Date safely

Most people are genuine. These tips protect you from the few who aren't.

🆘 In danger right now? Call 999 or 112. Gender-based violence hotline: 1195 (free, 24/7). Childline Kenya: 116.

🏨 Never go to a hotel room or private home on early dates

There are reported cases in Kenya of people being lured from dating apps to hotel rooms, lodgings or apartments, then drugged, robbed or hurt.

Meet in busy public places, ideally in the daytime, for at least your first 3 dates.
If you meet at a hotel restaurant, stay in the public areas. Never go up to a room.
Don't go to their home, and don't invite them to yours.
Get there and leave on your own. Don't let them pick you up from home.
Never leave your drink. If you suddenly feel dizzy or very drunk, tell staff and call someone at once.
Carry little cash, and lock your phone and M-Pesa.
Leave if they pressure you to move somewhere private, then report them.

Golden rule: never send money to someone you haven't met. If you already did, contact Safaricom and report it to the DCI right away.

Verified badge: look for the blue tick, which shows they passed the phone and live selfie checks.
Mwenzi Shield: warns you in chat about money requests, private-place invitations and manipulation.
Video call: call before you meet to confirm they're the person in the photos.
Plan a safe date: creates a message with your date details to send a trusted friend.
Date check-in: a timer that can alert your trusted contact if you don't tap "I'm safe".
Emergency help: one tap to call 999, 112 or 1195.
Hide people I know: keep an ex, relatives or colleagues from seeing you.
Report and block: on every profile and chat.