The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory, warning its citizens against travelling to some parts of Kenya due to terrorism, banditry and kidnappings.
In a notice published on Thursday, September 18, the UK warned its citizens against travelling to Kenya's border with Somalia and regions that neighbour the northern part of the country.
According to the UK government, the warning was due to the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia, like the Al Shabaab and other related militia groups.
"There have been frequent attacks in the north-eastern border regions, most of which were attributed to Al Shabaab," the UK government said.
"Attacks have killed members of the Kenyan security forces as well as civilians. The Kenyan security forces have increased their presence in the affected areas," it added.
Among the areas flagged are Mandera County, Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, except for Wajir Town.
Others are Garissa County, except for Garissa Town, Lagdera Sub-County and the areas of Balambala constituency. The UK government also warned against travelling to Lamu County, except for Lamu Island and Manda Island.
"There have been attacks using landmines around Moyale, close to the main A2 road south. Vehicles crossing the Kenya-Ethiopia border at this point should stay on the A2," the UK said.
It added, "Avoid staying at the rest house at Sololo, but instead, travel directly to Marsabit before breaking the journey."
Additionally, those travelling between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Nairobi City were told to strictly use the Mombasa Road or the Nairobi Expressway.
In its notice to travellers, the UK government also raised an alarm over the surge in kidnappings across Kenya, particularly incidents targeting foreign nationals.
"There is a high risk of kidnapping across Kenya. British nationals are seen as legitimate targets. Westerners have been the target of kidnappings, and further kidnappings are very likely," the notice read.
