By CYRUS OMBATI

Nairobi, Kenya: The UN office in Nairobi has taken a raft of measures, including the closure of their petrol station and restricting traffic to the facility, to ensure safety of staff following terror threats.

All deliveries to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (Unon) complex should be carried out after working hours and between 1800 hours and 2200 hours, the UN has said.

The deliveries should be announced before hand and the registration number and names of the driver provided to the Security and Safety Service in advance. Guided Tours are also suspended.

Director General of Unon and Designated Official for Kenya Sahle-Work Zewde in a letter to staff, said the last several months have been very challenging with respect to security in Kenya in particular crime and terrorism.

“Unfortunately, Kenya has been a consistent target of terrorist groups over the last several months. The latest tragic attacks occurred on May 16 at the Gikomba Market,” said Zewde adding that the UN is not immune from these cowardly acts and they remain concerned about the safety of staff and their families.

The director general said there would be restricted access to the UN Recreation Centre and the Commissary, with only staff being allowed in.

Staggered hours

“Visitors will not be allowed, and access will only be granted to those with a valid UN identification card, duly programmed for the pedestrian turnstiles within the Unon complex,” Zewde said.

She said the UN petrol station would be closed and asked all staff and agencies, funds and programmes with official vehicles to make alternative fuelling arrangements.

“These arrangements include staggered working hours, telecommuting and compressed work week. This will, inter alia, reduce the congestion along UN Avenue,” adds part of the letter.

Her letter came on the same day that the US Embassy in Nairobi, too, requested additional Kenyan and American security personnel.

The Associated Press said the ambassador made the requests in a letter sent to embassy employees Friday.

Ambassador Robert Godec said additional police are already patrolling the area around the embassy.