Kenya Public Announcement

Issued by US Department of State

May 15, 2003

This Public Announcement is being updated to provide additional information regarding potential terrorist activities in Kenya. It also reiterates the Department of State's continuing concern about the possible heightened risks to American citizens and interests in Kenya. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement of March 14, 2003 and expires on September 12, 2003.

The Department recommends that Americans defer all non-essential travel to Kenya at this time. The U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats in the region aimed at American and western interests, including civil aviation. The government of Kenya might not be able to prevent such attacks.

On November 28, 2002, there was a car bomb attack on a hotel near Mombasa, Kenya, in which 15 people were killed, and an unsuccessful attempt to shoot down an Israeli charter plane departing Mombasa on the same day. The threat to aircraft by terrorists using shoulder-fired missiles continues in Kenya, to include Nairobi. These incidents have highlighted the continuing threat posed by terrorism in East Africa and the capacity of terrorist groups to carry out attacks. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places including tourist sites, American commercial interests, and other sites where westerners are known to congregate.

American citizens in Kenya should remain vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes, and should also avoid demonstrations and large crowds. In particular, there is an increased threat against westerners in the capital, Nairobi. Americans residing in and visiting Kenya are especially advised to reconsider non-essential travel to the coastal region.

U.S. citizens planning to travel to Kenya should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Kenya, the East Africa Public Announcement and the most recent Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, and 317-472-2328 from overseas.

U.S. citizens visiting or resident in Kenya are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within Kenya. Security updates are e-mailed to all registered Americans on a monthly basis. American citizens may complete a registration form on-line at http://usembassy.state.gov/nairobi/wwwhcon3.html or may request one by email at: kenya_acs@state.gov. American citizens living or traveling in Kenya may call the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi at 363-6000 during normal business hours; after-hours phone numbers are 537-809 and 0722-514-246.