United States issues travel advisory against Kenya over Terrorism, Kidnapping and Diseases
The United States has issued a travel advisory, warning its citizens against traveling to Kenya due to various security and health concerns.
“Reconsider travel to Kenya due to risk of health, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, and traffic safety. Some areas have increased risk,” reads the U.S Travel Advisory.
The official directive from the U.S Department of state raises alert warning, “Do Not Travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to risk of crime and kidnapping!”
Again, “Do Not Travel to the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103), and coastal areas north of Malindi, due to risk of kidnapping and terrorism.”
The advisory again warns people against traveling to West Pokot County and western Turkana County due to risk of crime.
And finally, “Do Not Travel to Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the border with Ethiopia due to risk of unrest.”
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease for Kenya.
The American CDC has also issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
“Medical services in Kenya are limited. They are often unavailable in rural areas,” said the dispatch.
“Medical facilities in Kenya often lack sufficient medicine and equipment. Except for a few private facilities based in the large urban centers with enhanced capability, many health issues may require medical evacuation at your own expense.”
“Medical facilities will usually deny service if payment is not made upfront.”
Some schools, substance abuse centers, and other facilities claim to rehabilitate people, but operate with little or no government supervision.
Physical and emotional abuse is common in these places.
Residents, including Americans, have been held in these facilities against their will.
“Americans or residents who lure individuals to Kenya under false pretenses or forcibly place Americans into such rehabilitation facilities may be subject to legal repercussions in the United States.”
Crime
Violent crime can occur at any time. Violent crimes include armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, sexual assault, and kidnapping for ransom. Petty crime is common. Criminal fraud targeting Americans is a concern.
Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes.
Cases like robbery are common and are often committed by individuals riding motorcycles.
Solo travelers in particular should exercise caution. Some Americans have been victims of sexual assault in bars and resorts or hotels.
Petty crimes often occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted.
Schemes to defraud investors are common. Americans often fall victim to schemes involving transactions in gold and other high-value commodities. Kenyan authorities are unlikely to assist Americans in recovering losses.
Property disputes are common in Kenya. Americans who have bought land, churches, and businesses have lost their investments or been pushed off the property by locals who claim the land or business.
Kidnapping
Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups kidnap for ransom. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorists plot kidnappings, bombings, grenade attacks, armed assaults, suicide attacks, and other action in Kenya. Terrorists attack without warning.
They have targeted Kenyan and foreign government buildings, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, shopping areas and places of worship
Unrest
Cross-border incursions occur along the border with Ethiopia.
Demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests are common. They can turn violent.
Protests often block key intersections and highways, resulting in widespread traffic jams. Protestors have also attacked vehicles containing Americans, including motorcycle taxis and safari vehicles.
Violence during protests has occurred across Kenya. This includes rock-throwing by protesters and use of deadly force by police. Violent protests are most common in Nairobi and in western Kenya.
Traffic safety
Automobile accidents are one of the main causes of injury and death of Americans in Kenya.
Major highways between Nairobi and Nakuru and Nairobi and Mombasa are only two lanes, and drivers frequently pass with little attention to oncoming traffic.
Tourists, who may not always use seatbelts, have also been seriously injured or killed in safari vehicle accidents.
Advice
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Keep a low profile.
- Stay alert in tourist spots and all other areas.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. List how and when you’ll confirm you’re safe (text or call). Specify how often you’ll do this.
- Prepare a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney.
Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
- Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
- Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
- Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Kenya.
- Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist and buy travel insurance before traveling.