The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to:

• areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border
• Eastern Garissa County (up to 20km north-west of the A3)

• Mandera County (excluding Mandera West sub-county)

• Lamu County (excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island)
• areas of Tana River County north of the Tana river itself (up to 20km north-west of the A3)
• within 15km of the coast from the Tana river down to the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) river

The political opposition has arranged anti-government demonstrations in recent months. The opposition have called for further demonstrations in Nairobi and across the country on19-21 12 July 2023. Public transport strikes are planned for the same day and are expected to cause transport disruptions. InRecent theanti-government past, demonstrations in Kenya have resulted in clashes between the police and demonstrators.demonstrators resulting in deaths and injuries. Avoid protests and political gatherings. Protests can occur in different places, be alert to media coverage and if you see a large crowd move away from the area. Some workplaces and schools may be closed on these days.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

You must carry a form of ID with you at all times. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but recently some police officers have been insisting on the original document.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Kenya.

There is a heightened threat of terrorism, including terrorist kidnappings, across Kenya. Attacks, including terrorist kidnappings, could target Westerners, including British nationals. Attacks could occur at any time, including around religious or other public holidays or celebrations.

Attacks could be indiscriminate in places frequented by foreigners including hotels, bars, restaurants, sports bars and nightclubs, sporting events, supermarkets, shopping centres, commercial buildings, coastal areas including beaches, government buildings including Embassies, airports, buses, trains and other transport hubs. Places of worship including churches and mosques have also been targeted. British nationals are advised to be particularly vigilant in these areas and to consider whether there are effective local security arrangements in place (e.g bag searches, physical security, guards). You should avoid regular patterns of movement and aim to travel during daylight hours. See Terrorism

There are frequent incidents of violent crime including mugging, armed robbery and carjacking, particularly in the large cities. See Crime

There is a threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. See Sea travel

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK Government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is limited in parts of Kenya where the FCDO advise against all but essential travel.

You should consider making personal contingency plans, check this travel advice when planning travel around the country and keep up to date by subscribing to email alerts. See Safety and security

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.