US Warns Its Citizens Of 8 Nairobi Areas Prone To Terror Attacks
The embassy advised its citizens to be on high alert as terrorist groups could...
Marvin Chege 
The United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi has issued a security alert to its citizens and foreigners living in Nairobi and its environs regarding possible terrorist attacks.
In a notice dated Thursday, February 9, the embassy advised its citizens to be on high alert as terrorist groups could stage an attack with little or no warning, targeting areas with many people.
It identified and flagged high-traffic areas frequented by US citizens, other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi as well as other parts of the country that continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct potentially imminent attacks.
"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," read the notice in part.
However, the embassy acknowledged security measures that the Kenyan government has put in place, including counterterrorism patrols.
The embassy also gave the following steps for its citizens to follow to keep themselves safe while in the capital city and in the country:
- Exercise vigilance at locations frequented by tourists/foreigners.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Monitor local media for updates.
At the moment, the government of Kenya has remained on high alert with multi-agent security teams in Nairobi county following recent cases of muggings to the residents.
The US Department of State had in December 2022 advised American citizens not to travel to three regions in Kenya ahead of the festive season, issuing a Level 4 alert on the Kenya-Somalia border counties, three areas in the Coastal region and one in Turkana County.
For the Kenya-Somalia border counties, Americans were cautioned against travelling to Mandera, Wajir and Garissa due to kidnapping and terrorism. The same reason was applied to the areas of Tana River and Lamu County as well as areas of Kilifi County north of Malindi.
In Turkana, Americans were prohibited from travelling through the road from Kainuk to Lodwar due to crime and armed robbery, which occur frequently.
The Nairobi neighbourhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera were issued a Level 3 alert owing to frequent, spontaneous and violent crime
"Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Street crime can involve multiple armed assailants.
"Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents," the advisory read.
Americans were also urged to reconsider travelling to certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations. The department named Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties as risky areas due to ongoing government operations to combat crime, including banditry attacks.
"Consider carefully whether to use the Likoni ferry in Mombasa due to safety concerns," added the department.
The alerts were commonplace during the August 9, 2022, general elections and during the Supreme Court ruling on the presidential petition filed by the Azimio la Umoja coalition, particularly in Kisumu, which however caused an uproar.
US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman and Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyongo on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. /MEG WHITMAN
