Canada issues travel advisory to Kenya over high levels of crime, regular power outages

The government of Canada has issued a travel advisory cautioning its citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution" should they find themselves travelling to Kenya during the upcoming festive season.

In the advisory seen by Citizen Digital, the Canadian government identified, among other issues, terrorism, high levels of criminal activities, frequent power outages, unsafe public transport systems and roads as some of the factors that could endanger the safety of its citizens.

Canadian citizens have been urged to avoid all travel to areas that border the Somalia border, such as Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu Counties, owing to risks of kidnapping and terror attacks.

They have similarly been warned against travelling to areas that border South Sudan and Ethiopia due to cases of armed banditry and cross-border violence.

"Avoid all travel to areas within 50 km of the coast of Tana River County and within 50 km of the coast of Kilifi County (from north of the city of Malindi to the Tana River County limits) due to a risk of kidnapping and attacks," the advisory reads in part.

In Nairobi, Canadians have been advised to steer clear of city estates such as Eastleigh, Kibera and Pangani owing to high cases of violent crimes.

Canadian travelers have similarly been urged to refrain from displaying signs of wealth or carrying substantial amounts of money.

Additionally, they have been encouraged to safeguard their financial resources and essential travel documents by not storing them in the same location while exploring Kenya.

They have likewise been advised against leaving their foods and drinks unattended when frequenting entertainment joints and of local con artists defrauding foreigners.

"Foreigners volunteering with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have sometimes reported incidents of fraud, threats and mistreatment by local personnel," said the Canadian government.

"Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Attacks involving sexual assault have occurred."