UK Issues Travel Advisory to Kenya

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Kenya's Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) officers
File

The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory to its citizen residing in Kenya or those seeking to travel to the East African country.

In a communication delivered by the British High Commission in Nairobi, the UK cautioned its citizens not to travel to some parts of the country during the Ramadhan period citing increased terrorism threats.

UK listed areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border as the most prone to attacks from the Islamist group - AL Shabaab. 

It further cautioned its citizens to only travel to parts Garissa and Madera counties if it is unavoidable. 

An undated image of police sealing off a road in Nairobi during a past raid
An undated image of police sealing off a road in Nairobi during a past raid.

London also listed Lamu County (excluding Lamu and Manda Islands) and areas of Tana River county as the most prone to 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," warned the UK.

"Attacks could occur at any time, including around religious or other public holidays or celebrations."

The UK noted that attacks are always indiscriminate and target areas frequented by foreigners such as hotels, bars, restaurants, sports bars and nightclubs, sporting events, supermarkets, shopping centres, commercial buildings, beaches, government buildings, airports, buses, trains and other transport hubs.

"Places of worship including churches and mosques have also been targeted. Be particularly vigilant in these areas. You should avoid regular patterns of movement and aim to travel during daylight hours," added the UK in the advisory.

Britain noted that there are frequent incidents of violent crime including mugging, armed robbery and carjacking in large cities including Nairobi.

It further highlighted the threat of piracy in the Guld of Aden and Indian Ocean areas from the Somali pirates.

The UK High Commission asked its citizens to get in touch with the Embassy in case of any emergency.

"If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK Government, contact the nearest embassy," it advised.

UK envoy to Kenya Jane Marriott
UK envoy to Kenya Jane Marriott
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It, however, noted that consular support is limited in parts of Kenya where the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advise against all but essential travel.

"You should consider making personal contingency plans, check this travel advice when planning travel around the country," UK further noted.

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