- The festive season should be a time of joy and connection, not preventable loss caused by avoidable lapses in personal safety and security.
- From social media habits and travel decisions to digital transactions and public gatherings, personal responsibility remains the strongest first line of defense against festive season risks.
- Awareness, restraint, and deliberate choices can transform the festive season from a period of heightened vulnerability into one of safe celebration and lasting memories.
As we cheer and make merry during this festive season, personal safety and security must remain paramount. The holidays present a rare opportunity to take a short break from a year long busy work or business routine in order to celebrate and spend time with friends and family. This period is often characterized by increased spending, travel, shopping, and social activities as people seek to bond, unwind, and create lifelong memories with their loved ones.
Unfortunately, in the course of these celebrations, many people tend to throw caution to the wind. This often results in avoidable victimization arising from actions and behaviours that could otherwise be easily prevented. These risks manifest in increased road accidents, muggings, house break ins, and various forms of violence against persons, particularly during the festive period.
One critical safety and security concern that requires careful handling is social media use. Social media plays a unique role both as a platform through which crimes are committed and as a tool for crime prevention and reporting. Criminals take time to profile and analyse their targets by closely following social media handles, updates, and posts over time.
When individuals share family photos at airports, beaches, or holiday destinations, they unknowingly provide criminals with valuable intelligence that their residences are unattended. Similarly, posting videos while intoxicated during office end year parties late at night makes individuals even more vulnerable. Criminals often wait at gates whose locations have been repeatedly shared on social media. It is therefore necessary to rethink how we use social media. As we reshare, like, and follow, we must limit highly personal details that could compromise our safety should such information fall into the wrong hands.
Local and foreign travel is another defining feature of the festive season. Increased movement leads to heavy traffic and a corresponding rise in road incidents. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority, the number of road accidents and fatalities recorded in December increases every successive year. This is largely attributed to driver fatigue, particularly among public service vehicle drivers who work without adequate rest in an effort to maximize income, as well as drunk driving, careless driving, and general rush on the roads.
While enforcement and regulation remain the responsibility of relevant state agencies, individuals also have a role to play in ensuring their own safety. Planning travel early can help reduce unnecessary rush. Passengers should speak up against and report drunk or careless drivers. It is also important to remember that vehicles do not know home. After taking alcohol, one should avoid driving and instead take a cab or rely on a designated driver. These simple yet lifesaving measures can help ensure that roads remain social and economic enablers rather than death traps.
Another key safety and security concern during the festive season relates to online financial transactions. This exposure is heightened by the increased adoption of digital financial services and innovations within the country. While these platforms offer convenience, they also expose users to cyber threats that exist everywhere, from homes to shopping centres and entertainment venues.
The rise in cybercrime is largely due to the neglect of basic safety practices. These include failing to change passwords regularly, using public internet connections, reusing the same password across multiple accounts, and sharing passwords carelessly. Passwords should be treated with the same level of privacy as personal clothing items. They should never be shared, should be changed regularly, and should not be visible to others. Digital financial security requires deliberate and consistent caution.
The festive season also provides an ideal time for social and cultural events such as family gatherings, weddings, and community sports competitions. These activities are often scheduled during the holidays to maximize participation and output. However, criminals closely monitor such events in order to identify suitable targets.
Common incidents associated with these gatherings include sexual assaults, muggings, and robberies, particularly targeting visitors who are unfamiliar with local routes, customs, and surroundings. Those visiting friends and family in rural areas should therefore remain vigilant. To reduce exposure, individuals should avoid openly displaying expensive electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and watches, as well as jewellery including necklaces and earrings.
Young women and girls are particularly encouraged to avoid using lone routes, especially in the evenings and at night, as this significantly increases the risk of sexual assault.
In a democratic society, personal safety and security form an essential part of the social contract between citizens and the state. While the state bears the ultimate responsibility for security provision, citizens also have a critical role in safeguarding themselves. This reality should serve as a wake up call for individuals to take charge of their personal safety, especially during the festive season when exposure to risk is highest.
Awareness and personal responsibility remain the most effective tools for prevention. As we celebrate with family and friends, let us remain alert and intentional about our safety and security.
Be aware. Take care.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Security beefed up in Uasin Gishu County ahead of Christmas
The writer is a Criminologist, Certified Security Risk Management Professional and Faculty Member at Brand Institute of Forensics and Security. Email: okirodaniel@gmail.com
