The United States of America has issued an alert to its citizens residing in Kenya over crime and kidnapping
In a statement on their official website, the Embassy stated Eastleigh and Kibera areas of Nairobi are a hotspot of armed carjacking, mugging, home invasions, and kidnapping occur in the selected areas at any time with the police capability to respond being lower.
Americans were urged not to travel after dusk.
The US has also highlighted terrorism as a concern, especially in public spaces such as malls, hotels, and places of worship.
“Terrorist attacks on public places, such as government buildings, schools, places of worship, malls, and hotels, have occurred with little or no warning. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb or grenade attacks, and kidnappings,” they warned.
“Emergency medical and fire services are limited. Avoid traveling after dark in Kenya due to crime and poor traffic safety,” they added.
They noted that most of the crimes are committed by criminals using motorcycles who then flee from the scene even as they faulted the Kenya Police for being slow to respond to situations.
“Crimes typically occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted. Police have limited ability to respond to these crimes. Handbags, mobile phones, and other easy-to-reach valuables are the most stolen items,” they claimed.
Americans traveling to the Kenya-Somalia border including Tana-River, Mandera, Wajir, Malindi, and Lamu have also been warned due to terrorism risks and kidnapping.
Travelers going to West Pokot and Turkana have also been cautioned due to banditry attacks.
The Embassy said the areas have security risks, civil unrest, terrorism, and banditry.
They urged its government personnel to avoid traveling to specific areas designated as Level 4 as they are prohibited from moving due to kidnapping and terrorism risks.
The advisory said cross-border incursions in parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 50 kilometers of the Ethiopian border rendered the area insecure.
US citizens were further warned against demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests which tend to be volatile and could result in violence.
They were further advised to stay on guard, especially in areas that are frequently visited by tourists.
“Do not resist any robbery attempt, check local media for breaking events and prepare to adjust your plans and make backup plans to leave the country, and in case of emergency, review the Traveler’s Checklist,” they warned.
