The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised British nationals against travelling to some parts of Kenya.
In a statement, FCDO warned citizens against all but essential travels to some regions within Kenya due to high risk of terrorism.
“FCDO advises against all but essential travel to some parts of Kenya. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice,” read parts of the warning.
The British government urged its citizens to avoid travelling to eastern Garissa County, up to 20km north-west of the A3.
They citizens were also warned against traveling to Mandera County except for Mandera West subcounty.
“Due to on-going terrorism activity, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia,” read the statement.
Citizens were further warned against non-essential visits to Lamu County, excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island.
Areas of Tana River County north of the Tana River, up to 20km north-west of the A3 were also declared unsafe for British citizens.
“We advise against all but essential travel to within 15km of the coast between the Tana River and the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River,” said FCDO.
British Citizens Travelling to JKIA
For travel between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Nairobi City, citizens were directed to use the Mombasa Road or the Nairobi Expressway.
This is due to a higher risk of carjacking on the old airport road (Airport South Road) and Jogoo Road noted by FCDO.
“The Mombasa Road can get very busy during rush hour, and check-in 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,” the statement further reads.
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Banditry in Northern Kenya
Besides, FCDO advised against travels to rural areas particularly in the north and north-east of Kenya citing the occasional cattle rustling, banditry and ethnic clashes.
The government directed its citizens to take great care even though foreigners are not usually the target in those attacks.
“This section has safety advice for regions of Kenya. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice. You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice,” said FCDO.
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Additionally, FCDO asked British nationals to follow local security measures and use caution while visiting parts of Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu counties where Kenyan government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew.
“Landmines have been used in attacks around Moyale, close to the main A2 road south. Vehicles crossing the Kenya-Ethiopia border at this point should stay on the A2. Avoid staying at the rest house at Sololo – travel directly to Marsabit before breaking the journey,” advised FCDO.
The citizens were directed to seek local advice before travelling to areas around Mount Elgon because of armed clashes.