The United States has issued a level four travel advisory against Kenya, urging its citizens not to travel to Kenya. The advisory cautions against travelling to the country due to health risks of COVID-19. Further, it also emphasises extra caution due to crime, health issues, terrorism, and kidnapping.
“Do not travel to Kenya due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, health issues, and kidnapping, ” reads the travel advisory on the US Bureau of Consular Affairs Website.
A level four advisory is the highest advisory level, urging US citizens not to travel because of a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. This is opposed to levels one, two and three, which call for standard precautions, increased caution and reconsideration, respectively.
Today’s travel advisory follows a similar CDC caution against travelling to Kenya, issued on March 26, due to rising community transmission of the Coronavirus in Kenya, filling up COVID-19 bedspace in hospitals and difficulties in obtaining life-saving oxygen.
The US advises against travel to the Kenya-Somali border and some coastal areas due to terrorism. The caution prohibits US government personnel from travelling to counties like Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, and parts of Kilifi County north of Malindi. It also warns against travel to Turkana County, specifically the road from Kainuk to Lodwar, due to banditry.
Additionally, the travel advisory calls for a reconsideration of visiting Eastleigh and Kibera at all time due to crime and kidnapping.
“Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Street crime can involve multiple armed assailants. Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”
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