The U.S has issued a terror alert to Americans residing in or travelling to Kenya, warning of 'ongoing and persistent terror threats'.
In the alert issued on Tuesday, August 19, the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs flagged extremist group al-Shabaab as a lurking threat in the country.
"Terrorist groups, such as al-Shabaab, are an ongoing and persistent threat not only in Kenya as a whole, but also in Nairobi," the alert read.
In the advisory, tourists planning to visit or already in Kenya were urged to remain cautious, particularly in areas prone to attracting large crowds or international visitors, noting that attacks by extremist groups tend to be unannounced.
"Locations such as hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists continue to be attractive targets," the statement added.
The US issued the alert partly because Kenya is perceived as vulnerable to attacks around certain calendar dates, such as the anniversaries of the 1998 US Embassy bombing on August 7, the September 11 attacks and the 2013 Westgate Mall attack on September 21.
According to the US Department of State, these dates came with heightened risks, as extremist groups may seek to exploit their 'symbolic value'.
The advisory strongly encouraged Americans to review their personal security plans and stay alert and mindful of their surroundings at all times.
Specifically, US residents were urged to avoid demonstrations, large crowds, and protest-prone areas, as these can easily become volatile.
To further enhance their safety, the US government advised its citizens to maintain a low profile and consistently monitor local news outlets for security developments.
Tourists have also be urged to remain enrolled in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP), which provides real time alerts and assists the US embassy in locating its citizens during emergencies.
Despite the US maintaining strong counterterrorism cooperation with Kenya for years, advisories have become somewhat of a norm in recent months. This latest warning came months after another alert was issued at the height of anti-government protests and insecurity on some of Kenya's borders.
