September 25, 2003
This Travel
Warning is being issued to inform American citizens that the Department
of State has lifted the authorized departure status of non-emergency
employees and family members at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.
However, the Department continues to alert U.S. citizens to ongoing
safety and security concerns in Kenya. This supersedes the Travel
Warning of May 16, 2003.
The Department of
State has rescinded the authorized departure of non-emergency employees
and family members of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. However, due to ongoing
security concerns, the Department continues to urge Americans to defer
all non-essential travel to Kenya at this time. The Department
recommends that private American citizens in Kenya evaluate their
personal security situation in light of the current terrorist threat and
consider departure from the country as one option to ensure their
safety.
The U.S.
Government continues to receive indications of terrorist threats in the
region aimed at American and western interests, including civil
aviation. The government of Kenya might not be able to prevent such
attacks.
The threat to
aircraft by terrorists using shoulder-fired missiles continues in Kenya,
including Nairobi. Terrorism poses a continuing threat in East Africa.
Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or
kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate
attacks on civilian targets in public places including tourist sites and
locations where westerners are known to congregate, as well as
commercial operations associated with U.S. or western interests.
American citizens
in Kenya should remain vigilant, particularly in public places
frequented by foreigners such as hotels, shopping malls, restaurants,
and churches, and should also avoid demonstrations and large crowds. In
particular, there is an increased threat against westerners in the
capital, Nairobi, and the coastal region.
U.S. citizens who
remain in Kenya despite this Travel Warning should consult the
Department of State’s Consular Information Sheet for Kenya,
the East Africa
Public Announcement, and
the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are available via
the Internet at travel.state.gov. American citizens may obtain
up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747
toll-free in the United States, or 317-472-2328 from overseas.
U.S. citizens
visiting or resident in Kenya are encouraged to register with the U.S.
Embassy. Security updates are e-mailed to all registered Americans
monthly. American citizens may complete a
registration
form on-line at http://usembassy.state.gov/nairobi/wwwhcon3.html or
may request one by email at:
kenya_acs@state.gov. American citizens living or traveling in Kenya
may contact the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi at 363-6000 during normal
business hours; after-hours phone numbers are 363-6170 and 0722-514-246.
