Security Alert Issued for Kenya

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya, recently published a security alert for high-traffic areas frequented by foreigners and tourists.

On February 9, 2023, the Embassy wrote, Locations frequented by U.S. citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be attractive targets for civil unrest.

And groups could create chaos at hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists.

As a precaution, the government of the Republic of Kenya has increased its patrols.

Kenya is a prime destination for international travelers, welcoming over 800,000 guests in 2021.

Previously, the U.S. Department of State issued a Kenya - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory in December 2022.

This advisory suggests the following:

Do Not Travel to:

• Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas, and areas of Turkana County

Reconsider Travel to:

• Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera and specific areas of Laikipia County, and through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.

The State Department also suggests citizens in Kenya enroll in Smart Traveler Program to receive related alerts.

From a health perspective, the U.S. CDC issued advisories in 2022 for yellow fever and measles outbreaks in Kenya.

These are vaccine-preventable diseases available at travel clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.