Living in Nairobi is rewarding, but like any major city, things can go wrong. Phones get lost. Cars break down. People get sick. Power goes out. Traffic accidents happen.

When something does go wrong, the difference between stress and control often comes down to one thing: who you can call, and how fast.

This guide walks you through the essential emergency numbers and services in Nairobi, explains when to use them, and shows you what you should save in your phone right now, not later.

If you live in or plan to stay in Nairobi, this is information you don’t want to scroll past.

Why Emergency Contacts Matter More in Nairobi

In Nairobi, emergency response works differently from what you may be used to. There is no single system that handles everything perfectly. Some services respond quickly. Others depend on location, time of day, or traffic.

You can’t assume someone else will handle it for you.

When you know who to call, how to explain your location, and what to expect, you stay calm. Calm decisions save time. Time matters.

If you’re staying in a serviced or furnished apartment—like those listed on The Skyline Collection’s property listings page—you already have an advantage. Many buildings have security, guards, and management support. But you still need your own backup list.

National Emergency Numbers You Should Save First

Start with the basics. These numbers work across Kenya and should be saved exactly as written.

Police, Ambulance, and Fire Services

999 / 112 / 911

These three numbers connect you to national emergency services. You can call any of them, even without airtime.

Use these numbers if:

  • You witness or experience a serious crime

  • There’s a medical emergency

  • There’s a fire or major accident

  • Someone’s life is in immediate danger

When you call:

  • Stay calm

  • Say your location slowly

  • Mention a well-known landmark

  • Follow instructions

Do not hang up until they tell you to.

Medical Emergency Services in Nairobi

Public emergency services exist, but many Nairobi residents rely on private ambulance providers because they respond faster, especially in high-traffic areas.

Kenya Red Cross Ambulance

1199

This is one of the most reliable emergency medical services in Nairobi. They handle accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies.

Call them if:

  • Someone collapses

  • There’s a road accident

  • You need urgent transport to a hospital

Private Hospitals and Emergency Units

If you live in areas like Kilimani, Westlands, or Lavington, you are usually close to major hospitals. Save the emergency numbers of the nearest hospital to your apartment.

Don’t wait until you’re sick to look this up.

Apartment and Building Security Contacts

If you live in a gated community or serviced apartment, your first call may not be the police.

Most buildings have:

  • 24/7 guards

  • A building manager

  • A caretaker or front desk

Save these numbers under clear labels like:

  • “Building Security – Night”

  • “Apartment Manager”

  • “Front Desk”

If there’s suspicious activity, noise issues, or someone tries to access your building, security can act faster than external services.

If you’re staying in professionally managed apartments—like those offered by The Skyline Collection in Kileleshwa or Westlands—on-site security is one of the biggest safety advantages. Use it.

Roadside Assistance and Car Emergencies

If you drive in Nairobi, you need roadside contacts. Nairobi roads are unpredictable. Tires burst. Batteries die. Traffic accidents happen.

What to Save Before You Drive

  • Your car rental provider’s emergency line

  • A trusted mechanic

  • Roadside towing service

If you’re using a rental, this is critical. If something goes wrong, do not negotiate on the roadside. Call the provider.

If you rent through The Skyline Collection’s car hire services in Nairobi, save the contacts immediately. It saves time and avoids confusion during breakdowns or accidents.

Power, Water, and Utility Emergencies

Not all emergencies involve people. Sometimes it’s infrastructure.

Electricity Issues

Save the contact for your building manager first. Many power issues are internal.

If it’s a wider outage, your manager will usually confirm it’s a city issue.

Water Leaks and Flooding

If water is leaking inside your apartment:

  • Shut off water if possible

  • Call building maintenance immediately

Do not wait. Water damage spreads fast.

Embassy and Consular Contacts (For Foreign Residents)

If you’re a foreigner living in Nairobi, save your embassy’s emergency number.

Use it if:

  • You lose your passport

  • You’re detained

  • There’s a serious legal issue

Do not rely on email during emergencies. Save the phone number.

Ride-Hailing Safety Contacts

If you use ride-hailing apps:

  • Enable in-app emergency buttons

  • Share your live location with a trusted contact

  • Save a local friend’s number who can respond quickly

If something feels off, trust your instincts. Cancel the ride. Step into a public place.

What to Do When You Call for Help

Having numbers isn’t enough. How you communicate matters.

When calling emergency services:

  1. Say what happened

  2. Say where you are

  3. Mention a landmark

  4. Stay on the line

Avoid long explanations. Short, clear sentences work best.

Build Your Personal Emergency Contact List Today

Before you finish reading this article, save:

  • National emergency numbers

  • Building security

  • Nearest hospital

  • Car hire or roadside assistance

  • A trusted local contact

Name each contact clearly. Don’t scroll through confusion when you’re stressed.

Final Thoughts

Most days in Nairobi are normal. You work, eat out, sit in traffic, go home. But emergencies don’t give warnings.

Prepared people don’t panic. They act.

Save the right numbers. Know who to call. And choose housing and transport options that support you when things don’t go as planned.

That’s how you stay in control in Nairobi.