KENYA TOURISM FEDERATION STATEMENT ON SECURITY UPDATE IN KENYA – 10TH
JANUARY 2012
Further to the last Update dated 20th December 2011, the Kenya
Tourism Federation wishes to advise as follows: –
1. General Security in the Country:
The country enjoyed a peaceful Christmas season with no security incidents reported in all the tourism areas. The regions in close proximity to the Kenya-Somalia Border remain “no go” areas and this shall continue for the foreseeable future as we still have concerns about these locations. It is worth pointing out that there are no touristic attractions in these locations and no tours are presently being conducted there.
2. Region Specific Advice:
Urban Areas:
The major towns of Nairobi and Mombasa continue to maintain a very high level of security alertness and personal safety has now become almost a way of life. Visitors (residents and foreigners) should expect to see high levels of security checks in most places visited – including shopping malls and general public areas. These checks are not in response to any specific known threat, but are precautions to ensure the safety of all visiting these locations.
Following deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces to improve the security situation all along the border with Somalia, some concerns have been expressed about possible insecurity. These concerns are not connected to any specific threat but the Kenyan authorities have increased security significantly with the aim of preventing any attempt by terrorists to carry out a reprisal attack in the capital city. The enhanced security measures have been put in effect in all the major public areas of Nairobi including shopping malls, international
hotels and places where international visitors gather to ensure the continued safety of our international visitors.
Parks and Reserves:
The Parks and Reserves continue to be safe locations for visitors, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Coastal Areas:
a. Lamu
The past security concerns regarding Lamu and its environs were addressed through improved surveillance and patrols. Although the area remains within the 150 kms that is of concern to most source markets, KTF is confident that recent security measures introduced by the Government have gone a long way towards making the area safe for resumed visitation. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will advice should there be any concern that arises.
b. Mombasa
There is some very welcome news from the North Coast, where for the first time in several years visitors are now able to have their beach beds right on the beach as opposed to being restricted to having them next to the swimming pools. This is thanks to an initiative by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) that has seen them embark on a pilot Beach Management Programme. Visitors to the
12 kilometre stretch between Serena and Nyali can now be assured of peaceful enjoyment of the beach. KWS will patrol the beach day and night so as to ensure the maximum security for guests. The program will be extended to other beach areas after the pilot period.
The campaign against the Al Shabaab insurgents is said to be yielding fruits and although the necessary intervention has had a high cost to Kenya, we are looking at the very real possibility that the Horn of Africa will finally have the much needed peace the region requires.
KTF would like to reassure all intending visitors to Kenya that all possible efforts are being made to ensure your safety while in Kenya. We also urge all visitors to ensure that their travel plans are arranged through a reputable and licensed tour operator. Such operators are always kept abreast by our 24Hr Safety and Communication Center of any developments in the various locations.
We will continue to keep a close eye on all locations that have touristic interest and update all our travel partners should there be any concerns that need to be communicated.
The KTF Safety and Communication Centre remains open 24 hours a day and can be reached on:-
