US, UK embassies issue Kenya security alerts

KDF personnel guard the Kenya-Somalia boarder in Mandera County. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The United States (U.S.) embassy in Kenya has issued a security warning, urging American citizens to remain vigilant.

In a notice dated Friday, September 13, the embassy warned their citizens to avoid overcrowded places including places of worship, malls, hotels, and restaurants, among others.

"While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversaries of prior terrorist attacks, such as September 11th, the September 21st Westgate Mall attack, and the October 7th Hamas attack against Israel," the U.S. embassy said.

Americans have been urged to keep a low profile while going about their business in Nairobi, avoid protest areas, and stay alert in places frequented by foreigners and tourists.

The UK embassy in Kenya has also issued a travel advisory to Kenya, recommending only essential travel.

The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has advised British citizens against traveling within 60 kilometres of Kenya's border with Somalia, Mandera and Lamu Counties (save for Lamu and Manda Islands), and Tana River County.

"There have been frequent attacks in the north-eastern border regions, most of which were attributed to Al Shabaab. Attacks have killed members of the Kenyan security forces as well as civilians. Armed militia groups operate within the Boni National Reserve and along the border with Somalia," FCDO said in a communique.