US Issues a Warning for Citizens Traveling to Kenya

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.”

Comments

Maxiley (not verified)     Thu, 10/06/2022 @ 02:45am

Well these warnings could applied to any city in USA actually.I guess in your own country its fine...you are on your own.
Nontheless,If I were planing to vacation in Kenya,and I read this, being a prudent individual,I would shift my vacation to a safer place.Especially if Iam with my family.
See how insecurity drives away dollars...

MakOnyango (not verified)     Thu, 10/06/2022 @ 09:04am

The arrogance of these peckerwoods is mindboggling. They need to issue travel visitation warnings to their big cities such as Chicago, Baltimore, LA etc and also warn all elementary, middle, and high schools students to be home-schooled if they want to stay alive.

Guesty (not verified)     Thu, 10/06/2022 @ 05:01pm

In reply to by MakOnyango (not verified)

In Kenya the government is part of the criminals.

Then you have Bandits in Rift-Valley. Terrorists in North Eastern & Mboni forest.

Then you have Mungiki in central Kenya & all the local gangs in Coast & Nairobi.

It’s too much.

Kora Kanini (not verified)     Thu, 10/06/2022 @ 02:48pm

This is some BS.
Which city is safe in USA?
Which city in USA that can claim to have zero murders, mugging break ins, etc?
Every city has some great and bad spots and Kenya is not exceptional.

GG (not verified)     Thu, 10/06/2022 @ 03:10pm

Facts though slightly exaggerated!

Here when you call the police or DCI for help, they will ask you for a mandatory & ridiculous amount of facilitation money and thereafter you’ll be taken in circles!

Underprivilege… (not verified)     Thu, 10/06/2022 @ 04:13pm

It is a well documented fact that these travel advisory warnings are at times used to strongarm weak countries into accepting deals with the US government which disproportionally favors American interests. Ruto received their support in his presidential bid and I think he now does not want to pay the piper.

Guesty (not verified)     Thu, 10/06/2022 @ 05:03pm

The insecurity in Kenya is just too much.

Tourists should stay away from Kenya until another government shows up.

BFW (not verified)     Thu, 10/06/2022 @ 07:15pm

Issue a warning to all black people for all black states. OH and here it’s the police that kill you and face no consequences, all they need to do is say the magic words, “I was scared for my life”.

BFW (not verified)     Thu, 10/06/2022 @ 07:16pm

Issue a warning to all black people for all 50 states. OH and here it’s the police that kill you and face no consequences, all they need to do is say the magic words, “I was scared for my life”.

Mkenya halisi (not verified)     Fri, 10/07/2022 @ 12:53am

Africa tunabebwanga unjinga we need do the same to the west where actually chances of dying is higher than in Africa.Sisi ni Bure kabisa Watu weusi.We need to b shutting the Usa embassy’s everytime they come of of this bullshit.

sam (not verified)     Fri, 10/07/2022 @ 07:33am

this is just due diligence by the us embassy so that they are not accused of negligence if something happens to their people...the opposite of Kenyan embassy which does nothing

sam (not verified)     Fri, 10/07/2022 @ 07:51am

this is just due diligence by the us embassy so that they are not accused of negligence if something happens to their people...the opposite of Kenyan embassy which does nothing

Sam (not verified)     Fri, 10/07/2022 @ 08:26am

This is just due diligence by the US embassy in case anything happens to their people... I think maybe the Kenyan embassy could do the same for wananchi in the middle east

Anonymous (not verified)     Fri, 10/07/2022 @ 11:38am

It's time for Kenyans to come up with alternative income other than tourism.
The advise here to the west is don't come to Kenya. Kenyans have a lot of problems.
May our God and our ancestors guide us.
All countries have their unique issues and problems.
Let each country deal with its own problems

Vanessa (not verified)     Fri, 10/07/2022 @ 01:01pm

When another man has to feed your house,its their word over yours. They will dictate what happens in and around you. If you know you know

SimamaImara (not verified)     Fri, 10/07/2022 @ 09:15pm

Africa countries must put their act together like China did and moved 700m ppl out of poverty in 40 years. That's the only way to get respect and shut the mouths of the West. Money power respect. Kagame is trying it. You don't need expensive democracy to do it. Just action and moving forward towards the goal. Reactions to the West travel warnings are a sign of being in a weakling position,they don't help.

Mugo (not verified)     Sat, 10/08/2022 @ 01:04pm

This is hypocrisy of the highest degree, in Stockton California there is a serial killer randomly murdering people and all they are telling them is to find someone to walk with at night🤷🏽‍♂️. On the Vegas strip there was a guy randomly slashing people with a knife. We did not hear them issue advisories to tourists or even residents to avoid or be careful. Even the bible say don't look at the spec in someone else eye when you have a login yours.

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