by SHARON MWENDE
Thursday October 6, 2022
US ambassador to Kenya Margaret Whitman during a press conference at US Embassy, Gigiri on August 7, 2022
Image: ANDREW KASUKU
The United States of America has issued a travel advisory to
its citizens against travelling to some parts of Kenya.
In a statement by the State Department, the advisory was
classified as a Level 2: Exercise increased caution, with the citizens being warned of crime,
terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
"Some areas have increased risk," the statement
read.
The areas flagged include Kenya-Somalia border counties,
some parts of the coast region, Turkana county and parts of Nairobi County.
US citizens were warned against visiting the counties
bordering Somalia, as they were categorized as
Level 4: Do not travel.
"Due to terrorism concerns, US government personnel are
prohibited from travelling to the below Kenya-Somalia border counties and
Coastal areas," the statement read.
They include Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties, all due to
kidnapping and terrorism.
The Coastal region areas listed are Tana River, Lamu and
areas of Kilifi County north of Malindi, also due to kidnapping and terrorism.
"Consider carefully whether to use the Likoni ferry in
Mombasa due to safety concerns," the advisory added.
Turkana County was also issued a Level 4 caution.
"Road from Kainuk to Lodwar due to crime, and armed
robbery, which occur frequently," the advisory said.
Nairobi estates including Eastleigh and Kibera were issued
as Level 3: Reconsider travelling.
The State Department said the areas are frequent with violent
crimes such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion and kidnapping.
"Be especially careful when travelling after dark
anywhere in Kenya due to crime," it added.
Further, US citizens were warned about terrorism and
demonstrations.
"Violence associated with demonstrations, ranging from
rock throwing to police using deadly force, occurs around the country; it is
most notable in western Kenya and Nairobi," it said.
The Department further advised any of its citizens
travelling to Kenya to stay vigilant in locations frequented by Westerners,
monitor the media and be prepared to adjust their plans.
They were also advised against physically resisting robbery
attempts and reminded to always carry copies of their US passports and Visa..
"Make contingency plans to leave the country. in case
of an Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive
security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency," the
advisory said.