The Canadian High Commission has issued a travel advisory to its citizens in Kenya over frequent power blackouts and terrorism threats across 9 counties.
In an updated advisory, the Canada High Commission urged Canadians to avoid all travel to Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu counties along the border with Somalia because of a heightened risk of kidnapping and attacks.
Travel to Turkana and Marsabit counties, within 110 km of the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia, is also strongly discouraged due to armed banditry and cross-border violence.
“Exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya due to the threat of terrorism and a high crime rate,” read part of the advisory.
In coastal areas, the High Commission stated that all travel within 50 km of the coast in Tana River County and northern Kilifi County, from Malindi to the Tana River border, should be avoided because of the risk of kidnapping and attacks.
In Nairobi, non-essential travel to the neighborhoods of Eastleigh, Kibera, and Pangani has also been discouraged due to high crime rates.
Canadians are advised to remain vigilant in public places and be constantly aware of their surroundings.
They should avoid areas where large gatherings are taking place.
While staying at hotels with robust security measures is recommended, even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.
Canada Cautions Its Citizens About Power Outages
The advisory warned that frequent power outages across Kenya could heighten the risk of crime, including opportunistic theft during prolonged blackouts.
Frequent outages could also affect access to basic necessities and disrupt essential services, including public transportation such as flights, medical services, water supply, telecommunications, and banking.
Also Read: Germany Issues Safety and Travel Advisory to Its Citizens in Kenya
Further, the High Commission noted that not all buildings in Kenya are equipped with backup generators.
Canadians are advised to plan accordingly by keeping a supply of water, food, and fuel on hand, maintaining an emergency kit, monitoring local media for updates, and following instructions from local authorities.
Also Read: Nairobi County Issues Health Advisory for CBD Area
Other Advisories
Canadians in Kenya have been advised never to leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers.
Snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes offered by new acquaintances may be laced with drugs, putting individuals at risk of sexual assault or robbery.
Canadians have been cautioned against meeting individuals in Kenya with whom they have developed online relationships, whether for friendship, business, or romance.
The advisory said that foreigners are sometimes lured to the country, only to fall victim to scams, lose significant amounts of money, or face legal problems for unpaid debts or inflated bills incurred locally.
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