With Kenya marking the anniversaries of significant past terrorist attacks this month, including the 9/11 attacks and the September 21, 2013, Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, the US has issued a fresh terror advisory to its citizens living in the country.
“While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversaries of prior terrorist attacks, such as September 11, the September 21 Westgate Mall attack,” the embassy said in a Friday advisory.
Equally, the embassy says the first anniversary of the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel (October 7, 2023) is nearing.
“The US Embassy in Nairobi reminds US citizens in Kenya that they should exercise increased caution due to the risks of terrorism and kidnapping.
Locations frequented by US citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be targets for terrorists,” it stated.
The embassy has recommended that US citizens exercise caution in popular tourist spots, reassess their personal security measures, stay updated through local media, steer clear of protest areas, avoid large crowds, and maintain a low profile.
The British High Commission in Kenya echoed these recommendations from the US Embassy.
In a revised advisory issued on September 13, the High Commission included the US Embassy’s warning on its website and emphasised that visiting regions near Somalia could lead to invalidation of travel insurance for British citizens if they disregard the advice.