US issues travel advisory, warn of terror threat in Kenya

The American embassy in a security alert issued on Friday advised their citizens to be on the lookout for potential kidnappings and attacks on areas frequented by tourists. 

Citing the past attacks such as the West Gate attack and the Israel attack by Hamas, the US government noted that terrorists may seek to mark the anniversary and thus the need to exercise caution.

“Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists,” stated the US embassy. 

“While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversaries of prior terrorist attacks, such as September 11th, the September 21st Westgate Mall attack, and the October 7th Hamas attack against Israel.”

The US detailed that acts of terror occur with no warning hence the need to be vigilant at all times. 

Places frequented by foreigners were also highlighted to be targets of terrorists. It was also explained that the security alert was informed by the terror attack anniversaries that are being observed across the globe.

Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets. 

Following the advisory, the Embassy listed actions that ought to be taken as a precaution including avoiding crowded areas, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners. 

US citizens were also called upon to review their local security plans and always monitor the media for updates and alerts. 

"Due to the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia, FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) advises against all but essential travel to: within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia, Eastern Garissa County, up to 20km north-west of the A3 road, including the Boni National Reserve and Mandera County, excluding Mandera West sub-county," states the UK on its website.

Also flagged is Lamu County, excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island and Tana River County north of the Tana River.