US, UK issue travel advisory, warn of terror threat in Kenya
Passenger plane. Courtesy photo
The United States (the US) and the United Kingdom (the UK) have cautioned their citizens in Kenya to remain vigilant amid terror threats.
The US embassy warns that terrorists may target places frequented by its citizens and other foreigners, including tourists, in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
"The US Embassy in Nairobi reminds US citizens in Kenya that they should exercise heightened caution due to the risks of terrorism and kidnapping,” the warning said.
“Locations frequented by the US citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be targeted by terrorists.”
Citing the past attacks such as the Westgate attack and the Israel attack by Hamas, the US government noted that terrorists may seek to mark the anniversary and thus the need to exercise caution.
“Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists,” the US embassy added.
“While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversaries of prior terrorist attacks, such as September 11th, the September 21st Westgate Mall attack, and the October 7th Hamas attack against Israel.”
The US citizens were also called upon to review their local security plans and always monitor the media for updates and alerts.
"Due to the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia, FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) advises against all but essential travel to: within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia, Eastern Garissa County, up to 20km north-west of the A3 road, including the Boni National Reserve and Mandera County, excluding Mandera West sub-county," states the UK on its website.
The embassy further requested US citizens monitor local media for updates and stay away from any areas with demonstrations, as well as any crowded places.
Also flagged is Lamu County, excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island and Tana River County north of the Tana River.
In October 2023, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said that since the 1998 bombing, at least 500 lives have been lost due to terror attacks in Kenya.
The August 7, 1998 bombing was orchestrated by Al-Qaeda terrorists and hit the American Embassy.
It resulted in 213 fatalities including 201 Kenyans and 12 Americans.
