- Canada issues travel advisory for Kenya, citing terrorism, crime, and safety concerns
- Specific warnings include avoiding Somalia border areas and certain Nairobi city estates
- Travelers urged to safeguard belongings, stay vigilant against fraud, and prioritize personal safety
In a recently issued travel advisory, the Government of Canada has cautioned its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” when traveling to Kenya for the upcoming festive season.
A collage of the Kenyan and Canadian flag.
The advisory, as reported, outlines various concerns, including terrorism, heightened levels of criminal activities, frequent power outages, and safety issues related to public transport and roads.
According to the advisory, Canadian citizens are strongly advised to avoid all travel to areas along the Somalia border, including Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu Counties, due to the heightened risks of kidnapping and terror attacks.
Similar warnings extend to regions bordering South Sudan and Ethiopia, where cases of armed banditry and cross-border violence pose potential threats.
The advisory specifically mentions coastal areas, urging travelers to avoid locations within 50 km of the coast of Tana River County and Kilifi County due to risks of kidnapping and attacks.
In Nairobi, Canadians are advised to steer clear of certain city estates, such as Eastleigh, Kibera, and Pangani, owing to high cases of violent crimes.
In the original advisory, Canadian citizens were urged to refrain from displaying signs of wealth, carrying substantial amounts of money, and were encouraged to safeguard their financial resources and essential travel documents by not storing them in the same location while exploring Kenya.
Additionally, travelers were warned against leaving their foods and drinks unattended when frequenting entertainment joints and of local con artists defrauding foreigners.
The advisory stated, “Foreigners volunteering with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have sometimes reported incidents of fraud, threats, and mistreatment by local personnel.”
It also highlighted concerns for women traveling alone, stating, “Women traveling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Attacks involving sexual assault have occurred.”
