Safety Tips

Your safety matters to us

Meeting new people is exciting, but it's important to stay cautious. Whether you're chatting on the App or meeting in person, these tips will help you stay safe while using Mapenzi.

1. Online Safety

Protect Your Personal Information

• Never share your home address, workplace, or daily routine with someone you haven't met in person.
• Avoid sharing financial information, bank details, or M-Pesa PINs with anyone on the App.
• Be cautious about sharing your full name or social media handles early on.
• Use Mapenzi's in-app messaging rather than moving to personal phone numbers or WhatsApp too quickly.

Watch Out for Scams

• Never send money to someone you've met on a dating app, regardless of their story or situation.
• Be wary of people who quickly profess strong feelings or push for an exclusive relationship.
• Watch for inconsistencies in someone's story or profile.
• If someone asks you to leave Mapenzi to chat on another platform very early, be cautious.
• Be skeptical of users who always have excuses for not meeting in person or video calling.

Report Suspicious Behavior

• Use the Report button on any profile or conversation that makes you uncomfortable.
• Block users who harass, threaten, or make you feel unsafe.
• All reports are reviewed by our team and kept confidential.

2. Meeting in Person

Take Your Time

• There's no rush. Get to know someone through messages and voice notes before agreeing to meet.
• Have a video call or voice call before meeting in person so you can verify they are who they say they are.
• Trust your instincts — if you're not comfortable, it's perfectly fine to say no or to postpone.

Choose a Safe Location

• Always meet in a public place for your first few dates — a coffee shop, restaurant, or shopping mall.
• Avoid going to someone's home or inviting them to yours until you've built trust over multiple meetings.
• Choose a location you're familiar with and that you can easily leave.

Tell Someone You Trust

• Tell a friend or family member where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you expect to be back.
• Share your live location with a trusted contact while on your date.
• Arrange a check-in call — have a friend call you at a specific time so you can confirm you're safe.

Stay in Control

• Arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point. Don't rely on your date for a ride.
• Keep your phone charged and with you at all times.
• Limit alcohol consumption, especially on a first meeting. Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Never leave your drink or food unattended.
• If you feel uncomfortable at any point, leave. You don't owe anyone an explanation.

3. Consent & Respect

• Consent is essential — in every interaction, both online and offline.
• Always ask before escalating physical contact. A match on a dating app is not consent to anything.
• Respect boundaries. If someone says no or asks you to stop, respect their wishes immediately.
• Consent can be withdrawn at any time. A previous "yes" does not mean a permanent "yes."
• If someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they cannot give valid consent.

4. Sexual Health

• If a relationship becomes intimate, prioritize your sexual health.
• Use protection and get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Communicate openly with your partner about sexual health.
• Visit a healthcare provider or clinic for regular check-ups.

5. If Something Goes Wrong

Emergency Contacts in Kenya

• Police: 999 or 112
• Gender-Based Violence Hotline: 1195
• Childline Kenya: 116

Report to Mapenzi

• Use the in-app Report feature to flag concerning users or behavior.
• Email us at safety@mapenziapp.com for urgent safety concerns.
• We take all reports seriously and will investigate promptly.

No set of safety tips can eliminate all risk, but being informed and cautious significantly reduces it. Trust your instincts, set your boundaries, and enjoy meeting new people on Mapenzi.