Kenya Travel Alert

Situation in Kenya

Updated January 3, 2008

There has been wide-spread violence in parts of Kenya, including in areas of greater Nairobi since the December 30 announcement that President Kibaki won re-election.

Since December 30, isolated areas of Nairobi have experienced rioting, looting, and burning. There has been violence in other cities including Eldoret, Kisumu and Mombasa.

There are no reports of American citizens being injured.

The protests scheduled for January 3 have ended. Additional protest demonstrations may be scheduled for next week.

American citizens should carefully consider both their residential security nd road conditions when deciding whether to remain in areas where violence is occurring.

Nairobi’s international airport (Jomo Kenyatta) remains open, although getting to and from the airport may be difficult due to protests in downtown Nairobi and occasional road closures.  Some domestic airlines have begun operating again from Wilson Airport.

American citizens wishing to depart Kenya who cannot safely travel to Nairobi’s international airport are advised to seek departure via another international airport, such as Mombasa in southeast Kenya; Entebbe, Uganda; or Kilimanjaro and Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania.

Some American citizens have reported difficulty booking flights out of Kenya.  There is ample availability at hotels near the airport.  International-standard hotels are located along the airport road – the Mombasa Highway.

As of the evening of January 3, roads were open in downtown Nairobi and traffic was moving freely.  Some slum areas in Nairobi remain cordoned off.  The status of the Uhuru Highway through downtown Nairobi is dynamic, and has been closed periodically.  Keep in mind that the situation in Kenya is dynamic and fluid and that local conditions, including the status of roads and highways, can change quickly with little advance notice.

As of January 3, cell phone service is operating.  However, many American citizens have reported difficulty recharging their air cards.
There is a large police presence throughout Kenya.  We have heard reports of food shortages, fuel shortages and cash shortages at ATMs and banks.

Conditions in the coastal, tourist areas of Kenya are reported to be calm for the time being.

The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy will be closed to the public on Friday, January 4.

U.S. citizens should check the Kenya Public Announcement and Kenya Travel Warning at http://travel.state.gov for updates.