The United States Embassy in Nairobi has issued a fresh security alert, warning its citizens and other foreigners in Kenya to exercise heightened personal security and situational awareness due to persistent terrorist threats.
In a statement released on Tuesday, August 19, the embassy said terror groups such as al-Shabaab remain an ongoing threat across Kenya, including the capital Nairobi.
“Locations such as hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists continue to be attractive targets,” the embassy cautioned.
The embassy noted that terror groups often carry out attacks with little or no warning. It further indicated that the threat level tends to rise around anniversaries of past attacks, citing dates such as August 7, September 11, the September 21 Westgate Mall attack, and the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel.
“While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversary dates of prior attacks,” the advisory read.
As part of the safety guidance, the embassy urged U.S. citizens and other expatriates to remain vigilant when moving around crowded areas.
“Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists and foreigners. Review your personal security plans, be aware of your surroundings, avoid protest areas, and keep a low profile,” the advisory stated.
The embassy also called on residents to monitor local media for security updates and avoid unnecessary exposure in public gatherings and demonstrations.
This latest advisory comes at a time when Kenyan security agencies have heightened operations in major towns and along the country’s borders to ward off potential terror threats.
