000 residents, suffers from poor infrastructure, making it a hotspot for muggings after dark. Examples include the 2024 Mathare Valley attacks where bodaboda riders facilitated quick getaways. Nuances involve community complicity due to fear, with 84.6% of locals reporting silence on crimes. Implications extend to child exploitation, as gangs recruit dropouts, exacerbating cycles of poverty. Edge cases: During protests, like the 2024 finance bill demos, opportunistic crimes surge. Police efforts, including community policing, have reduced incidents by 10%, but resource shortages persist.

2. Kibera

Kibera, Africa’s largest urban slum with nearly 1 million inhabitants, ranks high due to theft, assaults, and gender-based violence. 2025 police data logs frequent break-ins and muggings, linked to high unemployment (over 50%). The area’s labyrinthine alleys facilitate escapes, as seen in 2024 reports of gang extortion targeting small businesses. Contextually, ethnic tensions from past elections flare into violence, while nuances include the role of informal economies in harboring criminals. Implications affect health, with unreported rapes contributing to HIV spread. Related considerations: Foreign advisories warn against non-essential travel here. Edge cases involve flood seasons, when displaced residents turn to crime for survival.

3. Kayole

Kayole’s notoriety stems from the Gaza gang, responsible for violent robberies and extortions. Homicide studies cite 16 killings in Njiru (near Kayole) in 2025, often gang-related. This estate’s proximity to highways aids hit-and-run crimes, exemplified by 2025 bodaboda-assisted thefts. Nuances: Youth recruitment via social media, with 70% of gangs active in transport sectors. Broader implications include economic stagnation, as investors avoid the area. Edge cases: During blackouts, crime spikes 40%, per security reports.

4. Dandora

Dandora, infamous for its dumpsite, sees high armed robberies and gang violence. Police records note it as a base for Super Power gang, with 2025 data showing elevated assaults. Environmental hazards compound insecurity, as scavengers face exploitation. Examples: 2024 murders linked to waste turf wars. Nuances: Community-led patrols offer some respite, but corruption hampers police response. Implications: Health crises from violence and pollution intersect. Edge cases: Youth protests turn violent amid job scarcity.

5. Eastleigh

Eastleigh’s commercial vibrancy masks high street crimes like muggings and smuggling. As a human trafficking hub, 2025 reports highlight exploitation of migrants. Police data from Kamukunji shows 19 homicides in Starehe, many here. Context: Porous borders fuel arms trafficking. Nuances: Cultural diversity aids criminal networks. Implications: Economic losses from counterfeit goods trade. Edge cases: Ramadan periods see temporary dips, but post-festive spikes.

6. Mukuru

Mukuru’s slums report high thefts and gang activities, with 2025 data linking it to industrial area crimes. Overcrowding facilitates burglaries, as in 2024 break-in surges. Nuances: Proximity to factories attracts labor exploitation. Implications: Femicide risks, with bodies found in nearby sites. Edge cases: Industrial strikes escalate into looting.

7. Kamukunji

Kamukunji’s markets breed pickpocketing and assaults. Homicide records show 4 killings here in 2025. Gikomba fires often mask arsons by rivals. Nuances: Vendor disputes turn violent. Implications: Tourism deterrence in CBD fringes. Edge cases: Election seasons amplify tensions.

8. Embakasi

Embakasi’s airport proximity enables smuggling, with high robberies in estates. 2025 data: 7 homicides in Embakasi North. Nuances: Transient populations hide criminals. Implications: Aviation security threats. Edge cases: Flight delays lead to opportunistic thefts.

9. Kasarani

Kasarani’s sports complexes contrast with estate crimes like muggings. Records show 14 killings, gang-driven. Nuances: University proximity exposes students. Implications: Youth radicalization. Edge cases: Events draw crowds, boosting pickpocketing.

10. Huruma

Huruma’s dense housing fosters gang violence, with 2025 reports of assaults. Building collapses highlight neglect, indirectly aiding crime. Nuances: Ethnic enclaves spark clashes. Implications: Displacement worsens vulnerability. Edge cases: Rainy seasons isolate areas, increasing isolation-related crimes.

In conclusion, addressing Nairobi’s insecurity requires multifaceted approaches: enhanced policing, youth employment programs, and urban planning. While reductions in overall crime offer hope, these hotspots demand urgent, sustained action to prevent escalation and foster inclusive growth.