U.S Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Alert to Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
Through the State Department, CDC cautioned Americans against travelling to Nairobi citing the Covid-19 scare.
It also issued the travel notice for other issues including crime and terrorism.
“The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Kenya due to COVID-19, indicating a moderate level of COVID-19 in the country,” the notice on the State Department’s website.
The US also urged its citizens to exercise caution when in Nairobi following increased cases of kidnapping.
“Reconsider Travel to: Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera at all times due to crime and kidnapping. Be especially careful when traveling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime.
“Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time,” the alert read.
It added that terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship.
Sadly, the State Department noted that local police are willing but cannot often respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks.
A warning to civil aviation was also issued citing an imminent threat to the airmen plying the Kenyan-Somali border.
In light of this, the US issued new guidelines to citizens travelling to Kenya.
All American citizens coming to Kenya were urged to visit the U.S Embassy’s web page regarding Covid-19 before travelling and checking with the CDC on the same.
They were urged to remain alert when they are in locations visited by foreigners because they could be potential terror hotspots.
In addition, “Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Make contingency plans to leave the country in the event of an emergency and Review the traveller’s checklist.”
US Citizens were also urged to follow reviews of crime and safety in the country before travel.
