The United States has raised its travel advisory for Kenya, urging American citizens to reconsider travelling to the country over security concerns and health risks linked to the Ebola outbreak.
The US Department of State announced the change on Monday, October 19, moving Kenya from Level 2, which advises travellers to exercise increased caution, to Level 3, meaning they should reconsider travel.
The advisory cites the risk of terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime, warning that attacks could happen in public places, including hotels, shopping malls, markets, transport hubs, tourist sites, government buildings and places of worship.
Possible attacks could involve bombings, grenade attacks and armed assaults, according to the department.
The US has also maintained its highest travel warning, Level 4, for specific areas in Kenya. These include Eastleigh and Kibera in Nairobi, parts of the northeastern and coastal regions, and designated areas of West Pokot, Turkana and Marsabit counties.
The warning comes as Kenya responds to an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease linked to cases originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As of October 19, Kenya had confirmed eight Ebola cases following infections among people linked to the first patient.
The latest reported case involved a 49-year-old hospital attendant suspected of being exposed to the virus while handling utensils and linens used by the initial patient.
Other than security and health risks, the US travel advisory has also sparked discussions regarding road safety in Kenya, as it cautions visitors of dangerous driving conditions and accidents on the road.
Moreover, the list of crimes include armed car-jackings, robbery, home invasion, sexual assault and kidnapping for ransom.
In addition to that, the department warned of demonstrations related to political and economic reasons, which can result in violent situations and disruption of traffic even on major highways.
US citizens visiting Kenya are encouraged to keep up with the latest news in the country, avoid any demonstrations and large crowds, stay vigilant in public places and make contingency plans for communication in case of emergencies.
The updated travel advisory is not an outright ban on visiting Kenya. What the US government is actually doing is advising its citizens against traveling there due to dangers indicated in the notice.