UK issues travel advisories against Kenya in the wake of controversial poll
The UK government cited rising cases of protests which “could turn violent.”
Britain has updated its travel advice on Kenya and is now cautioning tourists not to travel to certain parts of the Country.
The UK government warned its citizens not to visit west of Kenya citing rising cases of protests which “could turn violent.”
"Media report that the governors of Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kakamega and Migori have said that elections won’t be allowed to take place in their counties on 26 October. This may trigger further protests. You should avoid travelling around these regions on and around days of planned protests including areas where demonstrations may take place," the notice reads in part.
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The latest travel advisory comes on the back of another travel advisory UK issued against travelling to certain parts of East and South of the country.
Britain had warned its citizens against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border, Garissa County, Lamu County (excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island) and areas of Tana River County north of the Tana river itself due to fears of attacks from terror group Al-Shabaab.
Kenya’s world famous safari destinations in the national parks, reserves and wildlife conservancies including the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Aberdare National Park, Laikipia, Samburu, Tsavo and Lake Nakuru are not included in the advisory.
Since early this year, Kenya’s tourism sector has been struggling to flourish in the face of poll jittery caused by hot political atmosphere and the new advisory only serves to cause more pain for the sector.
Coming just ahead of the key World Travel Market in London early next month, the political events in Kenya are expected to negatively impact tourism in the country.
Travel agents have warned Kenya would lose as much as Sh3billion ($28m) before the end of the year if no solution is arrived at soon to end the current political stalemate.
Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has warned the future of tourism looks bleak as tourists continue to cancel air and hotel bookings.
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