US Issues Travel Advisory Against Kenya over Terrorism, Crime and Covid-19

The US has issued a travel advisory against Kenya citing crime, terrorism, health issues, and kidnapping.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level Three Covid-19 health notice, indicating a high-level of coronavirus in the country.

“Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine,” the alert reads.

The US Embassy warned Americans against traveling to the Kenya-Somalia border (Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir counties) and some coastal areas (Tana River, Lamu, and north of Malindi) due to terrorism.

“Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship.”

“Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings,” the advisory added.

American nationals are also advised to avoid travel to areas of Turkana County (Road from Kainuk to Lodwar) due to banditry and reconsider travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to crime and kidnapping.  

“Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time,” the notice adds.

“Local police are willing but often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks.  Emergency medical and fire service is also limited.”