UK TRAVEL WARNING: KenyaPUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT2 August 2005 Kenya
SUMMARY - Kenya shares with neighbouring countries a high threat from terrorism. Previous attacks have been against civilian or visibly Western targets where foreigners have been present, as demonstrated by the bomb attacks on a hotel and an unsuccessful attempt to bring down a civilian airliner in Mombasa in November 2002.
- Demonstrations occurred in central Nairobi on 19, 20 and 21 July, against the ongoing constitutional review. Further demonstrations may take place in Nairobi and other urban areas in the run up to the planned Referendum in November.
- On 12 July 2005, a group of up to 500 armed bandits surrounded a school in Turbi, on the A2 Moyale-Marsabit Road, and massacred some 50 people, including over 20 children. Assault rifles and hand-grenades were used in the attack, for which no motive has yet been established. The Kenyan authorities have blamed Ethiopian cross-border raiders.
- Recently there have been skirmishes and inter-clan fighting in the North Eastern Province, along the Somalia border. People have been killed. Travel in the north east should only be undertaken with care and after consulting the Police.
- There have been a number of violent attacks and murders of non-indigenous residents in 2004. Muggings and armed attacks are also prevalent, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
SAFETY AND SECURITY Terrorism Kenya shares with neighbouring countries a high threat from terrorism. Previous attacks have been against civilian or visibly Western targets, normally where foreigners have been present. There was a suicide car bomb attack on a hotel near Mombasa on 28 November 2002, in which at least 15 people died. There was an unsuccessful attempt to shoot down an Israeli charter plane on the same day. Raids in Mombasa in 2003 recovered anti-tank weapons. There was a terrorist attack on the US Embassy in Nairobi in August 1998, in which 232 people were killed. These incidents highlight the threat posed by terrorism in Kenya and neighbouring countries and the capacity of terrorist groups to carry out attacks. This threat remains.The Kenya Government warned on 14 May 2003 of the dangers of a terrorist attack by an individual they believe to have been involved in earlier terrorist incidents in Kenya. Due to concerns about the possibility of an imminent terrorist attack, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against non-essential and holiday travel to Kenya and the Department for Transport directed British airlines to suspend flights to Kenya from 15 May 2003. The suspension of UK flights to Nairobi was lifted on 26 June 2003, and our advice against non-essential travel was lifted on the same date; the suspension of UK flights to Mombasa was lifted on 4 September. The government of Kenya has improved security at the main international airports in Nairobi and Mombasa. Terrorists may retain the capability to attack aircraft. You should read the Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas on the FCO website. Crime There have been a number of violent attacks and murders of non-indigenous residents in 2004. Muggings and armed attacks by gangs can occur at any time, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. Consistent with this were reports of 18 panga (large knife) attacks in November and December 2004, in the main south coast tourist areas of Diani and Ukunda. These attacks involved tourists and residents and a number resulted in injury. The Kenyan authorities responded quickly by strengthening security in these areas leading to a halt in such incidents. Be alert at all times. Do not accept food or drink from strangers as it may be drugged. Only stay in tourist camps with good perimeter security. If in doubt, seek advice from your tour operator or the Kenya Tourist Federation (Tel: + 254 20 604730). Avoid travelling after dark in isolated places particularly empty beaches. Do not carry valuables or wear jewellery in public places. Do not carry credit cards or cash cards unless you must: people have been forced by thieves to withdraw cash. Beware of thieves posing as police officers; always ask to see identification. Britons in remote areas or border regions could also be targets of attacks or kidnappings. Incidents of armed car-hijackings are more prevalent in Nairobi and Mombasa but can occur in any area of the country. Do not attempt to escape from hijackers or resist their demands. You should take sensible precautions for your personal and vehicle safety, travelling in convoy in remote areas. Political Situation Demonstrations occurred in central Nairobi on 19, 20 and 21 July, against the ongoing constitutional review. On 21 July, agreement was reached in Parliament on amendments to the draft Constitution and a New Constitution Bill will now be prepared and put to the public in a Referendum in November. There is the possibility of more demonstrations in the run up to that Referendum and visitors should remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings of people in central Nairobi or other main towns. If you are involved in any security incident you should insist with both the Kenyan authorities and your tour operator that the British Consul be informed straight away. Local Travel Most visits to game reserves and other tourist areas