U.K. issues travel advisory over 'heightened threat of terrorism' in Kenya

The United Kingdom (U.K.) embassy in Kenya has urged its residents to desist from travelling to a number of areas in the North Eastern part of the country in April.

This comes after the National Police Service (NPS) on Tuesday announced that it would heighten security in different parts of the country next month owing to increased activities in the period such as Easter and Ramadhan festivities.

According to the British High Commission. there is a heightened risk of terrorism during religious holidays, including terrorist kidnappings.

“The U. K’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advices against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border, Eastern Garissa County, Mandera County (excluding Mandera West sub-county) and Lamu County (excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island),” the U.K. government said in an advisory.

Travelers have similarly been urged to avoid areas of Tana River County, north of the Tana River itself, and 15 km of the coast from Tana River down to the Galana river.

British nationals who find themselves in the aforementioned areas, the U.K. government added, should be wary of terrorist attacks spearheaded by Al-Shabaab.

“The main terrorism threat is from extremists linked to Al Shabaab, a militant group in Somalia opposed to the Somali government,” added the U.K.

“Attacks could occur at any time, including around religious or other public holidays or celebrations. Attacks could be indiscriminate in places frequented by foreigners. You should avoid regular patterns of movement and aim to travel during daylight hours.”

According to the U.K, there is a heightened threat of terrorist kidnapping targeting Westerners, including British nationals, in the aforementioned areas.

“British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you’re kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release,” said the U.K.