US Issues a Warning for Citizens Traveling to Kenya
The United States government has issued a travel advisory for its citizens traveling to Kenya, warning them to exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
In the alert dated October 4th, the Department of State warned that violent crimes such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time in Kenya.
“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,” the advisory stated.
The department further noted that 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,” it warned.
American nationals were also notified that demonstrations may occur, blocking key intersections and resulting in widespread traffic jams.
“Violence associated with demonstrations, ranging from rock throwing to police using deadly force, occurs around the country; it is mostly notable in western Kenya and Nairobi.”
Additionally, the Department of State said some schools and other facilities acting as cultural rehabilitation centers are operating in Kenya with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight.
“Reports of minors and young adults being held in these facilities against their will and physically abused are common,” it noted.
Those who decide to travel to Kenya were advised to stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners, not physically resist any robbery attempt, monitor local media for breaking events, make contingency plans to leave the country in case of an emergency, always carry a copy of their US passport and visa, and keep original documents in a secure location.
The department said US government personnel are prohibited from traveling to coastal areas and counties bordering the Kenya-Somalia border due to kidnapping and terrorism. They include Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, and areas of Kilifi County north of Malindi.
“Consider carefully whether to use the Likoni ferry in Mombasa due to safety concerns,” the department warned.
US nationals are also advised against traveling to Turkana County, particularly the road from Kainuk to Lodwar due to crime, and armed robbery, which occur frequently.
They should also avoid Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera at all times due to crime and kidnapping.
“Be especially careful when traveling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime.”