Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Kenya...
Terrorism
Travellers in Kenya are advised to exercise extreme caution. We continue to receive
reports that terrorists are planning attacks against Western interests in Kenya,
including in the capital, Nairobi, and coastal
areas. Possible terrorist targets include commercial and public areas known to
be frequented by foreigners, such as, but not limited to, airports, clubs, restaurants,
bars, schools, market places, places of worship, shopping areas, outdoor recreation
events, tourist areas and expatriate housing areas. Foreign embassies, hotels
and commercial airlines in Kenya have been targeted by terrorists in the past
and they remain potential targets.
Personal Security
Travellers are advised to avoid land travel to the border regions with Ethiopia,
Sudan and Somalia
due to unstable security conditions. There have been reports of banditry and robbery
at unauthorised border crossing points between Kenya and Tanzania or Uganda.
Banditry occurs thoughout Kenya and particular areas of concern are northern Kenya,
including the North East Province, the northern parts of Eastern, Coastal and
Rift Valley Provinces and north of Malindi. Visitors to the Ngong Forest Reserve
and Ngong Hills on the outskirts of Nairobi,
are required to obtain an armed escort from the Kenyan Wildlife Service due to
the risk of robbery. The threat of banditry increases after dark. The Kenya
Association of Tour Operators (KATO) can provide advice on reputable travel
firms and guides.
Muggings, robbery and pickpocketing are prevalent, particularly in the larger
urban centres of Nairobi and Mombasa,
and coastal beach resorts, and can involve violence. The River Road area of downtown
Nairobi is particularly dangerous as muggings frequently occur in this area. The
security risks in Nairobi increase after dusk. Armed car-jackings occur.
There have been reports of scams whereby individuals will attempt to steal or
extract money from travellers using fake police, hotel and government identification.
Local Conditions
Land travel can be dangerous, especially by public transport, as driving standards
are poor and roads and vehicles are inadequately maintained.
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Kenya. This advice should be read in conjunction
with our travel bulletin on piracy at sea.
There are two rainy seasons, from October to November and from March to June.
Flash flooding can cause damage to infrastructure during these seasons. In the
event of a natural disaster, local authorities will provide advice.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
Consensual homosexual acts are illegal and penalties include imprisonment.
Travellers are not allowed to work in Kenya, even in a volunteer capacity, without
a valid work permit and the penalty may be a fine, jail or deportation.
Coastal areas of Kenya are predominantly Islamic. Consistent with local custom
and sensitivities, travellers should dress and behave conservatively.
Bathing in the lakes and rivers of national parks is forbidden due to the potential
for attacks by wildlife and the risk of catching water-borne diseases.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, travellers
should contact the nearest Embassy or
Consulate of Kenya well in advance of travel.
Kenya is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever.
Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination
Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt,
travellers are advised to check with their airlines.
Health Issues
Outside Nairobi, medical facilities are poor
and evacuation may be required in cases of serious illness or accident. HIV/AIDS
is endemic in Kenya. Outbreaks of cholera occur from time to time. Malaria is
endemic, notably in the coastal and Lake Victoria regions.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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