Travel Summary

• There was a reported grenade attack on a church near Nairobi city centre on 29 April, with one reported death and a number of injuries. 
  
• There were a series of explosive devices detonated in the evening of 31 March: one in Mtwapa, a town 15km north of Mombasa, and others in a bar near Mombasa stadium. A number of people have been injured.
  
   
• There was a series of suspected grenade explosions at Country Bus Station in Nairobi's Central Business District during the evening of 10 March. At least six people were reported killed and over 60 injured.
  
  
• We advise against all but essential travel within 60km of the Kenya-Somalia border (including Kiwayu and coastal areas north of Pate Island) and to Garissa District due to the threat of kidnap and continuing instability in these areas.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya. Attacks may target Kenyan government and other public institutions, but could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels, bars, shopping centres and beaches. On 23 April the US Embassy in Nairobi issued a warning that it had received credible information regarding a possible attack on Nairobi hotels and prominent Kenyan government buildings. The timing of the attack is not known, however, the US Embassy has reason to believe that the potential attack is in the last stages of planning. On 5 January 2012, the Kenyan authorities alerted the public to a heightened threat from terrorist attacks in Nairobi. We advise British nationals to exercise extra vigilance and caution in public places and at public events.  See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• There is a high threat of kidnapping in the areas within 60km of the Somali border and in Garissa District. Westerners have previously been the target of kidnaps and further attacks in these areas are likely. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping which does not take appropriate precautions or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines. On 23 October 2009, two British nationals were taken hostage while sailing in the Indian Ocean. They were approximately 60 nautical miles from the Seychelles' main island of Mahé. Since this incident occurred, other nationals have been taken from yachts. See Safety and Security - Sea Travel.
  
  
• We advise against all but essential travel to low income areas of Nairobi, including all township or slum areas, which experience high crime levels.  Our advice against all but essential travel to low income areas of Nairobi does not include or affect transit through Nairobi airport.  See Safety and Security - Crime.
  
  
• Large public gatherings and demonstrations occur from time to time in Kenya and these should be avoided.  Any rally, even if advertised as peaceful, could potentially turn violent. You should check local media reports for information about any planned demonstrations.
  
  
• 174,051 British nationals visited Kenya in 2010 (Source: Kenya Tourist Board). Most visits are trouble-free.  81 British nationals required consular assistance in Kenya in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.