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World video travel guide
KTF UPDATE ON SECURITY IN KENYA
Further to the security update issued yesterday, there continues to be heightened security in the country, with our armed forces deployed along the border and into Somalia. This action has stabilized the security situation along the frontiers and contained the threat emanating from Al Shabaab insurgents within Somalia.
This security intervention has however resulted in threats of retaliation from the insurgents and there have since been two grenade attacks in downtown Nairobi. The Government is taking these threats very seriously and security has been enhanced in various locations, within and outside Nairobi. KTF wishes to advise as follows: -
1. Both grenade incidents took place in parts of Nairobi that are NOT patronized by international tourists. The first took place in a local bar after midnight while the second occurred at a crowded bus stop at 7:30pm targeting local commuters.
2. The tourism industry takes cognizance that the Government has since identified specific areas within Nairobi considered to have a higher element of risk. Consequently, all industry members have been advised to either avoid the named locations or to be extra vigilant while in the vicinity.
3. General security surveillance has been enhanced in all urban areas with special emphasis on those frequented by international visitors. These include hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and tourist facilities.
4. The Tourism industry, in line with existing recommendations, will not operate any safaris within 150 kms of the Somali border. It should be noted that all of Kenya’s wildlife Parks and Reserves are located well away from this exclusion zone.
5. The Kenya Coast, including Lamu and its environs, continue to enjoy higher levels of security and surveillance in the wake of the recent kidnappings. A visit to Lamu over the weekend by the Tourism Minister, accompanied by top government officials, tourism industry officials and the US Ambassador to Kenya (Maj. (Rtd) Scott Gration) confirmed that the security situation is greatly improved and higher visitor inflows have started to be experienced. Ambassador Scott Gration said that the US Government was satisfied with the heightened security measures taken by the Kenyan authorities to avert any terror attacks
6. The Kenya Tourism Federation Safety and Communication Center continues to monitor the situation on a 24-Hour basis and issue updated advice to the Tourism Industry. Please consult your Tour Operator in respect of specific areas to avoid while in Nairobi and Mombasa.
There are thousands of tourists currently in the country who continue to enjoy their safari and beach holidays as planned. We wish to reassure intending visitors to Kenya that they will enjoy the warm and friendly welcome for which Kenya is renowned.
Lucy Karume Chairperson, Kenya Tourism Federation
