The US has issued a travel advisory against Kenya, cautioning its citizen against Covid-19, crime, terrorism, health issues, and kidnapping in several towns, with some estates in Nairobi, ranked at the top.
U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued the Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Kenya due to Covid-19 - indicating a moderate level of the disease in the country - in a notice dated Tuesday, June 8.
The US Department of State further warned its citizens to reconsider travelling to Nairobi's Eastleigh and Kibera estates at all times due to crime and kidnapping.
"Be especially careful when travelling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime. Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time.
"Local police are willing but often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire service is also limited," the US castigated Kenya's National Police Service (NPS) while advising its nationals.
It added that terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship.
According to the department, terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings.
Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the vicinity of the Kenyan-Somali border, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
A notice to airmen is filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of the flight
"Some schools and other facilities acting as cultural rehabilitation centres are operating in Kenya with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight.
Reports of minors and young adults being held in these facilities against their wills and physically abused are common," pilots were cautioned.
The US advised its citizen that if they decide to travel to Kenya, one should;
Visit the U.S. Embassy's web page regarding Covid-19.
Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and Covid-19.
Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
Make contingency plans to leave the country in the event of an emergency.
Review the traveller’s checklist.
Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable).
Keep original documents in a secure location.
Enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
Review the Crime and Safety Report for Kenya.
Do not travel to the Kenya-Somalia border counties and coastal areas due to terrorism concerns. US government personnel are prohibited from travelling to the Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas in Kilifi County, north of Malindi and Turkana County.
