The United Kingdom has issued a severe and detailed travel advisory for its citizens in Kenya, pinpointing specific northeastern regions as high-risk zones due to frequent terrorist attacks attributed to the Al Shabaab militant group and warning of a pervasive threat of kidnapping across the country.
The advisory, published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), states bluntly that “British nationals are seen as legitimate targets” by criminal and militant groups operating within Kenya.
The warning highlights a sustained and deadly pattern of violence in counties bordering Somalia. “There have been frequent attacks in the north-eastern border regions, most of which were attributed to Al Shabaab,” the UK government said. “Attacks have killed members of the Kenyan security forces as well as civilians. The Kenyan security forces have increased their presence in the affected areas.”
The notice explicitly advises against all but essential travel to several specific locations:
- Mandera County in its entirety.
- Wajir County, specifically the Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies, with the exception of Wajir Town.
- Garissa County, excluding Garissa Town, the Lagdera Sub-County, and areas of the Balambala constituency.
- Lamu County, except for the relative safety of Lamu Island and Manda Island.
Beyond these regions, the advisory raised a specific concern around the northern town of Moyale, on the Ethiopian border. “There have been attacks using landmines around Moyale, close to the main A2 road south. Vehicles crossing the Kenya-Ethiopia border at this point should stay on the A2,” the notice cautioned. It also advised travellers to avoid staying at a rest house in Sololo, recommending they proceed directly to Marsabit without breaking their journey.
Perhaps the most alarming part of the advisory is the blanket warning on kidnappings. The FCDO stated, “There is a high risk of kidnapping across Kenya… Westerners have been the target of kidnappings, and further kidnappings are very likely.” This threat is not confined to remote border areas but is presented as a nationwide concern.
The advisory even extends to the route from the country’s primary international gateway, recommending that travellers moving between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Nairobi City Centre “strictly use the Mombasa Road or the Nairobi Expressway,” implying perceived risks on alternative routes.
The warning underscores the ongoing security challenges Kenya faces from the Somalia-based Al Shabaab insurgency and organized criminal networks. It places a renewed spotlight on the government’s efforts to secure vast and often remote territories, even as it acknowledges the increased deployment of Kenyan security forces in the most affected areas.
For the bustling tourism industry and the large expatriate community in Kenya, such advisories from a major ally are taken seriously, often influencing travel insurance policies and corporate security protocols. The Kenyan government is yet to issue an official public response to the latest UK travel notice.
