If you are in danger, call 999 or 112 now. For gender-based violence support, call the free national helpline 1195.
Chatting online
- Keep conversations on Mechi until you trust someone. If they push you to move to WhatsApp or another app quickly, be careful.
- Do not share your home address, workplace, ID number or bank details.
- Never send money, M-Pesa, airtime or gifts to someone you met on Mechi, whatever the story. Emergencies, investments and travel costs are common scams.
- Be wary of anyone who avoids a video call or keeps postponing a meeting.
Meeting in person
- Meet in a busy public place, such as a café or restaurant, and stay there.
- Tell a friend or family member who you are meeting, where and when, and check in with them during the date.
- Arrange your own transport to and from meet location.
- Due to drink spike cases, keep your drinks in site. Watch what you drink and know your limit, if uou feel uncomfortable at any moment, excuse yourself and leave.
Protecting your privacy
- Mechi shows others a rounded distance, never your exact location, and removes location data from your photos.
- Avoid photos that show your house, your car number plate or your workplace.
- Use a password you do not use anywhere else.
Blocking and reporting
In any chat, tap Options. Block stops you seeing each other anywhere on Mechi. Report sends the conversation to our team for review and blocks the person straight away. They are not told either way.
Report anyone who asks for money, harasses you, uses fake photos, or may be under 18. You can also email [email protected].
Help in Kenya
| Service | Number | When to call |
|---|---|---|
| Police, ambulance, fire | 999 or 112 | You or someone else is in danger |
| Gender-based violence helpline | 1195 | Free, 24 hours, for anyone affected by violence or abuse |
| Childline Kenya | 116 | Free helpline for anyone worried about a child |
If something happened on a date that you want to report to Mechi, email [email protected]. We will help with any information the police need, as the law allows.