are trouble-free, but if you wish to visit reserves you should use reputable tour operators and arrive at your destination in daylight hours. You are strongly advised not to buy safari tours from touts but only through reputable agencies or from your hotel. There have been a number of accidental deaths when people have gone on foot in game parks and you should follow closely park regulations and wardens' advice. Bathing in rivers and lakes is forbidden in National Parks and is best avoided elsewhere due to the dangers from both wildlife and from water-borne disease. Rural areas, and in particular the north and north eastern parts of Kenya, experience sporadic cattle rustling, counter-raids, ethnic conflict and tribal or clan rivalry. The most serious recent incident, on 12 July 2005, involved the massacre of more than 50 people, including 20 children, at a school in Turbi, on the main A2 Moyale-Marsabit road (the main overland route between Ethiopia and Kenya). There have been a number of recent serious incidents involving armed bandits around Songa forest near to the town of Marsabit in Eastern Province and repeated skirmishes and inter-clan fighting in Mandera District in the North Eastern Province bordering Somalia, in which a number of people have been killed. Whilst foreigners are not usually the targets of this type of violence and banditry, travel in the north and north east should only be undertaken with care and after seeking the advice of the police and in convoy with at least two vehicles to ensure back-up. You should be alert and avoid demonstrations and gatherings of people in these areas, which could turn violent. In addition landmines have in the past been used in attacks around Moyale, close to the main A2 road south. Vehicles crossing the border at this point should stay on the A2, avoid staying at the rest house at Solol, and to travel directly to Marsabit Town before breaking your journey (but see warning above on Songa forest). There were a number of disturbances, related to drought conditions, over the weekend 22-23 January 2005, which led to a number of deaths among villagers. The affected area is the Kedong Valley, south of Mt Longonot, which includes the Mai Mahiu-Narok-Naivasha road junction, on the way to the Maasai Mara. Clashes between local residents and the police erupted again on 23 February 2005, resulting in further fatalities and injuries. There has been no hostility shown toward foreigners but you should either avoid the route, or proceed with caution. For security reasons, and also because of the condition of the roads, visitors to Lamu Island are strongly advised to travel by air. Buses and other vehicles on the road to Lamu have been attacked by armed robbers and must travel in convoy on the Malindi Garsen Lamu section. Road Safety Take care if driving, especially at night, as road conditions and driving standards are often poor. There have been a number of serious accidents involving Kenyan long-distance bus services. Vehicles are often poorly maintained, and driven at excessive speed even on poorly maintained roads. Check with any bus operator on the standards they observe before using this form of transport. Another common form of public transport is the matatu, usually a minibus plying a specific route. Though very cheap to use, matatus are notorious for being poorly maintained, badly driven and in some instances do not have proper insurance cover. There are frequent reports of matatus being hijacked, or of passengers being robbed. You are advised to think carefully before using matatus. A UK driving licence is sufficient in Kenya. Only hire vehicles from reputable companies. Rail Safety First and second class sleeping compartments area available on the Nairobi-Mombasa train. Doors can only be locked from the inside. If you are leaving your compartment, it is advisable to take your valuables with you. Air Safety If you plan to charter a private aircraft, you are advised to check with the company's Safety Pilot about the condition of the aircraft and runways to be used. If the company has no Safety Pilot, seek another that does. On 18 October, a series of explosions caused serious damage to buildings at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, heavily used for domestic flights, including charters. The exact cause of the explosions remain unclear but the incident raises concerns about safety procedures at the airport, notably on the handling of cargo. We will be discussing these concerns with the Kenyan authorities once they have concluded their investigations. In the meantime, we would urge travellers to remain vigilant at all times. HEALTH We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. For up to date information on health, check the Department of Health's website at: www.dh.gov.uk Malaria is endemic outside of Nairobi. HIV or AIDS is also widespread and transmission may also occur through sub-standard medical facilities. Water is of variable quality and you are advised to drink bottled water wherever possible. The Director of Medical Services confirmed on 9 June 2005 an outbreak of Cholera in the densely populated Eastleigh area of Nairobi, following five deaths. During the outbreak, the Provincial Commissioner banned the sale of food from road-side outlets in the City. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at any time. | 
