Kenya

We strongly advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya overall at this time due to the high risk of terrorist attack, kidnapping, civil unrest and high crime levels. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

You should evaluate your personal security situation in light of continuing terrorist threats and public warnings of possible attacks.

Since the beginning of Kenyan military operations in Somalia in October 2011, there have been a number of terrorist attacks in Kenya (see list of recent attacks below) and repeated threats made by terrorist organisations. Kenyan and other authorities have regularly warned that further attacks are likely.

There have been a number of armed attacks including grenade and IED attacks in Nairobi, Mombasa and Garissa. Previous attacks have targeted churches, bus stations, bars and nightclubs. Further such small-scale attacks are likely.

Recent information also indicates terrorists continue to plan attacks against places frequented by Westerners in Nairobi and the surrounding region and in Mombasa.

On 3 October 2012, Kenyan authorities advised they had intelligence of a heightened terrorist threat in Kenya following the entry of Kenyan Defence Forces into Kismayo, Somalia. Security has been increased in response and Kenyans have been advised to exercise caution in public areas. Kenyan authorities also alerted the public to a heightened threat from terrorist attacks in July 2012. Australians should heed the warnings of Kenyan authorities, maintain heightened awareness of the security environment and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Attacks could be indiscriminate and target Kenyan institutions as well as places where expatriates and foreigner travellers gather. You should take extra care in public places and at public events.

Kenyan security authorities have adopted heightened security precautions in response to the threat of terrorist attack. An enhanced security presence has been deployed at public venues such as hotels, shopping plazas and other large establishments.

Due to heightened security concerns, staff at the Australian High Commission in Nairobi have been advised to exercise greater vigilance and security measures have been increased, particularly when travelling to Kenyan Government buildings and the CBD. We advise you to do the same.

Locations that may be subject to terrorist attack:

Kenyan authorities have encouraged extra vigilance against possible terrorist attacks on public places as a result of the current heightened conflict in Somalia. These attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners, including Australians. You could be caught up in attacks directed at others.

We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets in Kenya, including Kenyan and Western interests. In planning your activities, you should avoid the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets.

Possible targets frequented by Westerners include Western embassies, UN premises, hotels, airports, shopping areas, markets, bars, sports bars and nightclubs (including venues broadcasting international sporting events), restaurants and cafes, tourist resorts (including beach resorts and beaches), safari lodges, churches and other places of worship, commercial airlines and other places frequented by foreigners.

Other possible targets include Kenyan Government buildings, transport hubs and infrastructure, and refugee camps near the Kenya-Somalia border where Western aid workers may be targeted.

Terrorist acts could include suicide bombings, kidnappings, roadside IED attacks, attacks on civil aviation and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports.

Embassies, hotels and commercial airlines in Kenya have been targeted by terrorists in the past and remain potential targets.

Australians should be particularly vigilant in the lead-up to and during religious festivals and days of national significance as militants have used such occasions to mount attacks.

You should exercise particular vigilance if attending sporting events including football matches. You should also avoid public venues, such as sports bars, nightclubs and restaurants that broadcast sporting events, particularly international events, as well as public transportation to these events.

Recent terrorist attacks in Kenya include:

• On 4 April 2013, an attack on a market in Garissa killed one and injured several others.
• On 4 March 2013, attacks by armed youths on police stations and clashes with police in the Mombasa area killed at least 15 people, including a number of police officers.
• On 16 December 2012, an explosion in Eastleigh area of Nairobi injured at least one person.
• On 7 December 2012, an explosion in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi killed five people and injured many more.
• On 5 December 2012, an explosion near the Eastleigh Air Base killed one person and injured several others.
• On 6 November 2012, a bomb was detonated in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi injuring at least three people.
• On 4 November 2012, a grenade attack on a church occurred in Garissa town, killing one and injuring a number of others.
• On 17 October 2012, a grenade attack during a police raid on a house near Mombasa killed one and injured many more.
• On 12 October 2012, two explosions occurred in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi, killing several people casualties and injured many more.
• On 30 September 2012, a grenade attack on a church occurred in the north-east of Nairobi, causing several causalities.
• On 3 August 2012, a grenade attack occurred in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi, killing one and injuring a number of others.
• On 1 July 2012, terrorist attacks on two churches in Garissa, eastern Kenya, reportedly killed 16 people and injured many others.
• On 24 June 2012, a bomb explosion at a nightclub in Mombasa reportedly killed three people and injured a number of others.
• On 28 May 2012, an explosion occurred in a shopping centre in the Central Business District of Nairobi, killing one and injuring around 30 people.
• On 15 May 2012, an attack on a restaurant in central Mombasa reportedly left at least one person dead and several injured. Earlier that day, an IED attack at a refugee camp in Dadaab killed one police officer and injured three others.
• On 29 April 2012, a grenade attack against a church in the Ngara suburb of Nairobi killed one person and injured 16 others.
• On 31 March 2012, grenade attacks against a church and a bar in Mombasa left one person dead and 15 injured.
• On 10 March 2012, a grenade attack on a bus station in Nairobi city killed seven people and injured approximately 60 others.
• On 12 January 2012, an attack on a police facility near Wajir killed at least five people.

