US Warns Americans to Reconsider Travel to Kenya Over Terror, Ebola

The United States has raised its travel advisory for Kenya from Level 2 to Level 3. The State Department announced the change on Monday, October 19.

The new level urges Americans to reconsider travel to Kenya. Washington cites security risks and health concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak.

The advisory warns of possible bombings, grenade attacks, armed assaults, and kidnappings in Kenya. Targets could include government buildings, hotels, tourist sites, and transport hubs.

Shopping malls, markets, and places of worship also appear on the list of possible targets. Americans should stay alert in all these public places.

Washington has kept its highest Level 4 warning for several specific areas. These include Eastleigh and Kibera in Nairobi, and parts of the northeastern and coastal regions.

Designated areas of West Pokot, Turkana, and Marsabit counties also stay under the Level 4 warning. The U.S. urges its citizens to avoid these places.

The advisory comes as Kenya battles an outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola linked to cases from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kenya had confirmed eight cases by October 19.

The latest patient is a 49-year-old hospital attendant. Officials suspect he caught the virus while handling the first patient's utensils and linens.

The U.S. cites armed carjackings, robberies, home invasions, sexual assaults, and kidnappings for ransom in Kenya. Travellers should take extra care in all urban areas.

The advisory also warns of dangerous driving conditions and frequent traffic accidents. Political and economic protests can turn violent and block major roads, it adds.