US Issues Level 3 Travel Advisory for Kenya over COVID-19 Fears

The US has warned its citizens against traveling to Kenya over the risk of contracting COVID-19.

The State Department issued a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" advisory for Kenya on Tuesday, based on a parallel warning from the US Centers for Disease Control.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Kenya due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country,” the State Department stated in the advisory.

“Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine.  Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.”

The State Department further 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.

They were 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.”