An Australian woman has been shot dead during a robbery in Kenya's capital Nairobi.
Gabrielle Maina, who was working in Nairobi as a teacher, was shot at 10am on Thursday while walking in the suburb of Karen, according to , during a botched robbery reportedly involving assailants on motorbikes.
At this stage the motive for the shooting is unknown.
Security company Insight Secure, which monitors local incidents, said a "Caucasian woman" was killed by "unidentified assailants" and "a 9mm cartridge was recovered at the crime scene", Fairfax Media reported.
Ms Maina, believed to have been 40-years old, moved to Kenya from Sydney in September 2015 with her husband and two sons.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said his prayers go out to family and friends.
"It's a tragic event and our prayers and love and condolences go out to her family and loved ones," Malcolm Turnbull told 3AW radio on Friday.
"She appears to have been killed in a fatal gunshot wound during a robbery."
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said an Australian woman had died in Kenya, but the identity would not be confirmed for privacy reasons.
“[We are] providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian woman who died in Kenya. Due to our privacy obligations, we will not release further details," the statement read.
Ms Main was working at Nairobi's Hillcrest Preparatory School.
In a statement provided to parents, the school expressed its condolences to Ms Maina's family.
"It is with great sadness and shock that we are writing to let you know that Gabrielle Maina, Head Teacher of Hillcrest Prep, has been tragically killed whilst out walking this morning," the statement published by Fairfax Media read.
"She was returning home after dropping her son at a friend's house."
The experienced teacher had previously taught at a number of schools around Sydney, in subjects including English, Italian and Drama, and had also once run her own preschool.
The NSW Teachers Federation has released a statement saying it is "deeply saddened" by Ms Maina's death.
"As an English teacher, Gabrielle was known for her passion for poetry, as well as her work mentoring students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, which included running a homework centre for students."
"Federation extends condolences to her family, friends and colleagues."
- With AAP
