The UK has issued a travel advisory against travel to Kenya following the Manda Bay military camp terror attack last Sunday.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Saturday advised against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border, Garissa county, Lamu (excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island), areas of Tana River county north of the Tana River itself, within 15km of the coast from the Tana River down to the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River.
Around 190,000 UK residents visit Kenya every year.
“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Kenya. There is a heightened threat of terrorism, including terrorist kidnappings, across Kenya. Attacks, including terrorist kidnappings, could target Westerners, including British nationals,” the advisory said.
The UK said attacks could be indiscriminate in places frequented by foreigners including hotels, bars, restaurants, sports bars and nightclubs, sporting events, supermarkets, shopping centres, commercial buildings, coastal areas including beaches, government buildings, airports, buses, trains and other transport hubs.
“Places of worship including churches and mosques have also been targeted. Be particularly vigilant in these areas,” the statement noted.
The UK had in May last year also issued another travel advisory warning against kidnappings across Kenya, specifically mentioning Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Meru and their surroundings.
This is likely to further hit the tourism sector.
Last week, hoteliers in the coast region and game park reserves said tourists have started canceling trips to Kenya after al Shabaab hit the Manda Bay military camp.
