The United States has issued a fresh travel advisory for Kenya, warning its citizens over rising concerns linked to crime, violent unrest, terrorism, health threats and possible kidnappings.
In its latest updated notice, the US Department of State classified Kenya as a Level 2 destination, urging Americans living in or travelling to the East African nation to “exercise increased caution”.
According to the advisory, protests and demonstrations remain one of the biggest concerns, with officials warning that unrest can erupt with little warning and quickly turn violent.
“Demonstrations and strikes may occur with little notice and can disrupt traffic, transportation, and other services,” the advisory noted.
Kenya has witnessed repeated waves of protests since 2024, particularly in the capital, Nairobi, where demonstrations have frequently paralysed business operations, disrupted transport and left behind extensive property damage.
The latest disruption came during the nationwide transport operators’ strike on Monday, May 18, which crippled the movement of people and goods across several parts of the country. The strike stretched into Tuesday before being temporarily suspended for one week to allow further talks with the government over fuel prices.
During the protests, incidents of looting, vandalism and violent clashes were reported in Nairobi and other towns, raising renewed fears over public safety and stability.
The US government also identified violent crime as a major threat to travellers and residents, warning that armed robberies, assaults and theft remain common in major urban centres and some tourist destinations, especially after dark.
At the same time, Washington raised concerns over the persistent terrorism threat in Kenya, pointing to past attacks linked to the Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabaab.
The advisory comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of eastern and north-eastern Kenya, where authorities have in recent years battled terror-linked attacks, banditry and deadly inter-community violence.
Kidnapping and hostage-taking were also listed among the risks facing foreign nationals, with US citizens urged to remain vigilant despite the absence of recent reported abductions involving Americans in Kenya.
Health concerns were another major issue highlighted in the notice, particularly fears surrounding the Ebola virus outbreak reported in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“The Department of State strongly urges Americans not to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, or Uganda for any reason and to reconsider travel to Rwanda due to the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus disease outbreak in the region,” the department said in a statement.
Although Kenya has not reported any Ebola cases, authorities have intensified surveillance measures at airports and border points, including enhanced health screening for travellers entering the country.
The latest advisory is expected to renew debate over Kenya’s security situation and its impact on tourism, foreign investment and international confidence in East Africa’s largest economy.
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