U.S. warns against travel to high-risk areas in Kenya

The U.S. Department of State has issued travel warnings for certain areas in Kenya due to security concerns. This includes risks from terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry. The announcement highlights areas like the counties that share borders with Somalia and Ethiopia as particularly dangerous. Americans are advised not to travel to specific counties: Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Tana River, along with coastal regions north of Malindi. These places are marked with a Level 4 "do not travel" warning. Additionally, West Pokot and western Turkana County are noted for banditry, and parts of Marsabit and Turkana counties near the Ethiopian border are also risky due to cross-border attacks. In Nairobi, the neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera are under a Level 2 advisory, urging Americans to reconsider their travel there due to crime and kidnapping. The advisory warns about motorcycle crimes in crowded areas, where valuables are often stolen. Access to medical care in Kenya is limited, and those traveling are advised to have medical evacuation insurance. Hospitals require payment before providing treatment. The U.S. Department of State cautions that violent crime, such as carjackings and muggings, can happen at any time, and local police may not respond effectively to serious incidents. Despite the travel warnings, some travel companies, like Go2Africa, state that most of Kenya remains safe for tourists. The U.S. will continue to monitor the security situation in Kenya and update its travel advice as necessary.