The United States has issued a travel advisory against Kenya over Covid-19, kidnappings and terror attacks.
In a travel advisory notice, the US citizens were advised to reconsider travelling to Kenya due to Covid-19 and they should exercise increased caution in the country due to crime, terrorism, health issues, and kidnapping.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Kenya due to Covid-19, indicating a high level of the virus in the country.
“Your risk of contracting Covid-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers,” stated CDC.
In the Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Kenya, CDC has advised US citizens to make sure they are fully vaccinated before traveling to Kenya and unvaccinated travelers to avoid nonessential travel to the country.
“Because of the current situation in Kenya, all travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading Covid-19 variants. Travelers should follow recommendations or requirements in Kenya, including wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from others,” CDC stated.
US citizens have been asked not to travel to the Kenya-Somalia border and some coastal areas due to terrorism and areas of Turkana County due to crime.
They’ve also been advised to reconsider travelling to Nairobi neighbourhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera at all times due to crime and kidnapping.
“Be especially careful when travelling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime. Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time,” CDC advised.
“Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings.”
The US says the local police are willing but often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks.
In June, the US had lowered Kenya’s travel advisory level to two, down from four, adjusting travel guidance for vaccinated Americans in the process.
CDC issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for the country indicating a moderate level of Covid-19 in the Country.
In April, the US government had retained its highest travel advisory on Nairobi initially indicated by the CDC.