Kenya: New US Security Alert
Due to increased security concerns, the US government has issued a travel advisory for Kenya, advising its citizens to avoid traveling to certain areas.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department strongly discouraged travel to the North Eastern counties of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, citing an increase in hijacking and terrorism in the region.
In addition, the State Department advised against travel to coastal counties, including Tana River County, Lamu County, and certain regions of Kilifi and Malindi counties, due to kidnapping and terrorism risks.
Due to safety concerns, the State Department advised its citizens to carefully consider whether to use the Likoni ferry in Mombasa.
The foreign power also cautioned its citizens against traveling to Turkana County, specifically the road from Kainuk to Lodwar, citing the prevalence of violent crime and armed larceny.
Similarly, the State Department advised its citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to the prevalence of violent crimes such as armed carjackings, muggings, home invasions, and kidnappings.
Multiple armed perpetrators may be involved in street crime. Local police frequently lack the resources and training necessary to respond effectively to significant criminal incidents, according to a State Department statement.
In addition, the State Department advised Americans to exercise caution when traveling to certain areas of Laikipia County due to ongoing criminal incursions and security operations.
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The State Department under the direction of Meg Whitman also advised reconsidering travel through the Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.
“Oftentimes, local police lack the capacity to effectively respond to severe criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Also lacking are emergency medical and fire services. Due to crime, be especially cautious when traveling in Kenya after dark,” reads a portion of the statement.
The United States has complained that terror attacks in Kenya frequently target foreign government facilities, tourist destinations, transportation hubs, hotels, retail malls, and places of worship with little to no warning.
“Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings,” read portions of the statement.
In addition, the United States warned of potential demonstrations in Kenya, particularly in Western Kenya and Nairobi. As observed by the United States government, economic and political instability tends to be the root cause of demonstrations.
The State Department advised its citizens to remain in areas frequented by Westerners and not to resist any robbery attempts physically.
Americans were also advised to monitor local media for breaking news, be flexible with their plans, and be prepared to flee the country if necessary.
This is the second travel alert the United States has issued for Kenya in the past two weeks.
The U.S. government issued a security advisory to its citizens on July 25 in advance of the vigils organized by Azimio la Umoja to honor the casualties of anti-government protests.
The State Department issued a warning that the events could turn violent.
Kenya: New US Security Alert
