UK issues travel advisory to its citizens visiting Kenya

GOOBJOOG/NAIROBI: The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory to its citizens residing in Kenya or those seeking to travel to the East African country.

In a communication delivered by the British High Commission in Nairobi, the UK cautioned its citizens not to travel to some parts of the country during the Ramadan period and upcoming Easter celebrations citing increased terrorism threats.

The UK warned against traveling within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border as such areas were most prone to attacks from the Al-Qaeda-linked group,  Al-Shabaab. 

It further cautioned its citizens to only travel to parts of Garissa and Mandera counties if it is unavoidable.

“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Kenya. There is a heightened threat of terrorism, including terrorist kidnappings, across Kenya. Attacks, including terrorist kidnappings, could target Westerners, including British nationals,” warned the UK.

“Attacks could occur at any time, including around religious or other public holidays or celebrations.”

The UK noted that attacks are always indiscriminate and target areas frequented by foreigners such as hotels, bars, restaurants, sports bars and nightclubs, sporting events, supermarkets, shopping centres, commercial buildings, beaches, government buildings, airports, buses, trains and other transport hubs.

“Places of worship including churches and mosques have also been targeted. Be particularly vigilant in these areas. You should avoid regular patterns of movement and aim to travel during daylight hours,” added the UK in the advisory.