Those Italians who are preparing for a holiday in Kenya, perhaps for the first time in their lives, and ‘maybe’ for the first time in their lives in Africa, must consider that they are going at the same time to a tourist and wonderful destination and to a poor country, full of historical, social, political and ancestral inequalities and contradictions.
Without going into the philosophical or giving a geopolitical lecture, here we advise you on a few basic rules to avoid getting into trouble or getting out of it when the risk becomes danger.
In a nutshell, enjoy Africa, knowing that it is Africa!

1. BEFORE YOU LEAVE, REGISTER ON THE FOREIGN MINISTRY'S ‘DOVE SIAMO NEL MONDO’ WEBSITE.

It is important to let our institutions know where you are, to have your contact details and those of your relatives.
It is not a way of ‘tracking’ you, it is simply the simplest and most effective way of being able to help you in case of problems. This system has solved thousands of cases, from minor inconveniences that can still ruin a holiday, to intricate situations for which DOVE SIAMO NEL MONDO has proved to be a lifesaver.

2. TAKE OUT TRAVEL AND STAY INSURANCE

Nowadays, it is more and more important, in cases of extreme need, to have access to private health care, in terms of time, manner and quality of services. In Africa, it is practically an obligation, the only way to get by.
Public healthcare is practically non-existent, private healthcare is decent but quite expensive. Even a trivial fall with a broken limb can cost thousands of euros. Insurance with a good ceiling and the possibility of medical repatriation for serious cases is more than recommended.

3. DO NOT TRUST THE FIRST PERSON YOU MEET, EVEN IF HE/SHE IS FRIENDLY AND KIND

As they say, opportunity makes the man a thief. And if this man or woman is infinitely poorer than you, it doesn't necessarily mean that he or she is no good, but it is statistically proven that he or she might try to take advantage of you. Unfortunately, some Kenyans who live in and frequent tourist resorts, amidst a lot of good people and the classic friendly Kenyans, are there for just that, they do it ‘for a living’. Always be a little wary, never rude but (even if you are carefree on holiday) don't go overboard with confidence.

4. DON'T GO OUT AFTER DARK

Africa is dangerous especially in the dark. It is for everyone, starting with the Kenyans themselves. Let alone in a tourist place where those who frequent it certainly have money, valuables and in the darkness become easy prey. It happens all over the world, but in Africa it is even more natural, and Kenya, being no more a violent place than others during the day, offers in the evening and at night the chance for many ‘Mr Hide’ to turn into ‘Dr Jeckill’.

5. DON'T FLAUNT, AVOID JEWELLERY AND LUXURY ACCESSORIES

You are on holiday in an extraordinary country, made for relaxation and beauty rejuvenation. You can safely avoid surrounding yourself with ornaments that represent the glitter of the Western world, and can attract ill-intentioned people. Avoid showing off jewellery, expensive watches and luxury goods especially at the beach, but also leave them in plain sight where you are staying. In fact, possibly leave them in Europe!

6. DO NOT CONSIDER THINGS YOU SEE KENYANS DOING AS NORMAL

Kenyans, who apart from being at home, have a young ethic and a still not very precise idea of respecting certain rules, may behave and do things that foreigners are not always allowed to do, also because of the corruption of the institutions, which in Kenya also starts from the lower ranks, such as traffic officers and police. So, even if everyone rides a motorbike without a helmet, remember that it would be compulsory to wear one and if you are charged with an offence, it will do no good to say ‘but everyone does it here’.
Same for motorbike taxis (bodaboda) where Kenyans, in order to save money, even get on in 3. As for effusions in public, there is no rule that can say if they are ‘too dirty’ and punishable by law, only the word of the civil servant who catches you in the act applies. For LGBTQ+, remember that expressing one's sexual orientation in public in Kenya is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. Exactly the same as smoking a single joint, even if you see Kenyans doing it in public and they offer you ‘a puff’ in the street.