Canada Issues Travel Advisory for Kenya Ahead of Saba Saba Protests on July 7

As Kenya prepares for nationwide demonstrations scheduled for 7 July 2025, foreign missions are escalating security advisories, citing potential violence and the enduring threat of terrorism. 

The Canadian Embassy has issued a strong warning to its citizens, urging extreme caution due to the heightened risk of unrest linked to the annual Saba Saba Day commemorations. Saba Saba, historically significant as a day symbolising Kenya's pro-democracy movement, has evolved into a focal point for civic mobilisation. However, this year's political climate is especially tense. 

Recent protests have been marred by incidents of looting, shootings, and clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The Canadian Embassy's advisory, released on 3 July, highlights the volatile situation, noting that gatherings may occur both before and after the scheduled date, with potential disruptions to transport, telecommunications, and internet services. 

Kenyan authorities are reportedly preparing for large-scale security deployments across the country, with the potential imposition of curfews and movement restrictions without prior notice. Foreign nationals, particularly those residing in urban centres such as Nairobi, are being advised to avoid protest zones, government buildings, and other high-risk areas. 

The Canadian Embassy has stressed the importance of monitoring local media and adhering strictly to directives issued by Kenyan authorities. Beyond the immediate concerns of civil unrest, the security advisory also addresses ongoing threats of terrorism. 

Several regions, including Nairobi, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Meru, Narok, and coastal areas, are flagged as potential targets for extremist activity. The northeastern counties of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, bordering Somalia, are identified as particularly vulnerable, with an elevated risk of kidnapping and attacks involving improvised explosive devices. 

Previous incidents in these areas, including at the Dadaab refugee camp near the Somali border, have resulted in fatalities. The Canadian Embassy's warning extends to a 50-kilometre radius along the Ethiopian border, an area destabilised by cross-border conflicts. Public spaces frequently visited by foreigners, such as hotels, shopping centres, places of worship, and transport hubs, are also identified as potential targets. 

The advisory urges heightened vigilance during religious holidays and public celebrations, periods that terrorist groups have historically exploited to conduct attacks.