The United States has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens in Kenya to exercise caution due to security concerns, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnappings.
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, through its official website, has also prohibited travel to specific regions deemed high-risk.
In its statement, the embassy urged American citizens to avoid travel to the Kenya-Somalia border counties of Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera, as well as Tana River County and coastal areas north of Malindi, citing the threat of terrorism and kidnappings.
It also warned against traveling to West Pokot and western Turkana due to banditry, as well as parts of Marsabit and Turkana within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border incursions.
Additionally, U.S. citizens were advised to reconsider visiting Nairobi’s Eastleigh and Kibera neighborhoods due to crime and kidnapping.
The statement highlighted that violent crimes such as armed carjackings, muggings, home invasions, and kidnappings can occur at any time, with local police often lacking the resources to respond effectively. Emergency medical and fire services were also described as limited.
“Motorcycle crimes are common, where thieves grab items from victims and quickly flee the scene. Crimes typically occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted. Police have limited ability to respond to these crimes. Handbags, mobile phones, and other easy-to-reach valuables are the most stolen items,” the statement reads.
The embassy also raised concerns over the risk of terrorist attacks, stating that government buildings, schools, places of worship, malls, and hotels have been targeted in the past with little or no warning.
Previous attacks have included armed assaults, suicide bombings, grenade attacks, and kidnappings.
The advisory also noted the risk of political violence, particularly in western Kenya and parts of Nairobi. Demonstrations, protests, and strikes, which often block key intersections and highways, can quickly turn violent, with incidents of rock-throwing and police using force.
Concerns were also raised over Kenya’s medical facilities, which may lack adequate supplies, especially outside major cities. The embassy strongly recommended that U.S. citizens traveling to Kenya secure medical evacuation insurance, as most hospitals require upfront payments before treatment.
The advisory further warned that some schools and behavior modification facilities in Kenya operate without proper licensing and oversight, with reports of U.S. citizens being held against their will and physically abused in such institutions.
“The embassy frequently receives complaints from U.S. citizens who have been stopped by police, immigration, or customs officials asking for bribes,” the embassy said.
The U.S. government has strongly discouraged travel to several regions in Kenya due to security concerns. Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa counties have been flagged as high-risk areas due to the threat of kidnapping and terrorism.
Similarly, Tana River County, excluding Tsavo National Park, along with Lamu and areas of Kilifi north of Malindi, have been identified as dangerous due to the risk of kidnapping and terrorist activities.
Additionally, West Pokot, western Turkana south of Lodwar, and parts of Marsabit and Turkana within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border have been deemed unsafe due to banditry and cross-border incursions.
U.S. citizens in Kenya have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid resisting robbery attempts, stay updated through local media, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency assistance. The embassy urged travelers to always carry a copy of their U.S. passport and entry stamp while keeping original documents in a secure location.
Elsewhere, a suicide bomber struck near the Ceelgabta Villa Somalia gate in Mogadishu, targeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy on Tuesday morning amid fears of terror-related attacks.
The president was safe and en route to the airport for a frontline visit.