Nairobi suburbs of Eastleigh, Kasirani, Kibera and Mathare: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the Nairobi suburbs of Kibera, Mathare, Kasirani and Eastleigh due to violent incidents and high crime levels.

Kidnapping: There is an ongoing very high threat of kidnap to Westerners, including tourists, journalists and humanitarian workers, in parts of Kenya that are close to the border with Somalia. Somali-based kidnappers have abducted a number of Westerners from Kenya in 2011 and 2012. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

Threats to humanitarian workers: Armed groups from Somalia have previously kidnapped Westerners in Kenya working in a humanitarian capacity along the border with Somalia. Western aid workers in refugee camps in this region may be a particular target. On 29 June 2012, four foreign aid workers were kidnapped from the Dadaab refugee camp near the border with Somalia. A Kenyan national was reportedly killed in the attack. The aid workers were later freed in a rescue operation. On 13 October 2011, two Spanish aid workers were kidnapped from the Dadaab refugee camp. In July 2009, three aid workers in Kenya were kidnapped by Somali militias and taken into Somalia. You should be aware that humanitarian workers and journalists covering the humanitarian situation in border areas may be targeted for abduction by kidnappers.

Threats to tourists and residents: Tourists and residents in coastal resorts and towns in eastern Kenya have recently been kidnapped by armed groups based in Somalia. These developments underscore the seriousness of the general threat of kidnapping to foreigners in parts of Kenya that are close to the border with Somalia or along the Kenyan coast. In mid-November 2011, gunmen attacked a village near Malindi (150km south of Lamu) and kidnapped six fishermen. On 1 October 2011, a French national was attacked and kidnapped from her beachfront residence of Manda Island (adjacent to Lamu Island) by an armed group. She later died in captivity. On 11 September 2011, two British nationals were attacked at a resort in Kiwayu, north of Lamu: one was killed and the other was kidnapped and held in captivity for six months. Both attacks took place at beach front properties. Kenyan authorities have launched a response in order to improve security in the area. In light of these attacks we strongly advise you not to travel to all of areas along the Kenyan coast north of Pate Island in Lamu District.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.

Border Regions: We strongly advise against all travel to Kenya’s border regions with Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan because of the extreme threat posed by kidnapping, terrorism and violent conflict. Along the border with Somalia, this area includes Mandera and Garissa Districts, Wajir and east of Wajir and the area north of Pate Island in Lamu District, including Kiwayu and Kiunga.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Risk of civil unrest in Kenya: International events and political developments may prompt large demonstrations in Kenya. You should monitor the media and other local information sources for details about curfews, political events and possible safety and security risks. You should avoid all political rallies and protests as they may quickly turn violent. Demonstrations over high food prices, controversial media and tax legislation have resulted in violence and arrests in the past. In the event of violence or civil unrest you should avoid all protests, monitor the media for information that could affect your safety and security and follow the instructions of local authorities.

There have been regular outbreaks of violence across Kenya in recent years, though these usually take place away from areas frequented by tourists. In 2012, serious incidents with multiple fatalities occurred in Tana River district in the Coast Province and Samburu district in the Rift Valley Province, where more than 40 Kenyan police were killed.

Other recent incidents include:

• On 30 March 2013, clashes in Kisumu following the Kenyan elections Supreme Court verdict killed two people and injured many more.
• On 27 August 2012, a prominent Islamic cleric was killed by an unknown gunman in Mombasa. Ensuing riots resulted in burning of vehicles, looting and attacks on churches in Mombasa.
• On 13 June 2010, a grenade attack on a political rally in Nairobi killed six people and injured over 100.

