US issues travel advisory on Kenya over terror, crime

By CYRUS OMBATI

The US Embassy in Nairobi has issued a travel advisory to its citizens, warning them to be cautious when in Kenya due to heightened terror threats and the high rate of violent crime in some areas.

“US citizens in Kenya, and those considering travel to Kenya should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing and recently heightened threats from terrorism and the high rate of violent crime,” reads part of the advisory.

The advisory is dated January 14 replacing another issued last year.

 “The US government continues to receive information about potential terrorist threats aimed at US, Western and Kenyan interests,” adds the alert. The American citizens have also been told to avoid demonstrations, political rallies and voter polling places particularly in the lead up to political primaries today and the General Election on March 4.

The embassy hints at a possible presidential run-off election to occur not later than April 18.

US citizens considering travelling to Kenya during the election period should consider the possibility of civil disturbances and disruptions of transportation and/or communication systems, it says.