Kenya: US Department of State Updates Travel Warning

The US Department of State warns its citizens of the risks of travel to Kenya. They should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing and recently heightened threats from terrorism and the high rate of violent crime in some areas. The levels of risk vary throughout the country. The US Embassy in Nairobi has limited official US government travel to Kenya until the security situation improves. 

The US government continues to receive information about potential terrorist threats aimed at U.S., Western, and Kenyan interests in Kenya. Terrorist acts can include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Although the pursuit of those responsible for previous terrorist activities continues, many of those involved remain at large and still operate in the region.

On September 11, 2011, a British woman was kidnapped and her husband murdered at a coastal resort near the Kenya-Somali border. The British hostage was released on March 21, 2012, after a ransom was paid. On October 1, 2011, a French national was kidnapped from a private residence on the popular tourist destination of Lamu Island on Kenya's north coast. She died while in captivity in Somalia.

On October 14, 2011, two Spanish nationals working for an NGO were kidnapped in a Dadaab refugee camp, in northeastern Kenya. They are still being held.

On June 29, 2012, four international aid workers (from Canada, Pakistan, Norway and the Philippines) were kidnapped in Dadaab. All were rescued on July 1, 2012.

Kenya initiated military action against al-Shabaab by crossing into Somalia on October 16, 2011, and, on June 2, 2012, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) whereby it formally joined the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Kenyan troops within AMISOM are now actively pursuing al-Shabaab in southeastern Somalia. Al-Shabaab has responded to the Kenyan incursion into Somalia by threatening retaliation against civilian targets in Kenya. 

In the past year, there have been at least 17 attacks involving grenades or explosive devices in Kenya. At least 48 people died in these attacks, and around 200 people were injured. There were no US citizens among the casualties. Nine of these attacks occurred in North Eastern Province, including locations in Dadaab, Wajir, and Garissa. Four attacks occurred in Nairobi, and four in Mombasa. Targets included police stations and police vehicles, nightclubs and bars, churches, a religious gathering, a downtown building of small shops, and a bus station. The most recent attack involved two simultaneous assaults on churches in Garissa on July 1, 2012. In this attack, 17 people were killed and about 50 people were injured. 

As a result of these recent events and threats, US government employees, contractors, grantees, and their dependents are prohibited from traveling to the North Eastern Province, including the cities of El Wak, Wajir, Garissa, Dadaab, Mandera, and Liboi. Although the US government travel restriction for Lamu has been lifted, US citizens should consider ongoing security concerns following recent events involving US citizens in Lamu, including a sexual assault and threatened kidnapping. US government personnel are restricted from traveling to the coastal area north of Pate Island, including Kiwayu and north to Kiunga on the Kenya/Somalia border. 

Sporadic violence, protests, and clashes occur in and around Isiolo and Moyale, both in Eastern province. While this violence is not directed at foreigners, protests and tribal clashes are unpredictable, and US citizens are advised to check conditions before traveling to these areas. 

Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings, grenade attacks, home invasions/ burglaries, and kidnappings can occur at any time and in any location, most particularly in Nairobi. US citizens have fallen victim to such crimes within the past year. US citizens in Kenya should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal security, particularly in crowded public places such as clubs, hotels, resorts, shopping centers, restaurants, bus stations, and places of worship. US citizens should also remain alert in residential areas, at schools, and at outdoor recreational events. 

US citizens should use common-sense precautions, such as avoiding crowded bus stops or stations, visiting only legitimate businesses and tourist areas during daylight hours, using well-marked taxis, locking vehicle and lodging doors, carrying small amounts of cash and credit cards, wearing small amounts of jewelry, knowing emergency phone numbers, and being aware of your surroundings. These measures can help ensure your travel to Kenya is safe and enjoyable.