United States issues travel advisory to its citizens in Kenya

US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman during a previous press conference [Twitter]

The United States has issued a travel advisory to its citizens in Kenya.

The advisory, posted on the US Department of State, called on its citizens to exercise increased caution when traveling to counties around the Kenya-Somali border and some coastal areas saying they are prone to terrorism and kidnapping.

At the same time, the citizens were warned about visiting areas around Turkana county 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," reads the advisory.

In Nairobi, the citizens have been asked to reconsider travel to neighbourhoods such as Eastleigh and Kibera at all times due to crime and kidnapping.

"Be especially careful when traveling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime," reads the advisory.