KENYA RISK REPORT

Threat level: High
The current travel safety advice for Kenya is to exercise extreme vigilance as there are many current travel advisories in place in the country.

Recent Security Risk Events
The whole country is at risk from attack, although the majority of these attacks so far have been carried out in the north eastern region, mainly in Dadaab, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera counties.

There have been many attacks near to the Somalian border by terrorist factions in response to Kenya’s deployment of its troops in Somalia. In recent years there has been an increase with insurgent and intra communal attacks. As such a great degree of caution should be expressed, especially if you are a western based traveller to the country.

Since 2011 there have been a number of terror attacks in Kenya, all carried out by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab. These include the September 2013 attack on the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, killing at least 69 people.

More recently on 2nd April 2015, a large scale terror attack took place at Garissa University in which at least 148 people killed.

May 2016 saw a terrorist plot foiled to use biological weapons, a large scale Anthrax attack, targeting westerners and locals in Kenya.

Security Risks
Violent crime have been committed against western nationals visiting the country and with some having resulted in murder, it is imperative that you keep a low profile and diminish expressions of wealth such as wearing jewellery or expensive watches.

Armed robbery, carjackings and muggings are common place in larger cities and the slums, however there is a lesser risk in the safari destinations. The current travel advisories, therefore, do not cover the popular safari travel destinations and they are deemed to be relatively safe areas to visit. It is advised not to use the Airport South Road and Jogoo Road due to the carjacking and attack risk.

A separate set of dangers exists in the safari and wildlife destinations, usually attributed to the animals and terrain of the area. It is advised that research is undertaken on the chosen destinations, including wild species and insects for that region to be wary of.

Terrorist attacks are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated including suicide operations, bomb and grenade attacks, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports.

Crime is high in all regions of Kenya, particularly Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts. There are regular reports of attacks against tourists by groups of armed assailants. Pickpockets and thieves carry out “snatch and run” crimes on city streets and near crowds. Thieves on motorcycles will assault pedestrians and speed away. It is advised that you do not carry large amounts of cash or important documents, instead favouring copies of passports and ID.

International Relations
There has been much instability and conflict with neighbouring Somalia over the years. Due to diplomatic incidents, Kenya’s relationship with the USA, Russia, United Arab Emirates and China has somewhat been turbulent at times however foreign policy, foreign aid and military negotiations have improved the ongoing situation. The United Kingdom is Kenya’s closest western ally, being a major private investor.

Travel considerations
All visitors should plan travel in great detail and ensure that logistics are in place prior to any travel outside of the main towns and cities.

Multiple kidnappings of westerners have occurred in Kenya and visitors should take precautions at all times when travelling in rural areas. It is advised to not walk between locations with cities at night.

The road conditions in Kenya are a relatively poor standard, with many drivers failing to maintain their vehicle. Cars frequently ignore road regulations and driving can be erratic and unpredictable. You should take extreme care if you plan to drive during your trip to Kenya.