Kenya

Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution

There was no change to the advisory level. The “other” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated. Increased Risk Areas: Do Not Travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to risk of crime and kidnapping . Do Not Travel to the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103), and coastal areas north of Malindi , due to risk of kidnapping and terrorism . Do Not Travel to West Pokot County and western Turkana County due to risk of crime . Do Not Travel to Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the border with Ethiopia due to risk of unrest . Advisory Summary: Crime Violent crime can occur at any time. Violent crimes include armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, sexual assault, and kidnapping for ransom. Petty crime is common. Criminal fraud targeting Americans is a concern. Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes. Crimes like robbery are common. They are often committed by individuals riding motorcycles. Solo travelers in particular should exercise caution. Some Americans have been victims of sexual assault in bars and resorts/hotels. Petty crimes often occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted. Schemes to defraud investors are common. Americans often fall victim to schemes involving transactions in gold and other high-value commodities. Kenyan authorities are unlikely to assist Americans in recovering losses. Property disputes are common in Kenya. Americans who have bought land, churches, and businesses have lost their investments or been pushed off the property by locals who claim the land or business. Kidnapping Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups kidnap for ransom. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists plot kidnappings, bombings, grenade attacks, armed assaults, suicide attacks, and other action in Kenya. Terrorists attack without warning. They have targeted: Kenyan and foreign government buildings tourist locations transportation hubs hotels and resorts markets and shopping malls places of worship Unrest Cross-border incursions occur along the border with Ethiopia. Demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests are common. They can turn violent. Protests often block key intersections and highways, resulting in widespread traffic jams. Protestors have also attacked vehicles containing Americans, including motorcycle taxis and safari vehicles. Violence during protests has occurred across Kenya. This includes rock-throwing by protesters and use of deadly force by police. Violent protests are most common in Nairobi and in western Kenya. Health Medical services in Kenya are limited. They are often unavailable in rural areas. Medical facilities in Kenya often lack sufficient medicine and equipment. Except for a few private medical facilities based in the large urban centers with enhanced capability, many health issues may require medical evacuation at your expense. Medical facilities will usually deny service if payment is not made upfront. Some schools, substance abuse centers, and other facilities claim to rehabilitate people, but operate with little or no government supervision. Physical and emotional abuse is common in these places. Residents, including Americans, have been held in these facilities against their will. Americans or residents who lure individuals to Kenya under false pretenses or forcibly place Americans into such rehabilitation facilities may be subject to legal repercussions in the United States. Traffic safety Automobile accidents are one of the main causes of injury and death of Americans in Kenya. Major highways between Nairobi and Nakuru and Nairobi and Mombasa are only two lanes, and drivers frequently pass with little attention to oncoming traffic. Tourists, who may not always use seatbelts, have also been seriously injured or killed in safari vehicle accident. Risks in specific areas: Level 4 – Do Not Travel Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera Do Not Travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to risk of crime and kidnapping . Violent crime, including armed carjacking and kidnapping for ransom, may occur in these neighborhoods. Level 4 – Do Not Travel Counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103), and coastal areas north of Malindi Do Not Travel to the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103) and coastal areas north of Malindi , due to risk of kidnapping and terrorism . Al-Shabaab is active in these areas. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity. Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups kidnap for ransom. Level 4 – Do Not Travel West Pokot County and western Turkana County Do Not Travel to West Pokot County and western Turkana County due to risk of crime . Armed bandits are active in these areas. Violent crime can occur at any time. Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes. Level 4 – Do Not Travel Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the border with Ethiopia Do Not Travel to Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the border with Ethiopia due to risk of unrest . These areas are prone to cross-border incursions from Ethiopia. Violence and armed conflict may occur at any time. If you decide to travel to Kenya : Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. government. Enrolling helps the U.S. government contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Kenya . Review our information Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas . Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime . Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations . Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Keep a low profile. Stay alert in tourist spots. Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. List how and when you'll confirm you're safe (text or call). Specify how often you’ll do this. Prepare a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney. Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive. Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry. Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is. Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs. Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Kenya . Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist . We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.