The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has issued a security alert due to an increase in al-Shabaab activity, particularly along the Kenyan-Somali border and coastal areas like Lamu. The embassy warns that locations frequented by U.S. citizens, foreigners, and tourists could be potential targets for terrorist attacks.
"Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning," the alert states. Potential targets include "hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists."
The embassy advises individuals to "stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/foreigners," review personal security plans, be aware of surroundings, monitor local media for updates, avoid protest areas and demonstrations, avoid crowds, and keep a low profile.
For assistance or more information, individuals can contact the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi at United Nations Avenue in Gigiri or call +254 (0) 20 363 6451. U.S. Citizen Services are available through the embassy's website.
Additionally, the State Department’s Consular Affairs can be reached at +1-888-407-4747 for calls from the United States or Canada and +1-202-501-4444 for calls from overseas (Kenya). The embassy encourages enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and suggests following their social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter: @USEmbassyKenya and @CDCKenya.