U.S. EMBASSY NAIROBI
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Nairobi (May 13, 2025)
Location: (Nairobi, Kenya) The Northern Bypass, between Githogoro Rd. and the Glee Nairobi hotel
Event: The U.S. Embassy received reports of protesters armed with machetes blocking the Northern Bypass, between Githogoro Rd. and the Glee Nairobi hotel. Avoid Githogoro Rd. and the immediate Githogoro neighborhood (North of Runda). If you encounter a protest and/or roadblock depart the area immediately.
U.S. EMBASSY NAIROBI
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Nairobi (May 9, 2025)
Location: High traffic areas frequented by foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya
Event: The U.S. Embassy is monitoring reports of a recent increase in al-Shabaab activity, particularly along the Kenyan-Somali border, including Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa as well as in coastal areas such as Lamu.
Locations frequented by U.S. citizens, other foreigners, and tourists continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct attacks. Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning. Potential targets include, hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists.
Actions to Take:
U.S. Embassy Nairobi
Kenya Travel Advisory
March 18, 2025
Updated to reflect additional safety and security information.
Exercise caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas of the country have a greater risk. Read the entire travel advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
· Kenya-Somalia border counties (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera), Tana River County, and coastal areas north of Malindi due to terrorism and kidnapping.
· West Pokot and western Turkana County due to banditry. Parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border incursions.
Reconsider Travel to:
· The Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to crime and kidnapping.
Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious crimes and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire services are limited. Avoid traveling after dark in Kenya due to crime and poor traffic safety.
Crimes
Motorcycle crimes are common, where thieves grab items from victims and quickly flee the scene. Crimes typically occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted. Police have limited ability to respond to these crimes. Handbags, mobile phones, and other easy-to-reach valuables are the most stolen items.
Terrorism
Terrorist attacks on public places, such as government buildings, schools, places of worship, malls, and hotels, have occurred with little or no warning.
Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb or grenade attacks, and kidnappings.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests are common. They block key intersections or highways, resulting in widespread traffic jams. Violence during demonstrations has occurred across the country. This includes rock-throwing and police using deadly force. Political violence is most common in western Kenya and Nairobi.
Health
Access to medical care in Kenya may not be on the same level as it is in the United States, and medical facilities may not have adequate medication supplies, especially outside large cities. Medical evacuation insurance valid for travel to Kenya is strongly recommended. Hospitals usually require payment before treatment.
Unlicensed facilities and bribes
Some schools and behavior modification facilities in Kenya operate without licensing and oversight. There are reports of U.S. citizens being held against their will in these facilities and being physically abused.
The embassy frequently receives complaints from U.S. citizens who have been stopped by police, immigration, or customs officials asking for bribes.
Property confiscations
Property disputes are common and can turn violent. Some U.S. citizens have had their property confiscated or been threatened.
Read the country information page for more information about travel to Kenya.
If you decide to travel to Kenya:
Specified Areas - Level 4: Do Not Travel
U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the below areas.
Kenya-Somalia Border Counties:
· Mandera due to kidnapping and terrorism.
· Wajir due to kidnapping and terrorism.
· Garissa due to kidnapping and terrorism.
Coastal Area Counties:
· Tana River (except for Tsavo National Park) due to kidnapping and terrorism.
· Lamu due to kidnapping and terrorism.
· Areas of Kilifi north of Malindi due to kidnapping and terrorism.
Parts of north and northwestern Kenya:
· West Pokot County due to banditry.
· Western Turkana County south of Lodwar due to banditry.
· Parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border incursions.
Specified Areas - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera:
· Crime and kidnappings occur in the Eastleigh and Kibera neighborhoods. Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, and home invasion, can occur at any time. Street crime can involve multiple armed assailants. Most roads in these areas are heavily congested and overcrowded. Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
