The United States has issued a travel advisory for its citizens in Kenya following protests in Nanyuki over a planned Ebola quarantine facility.
In an advisory dated June 1, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi warned that the demonstrations in Laikipia County could spread to other urban areas, including the capital, Nairobi.
The embassy said it was aware of protests taking place in Nanyuki and noted that similar demonstrations could occur in the coming days.
It added that protests in Kenya are often accompanied by a heavy police presence, which can disrupt traffic and increase security risks.
“The U.S. Embassy is aware of a demonstration in progress on June 1 in Nanyuki Town, in Laikipia County. Similar protests may occur in Nanyuki Town and other urban areas, including Nairobi, in the coming days. A significant police presence usually accompanies protests in Kenya,” stated the embassy.
U.S. Issues Safety Guidance and Precautionary Measures to Citizens in Kenya Amid Protest Concerns
U.S. authorities urged Americans in Kenya to stay alert, avoid crowds, and follow local media updates on security and road conditions.
Also Read: High Court Orders Govt to Disclose All Agreements and Approvals on Ebola Facility
The advisory also called on citizens to take basic safety precautions, including locking vehicle doors, keeping windows closed, reviewing personal security plans, and keeping family or friends informed about their movements.
The embassy also provided contact information for assistance, including its Nairobi office and emergency helplines, and encouraged Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates.
” Keep doors locked and windows rolled up while in a vehicle and notify friends and family of your whereabouts and safety, and monitor local media for highway and road conditions before traveling,” the embassy added.
U.S. authorities urged Americans living in or visiting Kenya to stay alert, avoid crowds, and monitor local media for updates on road and travel conditions before moving around.
Kenya Residents Protest U.S. Ebola Quarantine Plan at Laikipia Airbase Despite Court Order
Demonstrations broke out in central Kenya after residents rejected plans to establish a U.S.-supported Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, which was intended to host individuals without symptoms who had been exposed during an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Also Read: KDF Soldiers Take Charge as Protests Erupt in Nanyuki Over Ebola Quarantine Facility
The protests on June 1 saw demonstrators block access roads leading to the proposed site, raising concerns about the planned 50-bed quarantine facility.
Security officers responded by firing tear gas after confrontations erupted between police and protesters in the area.
The standoff follows a May 29 High Court order that temporarily halted the project, citing inadequate public participation in the approval process.
Despite the ruling, reports indicated that U.S. aircraft had landed at the airbase carrying personnel connected to the initiative.
Authorities have faced criticism from sections of the public and local leaders, who expressed concern about possible health and safety risks linked to the location and intended use of the facility.
President William Ruto defended the planned arrangement, describing it as part of ongoing cooperation and longstanding health partnerships between Kenya and the United States.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on June 2 to determine the next legal steps regarding the project.
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