Advertisement
How to keep your wig safe when walking around Nairobi CBD
02nd September, 2026 10:50 PM
For many women, a good wig is more than something you throw on before leaving the house. It can cost thousands of shillings, take hours to install and, depending on the quality, may become a trusted member of the wardrobe. So the thought of someone reaching for it in the middle of Nairobi CBD is enough to make any wig lover walk with one hand on her head.
Concerns about theft in Nairobi CBD have resurfaced, with reports of people being targeted in busy areas. Recent incidents have also highlighted how thieves can use crowds and distractions to get close to unsuspecting pedestrians. Police have separately intensified operations against phone theft in the CBD, showing just how important it is to remain alert when walking through the city centre.
While the usual advice is to protect your phone, handbag and wallet, women now have another item to think about. If you are heading into town wearing an expensive wig, here are five simple ways to stay alert without spending your entire trip checking whether your hair is still there.
Secure your wig properly
Start with the basics. A wig that fits properly and is firmly secured is less vulnerable to a sudden pull than one that is simply sitting on your head.
Depending on the type of wig, you can use combs, clips, an adjustable strap or a suitable installation method. If you regularly wear wigs, ask your stylist about a secure method that works for you.
This is particularly important if you know you will be walking for long distances through crowded streets. You do not want your wig sliding around while you are simultaneously trying to watch your phone, avoid bumping into people and remember which street you are supposed to turn into.
And please resist the temptation to spend the entire day touching your hair. Apart from making you look nervous, constantly adjusting your wig can distract you from what is happening around you.
Keep your eyes up
Nairobi CBD can be chaotic. People are rushing to work, vendors are calling customers, matatus are competing for space and pedestrians are weaving through crowds like they are in an obstacle course.
That is exactly why you need to pay attention.
Security concerns in the CBD have involved people being followed or approached in crowded areas, while police have also been dealing with organised phone theft.
Do not walk while staring continuously at your phone. Keep your belongings close and occasionally look around you. If somebody keeps walking unusually close behind you or repeatedly changes direction when you do, move towards a busier area or enter a shop.
You do not need to become a detective. Just be aware.
Be careful with distractions
One of the oldest tricks in a crowded place is distraction. Someone starts a conversation, another person bumps into you and suddenly you are trying to understand what just happened while your belongings are no longer where you left them.
There have been concerns about groups approaching unsuspecting pedestrians in Nairobi and taking advantage of confusion to steal valuables.
If a stranger suddenly becomes very interested in you, your clothes, your phone or even your hair, stay cautious. You can be polite without stopping in the middle of a busy pavement to entertain a stranger’s entire life story.
Sometimes the best response is simply to keep walking.
Choose your route wisely
If you know you will be walking around CBD for several hours, think about your route before leaving.
Stick to busy streets where there are plenty of people around, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Be more cautious around quiet streets, poorly lit areas and places where you could easily become isolated.
The concern is particularly important later in the day. Previous security concerns in Nairobi have highlighted robbery risks in parts of the CBD after dark.
If it gets late and you are carrying several shopping bags, do not insist on walking a long distance simply because you wanted to save a few shillings. Get a trusted ride where possible and go home with your wig, phone, handbag and dignity intact.
Do not fight for your wig
This might hurt to hear, especially if you just spent Ksh30,000 on human hair, but your life is worth considerably more than your wig.
If someone attempts to rob you, prioritise getting away safely rather than fighting over property. Physically resisting a robbery can turn a theft into a much more dangerous situation.
If your wig is stolen, move to a safe place and report the incident to the police or nearby security personnel. If your phone, identification documents, bank cards or other valuables are also taken, deal with those immediately.
At the end of the day, there is no hairstyle worth risking your safety over.
