US Pulls Peace Corps Volunteers From Kenya

The Peace Corps is suspending its programs in Kenya because of security concerns and is pulling more than 50 volunteers out of the country until threat levels decrease, the Peace Corps and State Department said.

A statement to The Associated Press from the State Department said that the Peace Corps “has been closely monitoring the security environment in Kenya … and has decided to officially suspend the program in Kenya.” The Peace Corps will monitor the security situation and determine when volunteers can return, it said.

The decision comes shortly after the State Department reduced the number of people who work in the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, which increased the number of armed guards on site earlier this year.

Kenya has seen a spate of bombing and gunfire attacks, often claimed by Al-shabab.