US Issues New Security Alert to its Citizens in Kenya

The US government has released a travel alert for Kenya, warning American citizens not to visit certain areas of the country due to an increased security threat. 

The State Department has specifically cautioned against travel to North Eastern counties of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa where there has been an uptick in kidnapping and terrorism incidents. Coastal counties including Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, and Malindi have also been flagged as high-risk areas for kidnapping and terrorism. The State Department has also advised against using the Likoni ferry in Mombasa due to safety concerns. 

Additionally, American citizens are advised to avoid travelling to Turkana County, particularly the road from Kainuk to Lodwar due to frequent criminal activity and armed robbery. Those considering travelling to the Nairobi neighbourhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera are urged to exercise caution due to the high occurrence of violent crimes such as armed carjacking, home invasion, mugging, and kidnapping.

The US State Department has labelled Laikipia County as a threat to travel. The State Department has also cautioned against touring through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties. The US government has voiced its apprehension concerning the erratic execution of acts of terrorism in Kenya that typically focus on government installations, tourist hangouts, areas of mass transportation, estates, and places of worship.

Demonstrations in Western Kenya and Nairobi usually triggered by economic and political instability have also been cited as a potential security threat. To ensure personal safety, the US State Department advises its citizens to remain in places where other Westerners often frequent and refrain from opposing any attempted robberies. Additionally, the US has urged its citizens to stay vigilant and monitor local news for developments. In case of an emergency or if conditions worsen, US citizens are advised to modify their itinerary or exit the country.

This is the second time in two weeks that the US has issued a travel alert for Kenya. The previous one was issued on July 25, 2021, ahead of vigils organized by Azimio la Umoja to honour victims of anti-government protests which the State Department warned could turn violent.