The United States Embassy in Nairobi has issued a fresh security warning to foreigners and tourists in Kenya, cautioning them against visiting high-traffic areas due to terrorism threats.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 19, the embassy pointed to specific public places where the risks remain high.
"Terrorist groups, such as al-Shabaab, are an ongoing and persistent threat not only in Kenya as a whole, but also in Nairobi. Locations such as hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists continue to be attractive targets," the statement read.
The embassy pointed out that the danger posed by extremist groups remains unpredictable and could occur without warning.
"Terrorist groups can attack with little to no warning. While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversary dates of prior attacks such as August 7th, September 11th, September 21st Westgate Mall attack, and the October 7th Hamas attack against Israel," the statement read.
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The embassy also offered guidance on precautionary steps that individuals should take to safeguard themselves while in the country.
It urged foreigners to stay alert when moving around areas frequented by tourists, review personal security arrangements, remain aware of their surroundings, and monitor local news outlets for updates on any emerging threats.
Visitors were further advised to avoid protest areas and demonstrations, shun crowds, and maintain a low profile at all times.
This comes months after the embassy issued a travel advisory to its citizens living in Kenya.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 18, the US Embassy urged American citizens to exercise caution while in the country pointing out that the travel advisory is due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
"Exercise caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas of the country have a greater risk," the advisory read in part.
The US Embassy warned US Citizens against traveling to Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Tana River counties over risks of terrorism and kidnapping.
American citizens were also cautioned against traveling to West Pokot and Turkana County due to banditry attacks.
"Do not travel to Kenya-Somalia border counties (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera), Tana River County, and coastal areas north of Malindi due to terrorism and kidnapping.
"West Pokot and Western Turkana County due to banditry. Parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border incursions,” the advisory further read.
Further, the US Embassy urged US citizens to reconsider traveling to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to crime and kidnapping.
"Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious crimes and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire services are limited. Avoid traveling after dark in Kenya due to crime and poor traffic safety," the advisory added.
