The United Kingdom (UK) through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an advisory to British nationals residing in Kenya providing advice on the risks of travel.
The advisory, FCDO noted in a statement on May 1, 2024, is aimed at helping British nationals make informed decisions in the midst of the ongoing heavy rains and recent incidents of terror attacks witnessed in different parts of the country.
The office listed areas where British Nationals are to avoid travelling to within Kenya, further warning that their travel insurance could be invalidated if they go against FCDO advice.
Among the areas listed include the Kenya-Somalia border where the office advised against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of the border due to on-going terrorism activity.
“In Eastern Garissa County, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to eastern Garissa County, up to 20km north-west of the A3 while in Mandera County, the office advises against all but essential travel to the County, excluding Mandera West subcounty,” reads the statement in part.
At the same time, travel to Lamu County was advised against excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island.
UK Travel Advisory
UK Nationals were asked to fly to Lamu Airport (a civilian airport on Manda Island) if travelling to Lamu Island or Manda Island and avoid travelling by road.
Also Read: US Embassy Issues Security Alert in Nairobi Residential Areas
In Tana River County, UK advised against all but essential travel to areas of the County north of the Tana River, up to 20km north-west of the A3.
“Coast between the Tana River and Galana River, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 15km of the coast between the Tana River and the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River,” reads part of the advisory.
Travel between the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Nairobi City was also highlighted with the UK advising on the use the Mombasa Road or the Nairobi Expressway.
According to FCDO, there is a higher risk of carjacking on the old airport road (Airport South Road) and Jogoo Road, which its nationals should avoid.
Also Read: Australia Issues Travel Advisory on Kenya Over Terrorists Attacking Foreigners
At the same time the office noted that Mombasa Road can get very busy during rush hour, and check-in at the airport can take several hours.
“Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. A vehicle security check outside the airport may add to your journey time,” adds FCDO.
For areas located in North and North-east Kenya, the office warned that there have been increased reports of criminal activity linked to cattle rustling and banditry in the region from West Pokot (in the northern Rift Valley) east towards Isiolo county.
According to the UK, foreigners are not usually the bandit targets, but instead advised its nationals to take great care when travelling in the region.
Other regions highlighted
Other areas listed include Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu counties where FCDO advised UK nationals to follow local security measures and use caution.
While addressing recent cases of landmine explosions around Moyale, the office advised vehicles crossing the Kenya-Ethiopia border to stay on the A2 Road.
“Avoid staying at the rest house at Sololo – travel directly to Marsabit before breaking the journey,” the advisory adds.
The FCDO constantly reviews its travel advice for each country or territory to ensure it includes up-to-date information and advice on the most relevant issues for British people visiting or living there.
It covers a range of topics, including entry requirements, safety and security issues, health risks, details about local laws and information on the threat from terrorism.
The UK updates travel advice as quickly as possible if it is aware of an incident that might significantly affect British people travelling or living in a certain area.
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