Knowing how to contact the police in Nairobi can help residents, commuters and visitors request assistance during a robbery, assault, road incident or other security emergency. This guide brings together official police emergency numbers, DCI reporting channels and practical information to provide when asking for help.

For ambulance, fire and rescue contacts, visit the Nairobi Emergency Services Guide.

For an immediate police emergency, call 999, 112 or 911. These numbers are listed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations among Kenya’s police hotlines. Source: DCI

Nairobi Police Emergency Numbers

The emergency and crime-reporting contacts are published by the DCI, while headquarters details appear on the DCI contact page and National Police Service website.

Official online listings checked on September 1, 2026. Telephone lines were not test-called. Headquarters enquiry numbers are not dedicated emergency-dispatch lines.

When to Call the Police Emergency Hotlines

Call 999, 112 or 911 when an incident requires urgent police assistance, such as an ongoing robbery, violent attack, immediate threat or a road incident presenting a serious danger.

Start with your location and explain what is happening. Tell the operator whether anyone is injured, whether weapons are involved and whether the danger is continuing.

If the call does not connect, try another listed emergency number. During an immediate threat, prioritise calling over waiting for a WhatsApp reply.

Reporting Crime Through DCI

The DCI’s Fichua hotline, 0800 722 203, operates around the clock. DCI describes it as a toll-free service through which callers may provide information anonymously.

The hotline can be used to share information about a crime, a suspect or suspected criminal activity. Give specific details and clearly distinguish what you personally witnessed from information someone else told you. Source: DCI crime-reporting guidance

DCI also publishes 0709 570 000 as its WhatsApp reporting number. When sharing information, provide a concise explanation of the incident and any relevant location, date, time or supporting material. Source: DCI

What to Tell the Police Operator

Useful information includes:

• Your estate, road, building or nearest recognisable landmark.
• What happened and whether it is still happening.
• Whether anyone is injured or in immediate danger.
• The number of people involved.
• A description of a suspect or vehicle, if you observed it safely.
• A vehicle registration number and direction of travel, where known.
• A callback number if you are requesting assistance at the scene.

For incidents involving public transport, identify the boarding stage, route, vehicle registration and operator or sacco where possible.

For example, reporting an incident “near the petrol station beside the outbound stage on Thika Road” gives responders more useful information than saying only “on Thika Road.”

Reporting an Incident at a Police Station

For a report that requires an in-person visit, approach a nearby police station and explain the incident at the report desk. Ask which officer or department will handle the matter.

Bring relevant information where available, such as transaction records, messages, photographs, vehicle details or witness contacts. Keep original digital records intact.

Ask for the report’s reference or Occurrence Book number, where applicable, and note the station, reporting date and follow-up instructions. A report reference helps identify the matter during later enquiries.

Direct station telephone numbers are not included here because current official confirmation was unavailable. Older online directories contain conflicting contacts.

Road Incidents and Injured Commuters

When reporting a road incident, give the road name, direction of travel, nearest junction and whether vehicles are blocking traffic. Explain whether people are injured or trapped so the operator understands what assistance may be required.

If medical assistance is needed, also consult the Nairobi Ambulance Services directory. It lists ambulance providers and their emergency contacts.

For information about receiving hospitals, see the Nairobi Emergency Centres guide.

DCI Headquarters in Nairobi

DCI headquarters is at Mazingira House on Kiambu Road, opposite the Kenya Forest Service headquarters in Karura.

General telephone: 020 720 2000
Crime-reporting hotline: 0800 722 203
Official website: Directorate of Criminal Investigations

Contact the office before travelling for an administrative enquiry to establish which department handles your request.

Keep Emergency Contacts Accessible

Save police emergency numbers on your phone and share them with household members or colleagues who may need them.

Metros Kenya provides this guide for public information. Police assistance must be requested directly through the official channels listed above.