Kenya DFAT Travel Advisory Update

DFTA has issued an advice strongly advising Australians to reconsider the need to travel to Kenya at this time due to the dangerous and unpredictable security situation, the high risk of terrorist attack and high crime levels.

They advise that those in Kenya pay close attention to personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

For travellers in Kenya and concerned for their safety, they should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

There have been widespread outbreaks of violent protest and lawlessness following the Presidential elections on 27 December 2007.

Over 200 people have reportedly died.

There is a high risk of being caught up in rioting and lawlessness. A large demonstration was planned in Central Nairobi on Thursday, 3 January 2008.

Similar demonstrations are planned for Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and Kakamega on the same day and travellers should avoid all demonstrations, political rallies and large public gatherings because of their very high potential to turn violent.

They advise travellers to stay indoors in a secure location and avoid any unnecessary local travel until the situation becomes clearer and to closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Travellers should be aware that departure options from Kenya may be limited or delayed due to fuel shortages and possible disruption to transport, including airline, services and that they may also experience long delays at border crossings and other departure points.

Travel between Nairobi and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport may be disrupted on days when demonstrations are planned.  Roadblocks and road closures are also in effect in other parts of Kenya.  Domestic airlines and other services may be affected.  Communication by SMS may be disrupted. 

Travellers should contact their travel agent and/or airline regarding the temporary suspension of transport services.

DFAT continues to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, such as places frequented by foreigners including Australians.

Foreign embassies, hotels and commercial airlines in Kenya have been targeted by terrorists in the past and remain potential targets.

Security at the Australian High Commission in Nairobi has been increased.

Kenyan authorities recently arrested terrorism suspects in the Nairobi suburb of Eastleigh.

Australian High Commission staff have been advised to avoid this locality.

In planning activities, travellers should consider the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided.

Possible targets include commercial and public areas frequented by foreigners such as embassies, airports and commercial airlines, symbols and buildings associated with foreign interests, clubs, restaurants, bars, hotels, schools, markets, places of worship, shopping areas, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas and expatriate housing areas.

Terrorist acts may include suicide operations, bombings and attacks on civil aviation or maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports.

Violent clashes between police and armed gangs have occurred since the beginning of 2007 in parts of the Central province, north and north-east Kenya, the Mount Elgon area in western Kenya and in Nairobi.

While foreigners are not targeted, they should monitor the media, exercise a high degree of caution and seek local advice before travelling to or through these areas.

Violent crime against Westerners, including armed carjacking and home invasions, occurs frequently in and around Nairobi.  Avoid walking alone at night. We also strongly advise against travelling outside of Nairobi after dark.

DFAT strongly advises Australians not to travel to the border regions with Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia because of the extremely dangerous security situation.

Cross border violence occurs, including kidnapping, armed banditry, and violent tribal and clan disputes.

Kenya’s border with Somalia was closed on 3 January 2007 due to increased instability in Somalia.

A Report by The Mole from DFAT