UK Raises Alarm about Latest Threat in Nairobi CBD

United Kingdom (UK) issued a warning to its citizens in Kenya advising them against walking in the streets of Nairobi and Mombasa due to increased cases of mugging. 

In a statement, Britain noted that even though mugging and related crimes did not necessarily target foreigners, UK nationals were advised to keep off areas that exposed them to such incidences.

"Foreigners are not generally targeted, but incidents of violent crime have resulted in the death of several British nationals in recent years," the statement from UK's government portal read.

The statement categorically cautioned UK citizens residing or traveling to Kenya to keep away from areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border unless on essential travel.

[caption caption="A busy street in Nairobi"][/caption]

Citizens were also warned against higher crime rates in Nairobi slum areas, Old Town of Mombasa and at the Likoni Ferry in Mombasa county.

Lamu Island and Manda Island were however excluded from the travel advisory that named Lamu county and Garissa County as regions of security concern for the UK citizens.

Also excluded from the travel advisory were national parks, reserves and wildlife conservancies, the beach resorts in Mombasa, Malindi, Kilifi, Watamu, and Diani.

"Around 100,000 UK residents visit Kenya every year. Most visits are trouble-free," the report elaborated in part.

Additionally, Jomo Kenyatta Airport (JKIA) Nairobi, Moi International Airport Mombasa, Malindi airport and Manda airport were also given a clean bill of health.

The report, however, cited terrorism threats such as attacks from the terror group Al Shabaab as the likely source of threat especially in regions bordering Somalia.

[caption caption="Police manning traffic in Nairobi"][/caption]

In addition, the advisory report indicated that political tensions remained high since the November presidential inauguration with the possibility of demonstrations and clashes.

  • . . .