US Embassy in Nairobi issued a travel ban to it’s citizens in six counties in Kenya on February 16 due to a security threat.
The warning came after Interior Ministry Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued a notification labeling the 6 counties “disturbed zones” owing to an uptick in bandit assaults.
In light of these assaults, the Kenyan government has sent extra security forces to the trouble spots to ensure the protection of its citizens.
Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia, and Samburu counties are now on the US government’s list of places to avoid at all costs.
Identified trouble spots within these counties were broken down into their component parts and sub-counties in the notice.
Sub-counties in Turkana County that US citizens were not allowed to visit were Turkana South, East, and Loima; Pokot North and Sigor; Mukutani, Muchongoi, Bartabwa, Tiaty East, and Tiaty West; and Baringo County’s Mukutani, Muchongoi, and Baringo.
Olmorani, Ng’arua, and Mukogodo divisions in Laikipia County were listed on the list of troubled regions to which US personnel were cautioned against traveling.
Loroki and Kirisia regions in Samburu County were specifically highlighted by the United States government, which warned its citizens to stay away from the region during the multi-agency operation led by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and the Kenya National Police Service (NPS).
The US Embassy in Nairobi has urged American citizens to abide by curfew regulations set by Kenyan authorities.
It is suggested that they keep an eye on the news and other local sources of information and adjust their preparations accordingly.
This new warning follows a similar one sent by the US Embassy on February 9, which said that the Kenyan authorities have stepped up monitoring in the vulnerable regions.
The advisory said that foreigners and visitors should be on the lookout for probable terrorist attacks at hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, and places of worship.
