Editor's Review

In a statement issued on 11 August 2021, the US urges its citizens to reconsider travel and exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, health issues, and kidnapping. 

The United States has advised its citizens against travelling to Kenya due to Covid-19. 

In a statement issued on 11 August 2021, the US urges its citizens to reconsider travel and exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, health issues, and kidnapping. 

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Kenya due to Covid-19, indicating a high level of Covid-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting Covid-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine.

"Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers,'' part of the statement reads. 

The US also warns its citizens not to travel to the Kenya-Somalia border and some coastal areas due to terrorism including areas of Turkana County due to crime.

It further cautions its citizens not to travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera at all times due to crime and kidnapping.

"Be especially careful when traveling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime. Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police are willing but often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire service is also limited.

"Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings," the statement concludes.