Canada issues travel advisory to Kenya over high levels of crime, regular power outages

The government of Canada has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” if they find themselves traveling to Kenya during the upcoming festive season.

In the advisory seen by Citizen Digital, the Canadian government identified, among other problems, terrorism, high levels of criminal activity, frequent power outages, unsafe public transport systems and roads as some of the factors that could put in endanger the safety of its citizens.

Canadian citizens have been urged to avoid all travel to areas bordering the border with Somalia, such as Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu Counties, due to the risk of kidnapping and terrorist attacks.

Similarly, they have been warned against traveling to areas bordering South Sudan and Ethiopia due to cases of armed banditry and cross-border violence.

“Avoid all travel to areas 50km from the coast of Tana River County and 50km from the coast of Kilifi County (from Malindi town north to the boundaries of Tana River County ) for a risk of kidnapping and attacks,” reads the advisory in part.

In Nairobi, Canadians have been advised to stay away from the city’s assets such as Eastleigh, Kibera and Pangani due to high cases of violent crime.

Canadian travelers were similarly instructed to refrain from displaying signs of wealth or carrying substantial amounts of cash.

Also, they were encouraged to safeguard their financial resources and essential travel documents by not storing them in the same place while exploring Kenya.

They have also been advised to leave their food and drinks unattended when attending entertainment venues and local scammers defrauding foreigners.

“Foreigners volunteering with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have sometimes reported incidents of fraud, threats and mistreatment by local staff,” the Canadian government said.

“Women who travel alone can be subjected to some form of harassment and verbal abuse. Attacks involving sexual assault have occurred.“