USA and Great Britain issue travel warning and warn of terrorist threat in Kenya

In a security alert issued on Friday, the British and American embassies urged citizens to be on guard against possible kidnappings and attacks in areas frequented by tourists.

Citing past attacks, such as the West Gate attack and Hamas' attack on Israel, the US government pointed out that terrorists may want to mark the anniversary and that caution should therefore be exercised.

“Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, shopping malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists,” the U.S. embassy said.

“Attacks can happen at any time, but concerns are heightened as we approach the anniversaries of previous terrorist attacks, such as September 11, the Westgate Mall attack on September 21, and the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.”

The US stated that terrorist attacks occur without warning and that one must therefore be vigilant at all times.

Places frequented by foreigners were also highlighted as terrorist targets. It was also explained that the security alert was triggered by the anniversaries of terrorist attacks that are being observed around the world.

Terrorist groups could carry out attacks on hotels, embassies, restaurants, shopping malls and markets with little or no warning.

Following the warning, the embassy listed measures that should be taken as a precautionary measure, including avoiding crowded areas, schools, police stations, places of worship and other places frequently visited by foreigners.

In addition, U.S. citizens were urged to review their local security plans and to constantly monitor the media for updates and alerts.

“Due to the threat from terrorist groups based in Somalia, the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) advises against all non-essential travel to the following areas: within 60km of the Kenya-Somalia border, eastern Garissa County, up to 20km north-west of the A3, including Boni National Reserve and Mandera County, excluding Mandera West sub-county,” the UK website says.

Also marked are Lamu County (excluding the islands of Lamu and Manda) and Tana River County north of the Tana River.