Isiolo, Moyale and the A2 Highway: We advise you not to travel to Isiolo and Moyale in Eastern district nor to travel along the A2 Highway connecting these two towns , due to sporadic clashes that have caused a number of deaths and injuries. Recent clashes have caused approximately 50 deaths, a large number of injuries and significant displacement of local populations. The A2 Highway between Isiolo and Moyale has also been closed by spontaneous protests. Residents have fired shots and thrown rocks at passing vehicles. Tourists have been injured in these attacks. If, despite our advice not to travel, you decide to visit these areas, you should exercise extreme caution.

The level of crime in Kenya is high. The widespread violence following the 2007 presidential elections also led to an increase in criminal activity.

In Nairobi, violent crime against Westerners, including armed carjacking, kidnapping for ransom and home invasions, occurs frequently and can be brazen and brutal. There have sometimes been fatalities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that foreigners are increasingly being targeted in homes, tourist areas and while travelling by road.

The risk of armed banditry, violent robbery, carjacking and kidnapping has increased in recent years. Crimes of this nature are common in Kenya's urban centres, coastal beach resorts, northern Kenya (including the North East Province), the northern parts of Eastern, Coastal and Rift Valley Provinces and north of Malindi. If you travel to remote areas or border regions, you could be the target of attacks or kidnappings. The incidence of crime generally rises during the holiday periods.

You should avoid walking or travelling after dark and remain vigilant during daylight hours.

Muggings and armed robberies are common, though victims are generally not harmed if they don't resist. Jewellery and bag-snatching from open vehicle windows frequently occur while motorists are either stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic. When driving, you should ensure that windows are up, doors are locked and valuables are out of sight.

Due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

Scams, whereby criminals try to extort money from travellers using fake police, hotel and government identification, are common.

In Nairobi, confrontations between police and criminal suspects occur regularly. Bystanders have been wounded or killed as result of indiscriminate gunfire in crowded areas. We advise you to remain vigilant at all times.

*Nairobi suburbs of Eastleigh, Kasirani, Kibera and Mathare *: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the Nairobi suburbs of Kibera, Mathare, Kasirani and Eastleigh due to violent incidents and high crime levels.

National parks and game reserves: There have been several attacks on Australian and other Western tourists on safaris in national parks and game reserves, including the Masai Mara. Police and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have increased security in the affected areas. You should take care with personal security when visiting parks and game reserves.

Visitors to the Ngong Forest Reserve and Ngong Hills should get an armed escort from the KWS because of the risk of robbery. The Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) can provide advice on reputable travel firms and guides.

North, north-eastern and western Kenya: Banditry, cattle rustling and ethnic clashes have caused sporadic violence in north and north-eastern Kenya and in the Mount Elgon region of western Kenya. Australians could inadvertently be caught up in violence directed at others. We advise you to seek advice from the police and travel in convoys or with police escorts if visiting these regions.

Borders with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia: We strongly advise you not to travel to the border regions with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Localised incidents of violence, such as armed banditry, violent cattle rustling and counter raids, are common along the Kenya-Ethiopia border and Kenya-South Sudan border.

Borders with Uganda and Tanzania: There have been reports of banditry and robbery at unauthorised border crossing points on the borders with Uganda and Tanzania and along the road from Nairobi to the Tanzania border crossing.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Travellers cheques are not widely accepted.

ATMs that accept international cards are widely available in Nairobi and major towns. Australian currency is not accepted in Kenya. Travellers’ cheques are accepted at large banks and foreign exchanges, though are not widely accepted in hotels.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our air travel page for information on aviation safety and security.

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Kenya, particularly in coastal and rural areas. You should take care not to offend.

The new constitution on Kenya recognises dual nationality but this portion of the law has not yet been fully enacted. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Kenyan dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We recommend you travel on your Australian passport at all times.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

There are two rainy seasons, from October to November and from March to June, when flash flooding and mudslides are common. Roads may be impassable during these times.

Northern and eastern Kenya are currently experiencing a severe drought. There may be disruption to essential services and delays should be expected when travelling in these areas.

Kenya is subject to earthquakes. It lies on a fault line and tremors occur infrequently. Volcanic and seismic activity can also occur near Mt Elgon, on the Kenya-Uganda border.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, pay attention to warnings issued and follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Childwise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.