The United States and the United Kingdom have issued security alerts urging their citizens in Kenya to remain vigilant due to potential terror threats.
The warnings, issued on Friday, highlight risks of kidnappings and attacks in areas frequented by tourists.
Referring to past incidents like the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi and the Hamas assault on Israel, the U.S. government emphasized the importance of heightened caution during anniversaries of previous terror events.
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They noted that terrorist groups might strike without warning, targeting public spaces such as hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls, markets, schools, and places of worship.
The U.S. embassy particularly underscored that while attacks can happen at any time, the risk is elevated around anniversaries like September 11th and the Westgate attack on September 21st. The embassy also stressed the unpredictable nature of such events, urging American citizens to stay alert and monitor local news for updates.
In addition to the general advisory, the U.S. and U.K. embassies recommended avoiding crowded places and certain regions near Kenya's border with Somalia, where the threat of terrorism remains high due to the activity of groups like Al-Shabaab.
The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) specifically cautioned against non-essential travel to areas within 60km of the Somalia border, parts of Garissa County, Tana River County, and certain regions in Lamu County.
Both embassies advised citizens to review security plans regularly and avoid high-risk locations, such as hotels and tourist attractions, to minimize exposure to potential threats.
