In Kenya, there are specific streets and buildings where simply using your phone’s camera can lead to terrorism charges. Kenya is one of the leading countries in terms of security measures.
There are certain streets and buildings in Kenya that are highly guarded, yet you’ll find little to no images of them on Google or other search engines.
This heightened security is often due to the presence of high-profile individuals or ongoing special operations in these areas.
Rooftop snipers, street patrols, and heavy concrete barriers placed at the center of these areas ensure that all access is thoroughly verified before entry is granted.
In this article, we shall take a look at some of the most heavily guarded streets and buildings in Kenya.
1. State House Nairobi & State House Road
The country’s first-in-command office is undoubtedly the most heavily guarded place in Kenya.
There is a large amount of security detail, with specialized unit officers from the Reece Squad and the General Service Unit (GSU) always vigilant.
Cars and people entering or moving around State House Nairobi undergo thorough security checks to ensure maximum security in the area. The street is home to two foreign embassies, all heavily guarded by officers donned in red berets.
Taking photographs or idling in this area is highly prohibited. Even something as innocuous as taking selfies can get you a date with security guards, detention and grilling for days.
2. The UN Embassy & UN Avenue in Gigiri
After the 1998 US Embassy bombing in Nairobi, the embassy’s location was relocated to Gigiri in Nairobi. This area is also among the most heavily guarded in Kenya.
The area surrounding the Consulate has a high military presence. Vehicles and people entering the embassy undergo thorough security checks, which may include the use of sniffer dogs.
Idling and taking photographs in this area is highly prohibited.
3. Department of Defense (DoD) HQ & Woodlands Road
Every day, thousands of members of the public pass through the routes near the Department of Defense. However, upon closer scrutiny, it should be intuitive that more than enough eyes are watching all and sundry compared to other streets.
Kenya Defence Forces soldiers are constantly on watch on the road for anything that seems a threat. After keen sneak peeks, you may also notice a few sniper nests.
On the opposite side of the road where the Chinese consulate is located, there are specially trained security officers. Photography is strictly prohibited in the area.
4. Harambee Avenue, Harambee Annex & Vigilance House
The Harambee Avenue in Nairobi’s CBD is home to some of the top most offices in the country, including the President’s, Deputy President’s, Treasury and the National Police Service Headquarters.
This street is sacrosanct. All through Harambee Avenue, trained officers are on careful watch and are always analysing potential threats before they escalate.
When the President travels through the area, an extra layer of security is added to his usual heavy detail. Photography and idling may lead to arrests.
5. Parliament Road & Parliament Buildings
This street ranks among the most heavily guarded in Kenya, given that it houses over 350 lawmakers from across the country.
Each lawmaker is assigned a minimum of 2 security personnel, which stacks the numbers of the street’s reputation as one of the safest in Kenya.
Both sides of the road are heavily guarded by security officers who control traffic flow via installed road spikes. Photographing in the area or careless idling can lead to trouble with the officers.
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6. Bishop Road & The Israeli Embassy in Kenya
A security expert who spoke to a local daily in 2020 revealed that this is one of the most impenetrable fortresses in Kenya. This road is home to the Israeli Embassy and the Fairmont Hotel.
Here, unlike other streets where military officers operate in the open, trained personnel work in stealth. Strategically placed rock boulders are placed along the streets to coerce motorists to slow down their speeds and move in a weaving pattern.
Photography and loitering in the area is strongly discouraged.
7. Tumbo Avenue & Central Bank of Kenya
This road runs between the Times Tower and the Central Bank of Kenya, with officers stationed along its length.
At times, the road is completely sealed off as heavily armoured vehicles conduct their due diligence in the area. During these periods, security details are seen patrolling the area.
Idling and photography is strictly prohibited.
