Talking Points: Kenya Travel Warning (April 6, 2017)
Talking Points – Kenya
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The following Talking Points may be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing security issues and travel to Kenya. (Updated April 6, 2017)
1. While thousands of U.S. citizens visit Kenya each year without incident, the U.S. State Department has in place both an ongoing Travel Warning for certain parts of the country, and a new Travel Alert regarding upcoming elections there.
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.
1. While thousands of U.S. citizens visit Kenya each year without incident, the U.S. State Department has in place both an ongoing Travel Warning for certain parts of the country, and a new Travel Alert regarding upcoming elections there.
On April 6, the U.S. State Department issued a Travel Alert for Kenya due to the upcoming general elections on August 8, 2017. The alert states, in part:
o “Candidate selection for national and county offices will take place throughout the country in April, followed by nationwide campaigning …Rallies, demonstrations, and protests may occur with little notice and even those intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence. As with all large events, there is also the opportunity for criminal elements or terrorists to target participants and visitors. You should avoid areas of gatherings, protests, and demonstrations, and exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of any such events.”
o The State Department also notes that “Restrictions on traffic circulation, either imposed by the authorities or caused by political rallies, could occur during the elections period.” For travelers’ safety, it recommends the following:
U.S. citizens are urged to exercise caution and remain abreast of the security situation.
Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
Avoid crowds and remain alert when using public transportation.
Report specific safety concerns to local law enforcement authorities.
Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a Security Message for U.S. Citizens on March 13, 2017, stating: “The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to exercise caution and common sense and to practice heightened personal security throughout the year.” It also provided a list of helpful preparations and actions that should be taken by U.S. citizens and their family members, while at home, while driving and in public places that can be found here.
In addition, there is still an active Travel Warning for Kenya – updated on January 13, 2017 – that warns U.S. citizens to “avoid travel to the border areas of Kenya because of
threats by the terrorist group al-Shabaab. U.S. citizens should also be aware of potential terrorist threats and the high risk of crime throughout the country.” It states, in part::
o “Avoid travel in the northeastern Kenyan counties of Mandera, Wajir and Garissa, the coastal counties of Tana River and Lamu in their entirety, all areas north of Malindi in Kilifi County, and the Nairobi neighborhood of Eastleigh.”
o “In Mombasa, the U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens visit Old Town only during daylight hours, and avoid using the Likoni ferry due to safety concerns.”
o “In 2016, terrorist attacks involving shootings, grenades, or other explosive devices resulted in 122 fatalities. The bulk of these incidents occurred in Wajir, Garissa, Lamu and Mandera counties. Potential terrorist threats remain in Kenya, including within the Nairobi area, along the coast, and within the northeastern region of the country.”
o “Terrorist targets have included Kenyan and foreign government sites, police stations and vehicles, hotels, public transportation and other infrastructure targets, nightclubs and bars, religious and academic institutions, and shopping areas.”
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.
While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:
o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.
o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.
o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.
o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.
o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.
The State Department Travel Warning recommends that travelers “review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.”
Previously, the U.S. State Department has advised, “U.S. citizens in Kenya should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal security, particularly in crowded public
places such as clubs, hotels, resorts, shopping centers, restaurants, bus stations, and places of worship.”
o “U.S. citizens should also remain alert in residential areas, at schools, and at outdoor recreational events.”
o “U.S. citizens should use commonsense precautions at all times, to include the following practices: avoid crowded transportation venues; visit only legitimate businesses and tourist areas only during daylight hours; use well-marked taxis and be sure to lock vehicle doors and keep windows up; lock all lodging doors and windows; carry minimal amounts of cash and credit cards; do not wear jewelry which attracts undue attention; know emergency phone numbers; do not resist or antagonize armed criminals; and always be aware of your surroundings. These measures can help prevent a ‘wrong place, wrong time’ scenario in the event of an attack as well as ensuring that your travel to Kenya is safe and enjoyable.”
o Travelers should keep informed of local developments by following local press, radio, and television reports prior to their visits. Visitors should also consult their hosts, including U.S. and Kenyan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers.
We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.
Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.
Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.
We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.