UK Warns Citizens Against Travelling to Parts of Kenya Over Terrorism and Kidnapping Threats
The UK has updated its travel advisory for Kenya, warning its citizens against visiting several areas due to terrorism, banditry and kidnappings.
In a notice released on 18th September, the UK government advised travellers to avoid areas along the Kenya-Somalia border and northern counties that are still insecure due to extremist groups.
According to the advisory, the risks are mainly from terror networks operating from Somalia, including Al Shabaab. “There have been frequent attacks in the north-eastern border regions, most of which were attributed to Al Shabaab,” the statement said. “These attacks have resulted in deaths of both civilians and security forces. Kenyan authorities have since intensified operations in the affected areas.”
Counties mentioned in the advisory are Mandera, parts of Wajir (Tarbaj and Wajir East excluding Wajir Town), Garissa (except Garissa Town, Lagdera Sub-County and Balambala) and Lamu (except Lamu Island and Manda Island).
The advisory also warned of roadside attacks using improvised explosive devices. “There have been incidents of landmines around Moyale, near the A2 highway. Travellers crossing into Ethiopia at this point should stay strictly on the A2,” the UK government advised. It also recommended avoiding overnight stays at Sololo and instead head directly to Marsabit.
British citizens arriving in or leaving Nairobi through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport should use only Mombasa Road or the Nairobi Expressway.
The advisory also noted a growing trend of kidnappings in the country, especially targeting foreigners. “There is a high risk of kidnapping across Kenya. British nationals are potential targets, Westerners have been kidnapped before. Further incidents are likely,” it warned.
The update comes as security agencies in Kenya are battling insurgent threats in the border regions and deploying more forces to protect local communities and travellers.
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UK Warns Citizens Against Travelling to Parts of Kenya Over Terrorism and Kidnapping Threats