Warden Messages
Security Situation in Kenya
Updated January 2, 2008
There has been wide-spread violence in various locations throughout Kenya and in the greater Nairobi area since the December 30 announcement that President Kibaki won re-election.
Since December 30, Nairobi has 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.
A large protest rally organized by opposition candidate Raila Odinga is scheduled for Thursday, January 3 in Uhuru Park in central Nairobi. If the rally takes place, it could potentially attract very large crowds in and around central Nairobi. We also expect a very large police presence. American citizens should avoid central Nairobi on Thursday, January 3. Protests could occur in cities throughout the country.
The consular section at the U.S. Embassy will be closed to the public on Thursday, January 3.
American citizens should plan to remain indoors on Thursday, January 3. The U.S. Embassy will reassess the security situation on Friday.
As of January 2, roads were open in downtown Nairobi and traffic was moving freely. Some slum areas in Nairobi remain cordoned off.
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 January 2, cell phone service is operating. However, many American citizens have reported difficulty recharging their air cards.
There is a curfew in the town of Kisumu from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
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.
U.S. Embassy personnel have been advised to remain indoors; the private American citizen community has been informed of this as well.
U.S. citizens should check the U.S. Embassy Nairobi for current information about the situation in Kenya. See also the Kenya Public Announcement and Kenya Travel Warning at http://travel.state.gov.
