The United Kingdom on Saturday, January 11 issued a travel advisory to its citizens over travelling to certain parts of Kenya.
In a statement sent through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the UK advised against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border and Garissa County.
The office also advised against travelling to Lamu County excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island and also to Tana River County north of the Tana River itself and within 15km of the coast from the Tana River down to the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River.
According to the statement, the step was taken after the establishment of facts that pointed out to high probabilities of terrorist attacks.
“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Kenya. There is a heightened threat of terrorism, including terrorist kidnappings, across Kenya.
“Attacks, including terrorist kidnappings, could target Westerners, including British nationals,” read the statement.
The communication also highlighted establishments which may be at the risk of attacks, asking citizens to be more vigilant and avoid them.
“Attacks could occur at any time, including around religious or public holidays.
“Attacks could be indiscriminate in places frequented by foreigners, including hotels, bars, restaurants, sports bars and nightclubs, sporting events, supermarkets, shopping centres, commercial buildings, coastal areas including beaches, government buildings, airports, buses, trains and other transport hubs,” further read the statement.
The British citizens were also warned against travelling to Lamu Island via road due to increased attacks targeting foreigners.
“Travellers to Lamu Island and Manda Island should be particularly vigilant given the close proximity of these islands to the Lamu County mainland,” the UK advised.
“Due to the threat of terrorism, if you travel to Lamu Island or Manda Island you should do so by air to Lamu Airport (a civilian airport on Manda Island), and not by road,” read the statement.
On Sunday, January 5, Al Shabaab terrorists executed an attack on a military airstrip in Lamu County.
In the attack, three US service members were killed.
