TRAVEL WARNING - KENYA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 090854 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC ASEC KPAO PTER PREL KE SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - KENYA ¶1. This Travel Warning is being issued to update U.S. citizens on safety and security conditions in Kenya. The temporary suspension of the United States Peace Corps program in Kenya has been lifted and volunteers have now returned to the country. The U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that private American citizens in Kenya and those considering travel to Kenya evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing threats from terrorism and crime. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning of March 21, 2008. Current Situation -------------- ¶2. The power-sharing agreement signed on February 28 has been widely accepted throughout Kenya; parliament ratified it on March 18. Implementation of the agreement is proceeding and members of the coalition government continue to adhere to the terms of the accord. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi will continue to monitor the political climate and update travel information for American citizens as necessary. Crime and Terrorist Acts -------------- ¶3. Kenya has a high rate of violent crime and remains susceptible to attacks from terrorists in the region. The U.S. Government continues to receive indications of potential terrorist threats aimed at American, western, and Kenyan interests. Terrorist acts could include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Many of those responsible for the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in 1998 and on a hotel in Mombasa in 2002 remain at large and continue to operate in the region. ¶4. Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings and home invasions/burglaries, can occur at any time and in any location, particularly in Nairobi. As recently as June 2008, U.S. Embassy personnel were victims of carjackings. In the short-term, the continued displacement of thousands of people by the recent civil unrest combined with endemic poverty and the availability of weapons could result in an increase in crime, both petty and violent. Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter or investigate such acts or prosecute perpetrators. ¶5. American citizens in Kenya should be extremely vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. Americans should also remain alert in residential areas, schools, and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds. ¶6. Americans who travel to or reside in Kenya are encouraged to register through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov . By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. The U.S. Embassy is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254) (20) 363-6000; fax (254) (20) 363-6410. In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254) (20) 363-6170. The Embassy home page is http://kenya.usembassy.gov. ¶7. Updated information on travel and security in Kenya STATE 00090854 002 OF 002 may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1- 888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Kenya and the Worldwide Caution Travel Alert, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov . ¶8. Minimize considered. RICE