Americans warned against high crime rates in Eastleigh, Kibera
The US has also highlighted terrorism as a concern, especially in public spaces such as malls, hotels, and places of worship.
The United States embassy has issued an alert to American citizens residing in Kenya on areas prone to kidnapping and other crimes.
In a travel advisory posted on their official website, the embassy stated that Eastleigh and Kibera areas of Nairobi are hotspots of crime with armed carjackings, muggings, home invasions and kidnappings likely to occur in the selected areas at any time with the police capability to respond being lower.
US nationals were urged not to travel to the two areas after dusk.
The embassy has also highlighted terrorism as a concern, especially in public spaces such as malls, hotels, and places of worship.
“Terrorist attacks on public places, such as government buildings, schools, places of worship, malls, and hotels, have occurred with little or no warning. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb or grenade attacks, and kidnappings,” it warned.
“Emergency medical and fire services are limited. Avoid traveling after dark in Kenya due to crime and poor traffic safety,” the advisory added.
It said that most of the crimes are committed by criminals using motorcycles who then flee from the scene even as they faulted the Kenya Police for being slow to respond to situations.
“Crimes typically occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted. Police have limited ability to respond to these crimes. Handbags, mobile phones, and other easy-to-reach valuables are the most stolen items,” the advisory added.
Americans traveling to the Kenya-Somalia border including Tana-River, Mandera, Wajir, Malindi, and Lamu have also been warned due to terrorism risks and kidnapping.
Travelers going to West Pokot and Turkana have also been cautioned due to banditry attacks.
The embassy said the areas have security risks, civil unrest, terrorism, and banditry.
It urged its government personnel to avoid traveling to specific areas designated as Level 4 as they are prohibited from moving due to kidnapping and terrorism risks.
The advisory said cross-border incursions in parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 50 kilometers of the Ethiopian border rendered the area insecure.
US citizens were further warned against demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests which tend to be volatile and could result in violence.
They were advised to stay on guard, especially in areas that are frequently visited by tourists.
“Do not resist any robbery attempt, check local media for breaking events and prepare to adjust your plans and make backup plans to leave the country, and in case of emergency, review the Traveler’s Checklist,” they warned.
