Security Concerns: Why Crime Hotspots in Nairobi Are Increasing & What Residents Say

 

A group of suspected thugs is captured assaulting and robbing a passer-by in broad daylight on a busy Nairobi street, underscoring growing concerns over rising daytime crime in the city.

Nairobi is experiencing a worrying rise in crime hotspots, with residents across multiple estates reporting heightened insecurity, more daring criminals, and delayed response from authorities. From daylight muggings to night-time break-ins, the spike in incidents has renewed pressure on security agencies to move quickly and restore public confidence.

Areas such as the CBD, Eastlands, Kasarani, Zimmerman, Roysambu, Kawangware, and parts of Westlands have recently been highlighted as emerging trouble zones. Many residents say cases of phone snatching, armed robberies, and gang activity have intensified in recent weeks, with criminals appearing increasingly organised and strategic. Some target commuters during peak hours, while others strike late at night in dimly lit residential courts and isolated footpaths.

Security observers attribute the surge to several factors including economic pressures, unemployment, reduced police visibility, and Nairobi’s rapidly growing population that creates spaces where criminals can easily blend in. Drug and substance abuse among idle youth has also been cited as a major contributor. A community leader in Buruburu noted that the trend is not random, saying,

“It’s a combination of economic frustrations and weak neighbourhood policing.”

Many Nairobi residents say insecurity has already changed their routines. Jane Muthoni, a shop owner in Roysambu, told 3T that she now closes earlier for safety.

“By 8pm we must lock up. Thugs walk around confidently, and if you call for help, police arrive too late,”

she said. In Umoja, boda boda operators report being lured by criminals posing as customers, only to be ambushed moments later. Commuters in the CBD have also raised alarms over evening muggings around Archives, River Road, Globe Cinema and Tom Mboya Street, where thieves often escape on motorbikes.

The National Police Service says it has increased patrols, sent undercover teams, and is working with community policing units to ease the situation. Commanders in Starehe and Kasarani sub-counties maintain that operations targeting active gangs are underway, though residents insist more consistent efforts are required. Security specialists argue that improved urban lighting, CCTV coverage, faster emergency response, and stronger prosecution of repeat offenders are key to restoring order.

In the meantime, neighborhoods are taking matters into their own hands. WhatsApp security groups, revived Nyumba Kumi clusters, and installation of private CCTV systems have become common across Nairobi’s estates. Some landlords are now demanding biometric access or stricter visitor registration. Civil society groups stress that long-term solutions must address underlying issues such as youth unemployment, poverty, and lack of support programs. As one researcher from Nairobi University put it,

“Without addressing root causes, crackdowns alone won’t solve Nairobi’s insecurity problem.”

As crime hotspots continue to expand, residents fear that unless authorities implement stronger, coordinated, and sustained interventions, daily life will become increasingly unsafe. For now, Nairobians remain alert adjusting their movements, relying more on each other, and hoping for lasting solutions to restore safety across the city.

Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: December 08, 2025