The Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel advisory to Britons heading to a popular tourist destination, warning that “attacks can occur at any time” – and that they are at risk.
Kenya has soared in popularity with British holidaymakers, offering safari adventures and white sand beaches. However, the UK Foreign Office has relayed a warning message from the United States Embassy in Kenya.
It states that there is a heightened terrorism risk this month and next. Three dates, in particular, were singled out as being high risk – but the warning emphasised that attacks could happen at any time.
The Foreign Office said: “The US Embassy in Nairobi reminds US citizens in Kenya that they should exercise increased caution due to the risks of terrorism and kidnapping. Locations frequented by US citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be targets to terrorists.”
“Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists.
“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.”
In addition to this, there is disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport due to ongoing strike action, reports Birmingham Live. This is affecting flights and access to and from the airport.
Passengers are advised to check with their airline for flight information, the Foreign Office added. The Foreign Office has also issued a stark warning on its insurance page.
This states: “Due to the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia.“
The areas affected include Eastern Garissa County, up to 20km north-west of the A3 road, including the Boni National Reserve, Mandera County (excluding Mandera West sub-county) and Lamu County (excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island).
Tana River County north of the Tana River, up to 20km north-west of the A3 road and within 15km of the east coast between the Tana River and the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River are also mentioned.