The United States has issued a travel advisory against eight counties in Kenya for its citizens due to an increase in terrorism and crime.
In a statement issued by the State Department on Tuesday, American citizens are warned against crime-prone areas along the Kenya-Somalia border and along the coast, Turkana and Nairobi, especially Kibera and Eastleigh.
According to the Embassy, the areas mentioned above threaten the lives of foreigners due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping incidents. Vigilance has been heightened in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnappings. Do not travel to the Kenya-Somalia border area and some coastal areas due to terrorism and kidnapping, and reconsider travel to areas in Turkana County due to crime and Eastleigh and Kibera districts in Nairobi due to crime and kidnapping,” he said.
“Terrorist attacks targeting Kenya and foreign government agencies have come down with warnings.”
DOS has come out to designate Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties around the Somali border, as well as the coastal counties of Lamu, Tana and Kilifi as red zones for kidnapping and terrorism.
Similarly, the Kainuk-Lodwar road in Tukana district has been placed in the same category for frequent crime and armed robbery incidents.
Another area mentioned is Likoni Ferry in Mombasa County.
The DOS said Kenyan security forces cannot contain certain security issues and therefore do not need to warn their citizens.
“Violent crimes such as armed robberies, robberies, home invasions and kidnappings can happen at any time. Street crimes can involve multiple armed assailants. “Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious crime incidents.”
The embassy therefore advises citizens who continue to travel to be alert in places frequented by Westerners, monitor the local media for breaking news and always bring a copy of their US passport and visa as some guidelines for safety.
