The U.S. Embassy in Kenya has issued a travel advisory, urging U.S. citizens to exercise heightened caution when visiting the country due to significant concerns regarding crime, terrorism, and the risk of kidnapping. The advisory, dated Tuesday, March 18, explicitly warns against travel to several regions, citing specific threats and vulnerabilities.

The advisory strongly advises U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to Kenya’s border counties with Somalia, including Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera. These areas are considered high-risk due to the persistent threat of terrorism and potential kidnappings. Coastal regions, particularly areas north of Malindi in Kilifi County, as well as Lamu and Tana River counties (excluding Tsavo National Park), are also flagged as dangerous. West Pokot County and parts of Turkana County are identified as areas of concern due to frequent banditry attacks.

In Nairobi, the U.S. Embassy urges extreme caution when visiting Kibera and Eastleigh, citing high crime rates that local law enforcement struggles to control due to the dense populations in these areas. The advisory notes that violent crime, including armed carjacking, mugging, and home invasions, can occur at any time, and street crime often involves multiple armed assailants.

The embassy also highlights the risks associated with traveling at night, attributing this to high crime rates and poor traffic safety. "Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police cannot often respond effectively to serious crimes and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire services are limited. Avoid travelling after dark in Kenya due to crime and poor traffic safety," the advisory states.

Additionally, the advisory points out the potential dangers in Marsabit and Turkana counties due to their proximity to the Ethiopian border, where cross-border incursions pose a security risk. This concern follows a February incident in which suspected Ethiopian militiamen attacked Kenyan fishermen in Todonyang, Lake Turkana, resulting in 20 deaths and several missing persons.

The U.S. Embassy also cautions about the limitations in accessing medical care, particularly outside major cities. Healthcare facilities in these areas may lack adequate medication and supplies. The advisory notes, "Access to medical care in Kenya may not be on the same level as it is in the United States, and medical facilities may not have adequate medication supplies, especially outside large cities."

Political unrest, including demonstrations, strikes, and protests, also contribute to the security concerns. These events often block key intersections and highways, leading to widespread traffic jams. Violence during demonstrations, including rock-throwing and the use of deadly force by police, has been reported across the country, with political violence being most common in western Kenya and Nairobi.

Given these risks, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to take several precautionary measures if they choose to travel to Kenya. These include staying vigilant in areas frequented by tourists, avoiding resistance during robbery attempts, regularly monitoring local media for updates to plan accordingly, and having contingency plans for leaving the country if necessary.