The US government has issued a travel advisory for Kenya, advising its citizens to avoid traveling to specific areas in the country due to increased security threats.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 31, the American State Department explicitly warned Americans against traveling to the North Eastern counties of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, citing a rise in kidnapping and terrorism cases in the region.
Additionally, the State Department cautioned against traveling to Coastal counties, specifically Tana River County, Lamu County, and certain parts of Kilifi and Malindi counties, all due to the risks of kidnapping and terrorism.
Instructively, the State Department advised its citizens to consider carefully whether to use the Likoni ferry in Mombasa due to safety concerns.
The foreign power also advised its citizens against traveling to Turkana County, particularly the road from Kainuk to Lodwar, citing frequent occurrences of crime and armed robbery.
Likewise, the State Department urged its citizens to exercise caution when considering travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, over the prevalence of violent crimes such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, which it said occur frequently.
"Street crime can involve multiple armed assailants. Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents," the State Department said in a statement.
Furthermore, the State Department advised Americans to be cautious when traveling to specific areas of Laikipia County due to criminal incursions and ongoing security operations.
The State Department also recommended reconsidering travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.
"Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire service is also limited. Be especially careful when traveling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime," read part of the statement.
The US complained that terror attacks in Kenya occur with little to no warning and often, the attacks target foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, shopping malls, and places of worship.
"Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings," read the statement in parts.
Additionally, the US warned of demonstrations in the country especially in Western Kenya and Nairobi. The demonstrations, the American government observed tend to be caused by economic and political instability.
The State Department advised its citizens to stay in locations frequented by Westerners and not to physically resist any robbery attempt.
Americans were also advised to monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust their plans and make contingency plans to leave the country.
This is the second time in two weeks, the US is issuing a travel alert for Kenya.
On July 25, the American government issued a security advisory to its citizens ahead of the vigils organised by Azimio la Umoja to honour victims who died in anti-government protests.
The State Department warned that the events had the potential to turn violent.
