Following recent attacks across the border into Kenya by Somali bandits, resulting in the murder of one tourist and the kidnapping of four other foreign nationals in isolated beach resorts and a refugee camp near the Somali border and the most recent grenade attack, the government of Kenya gave assurances that serious efforts would be made to enhance security along the border with Somalia to counteract the threat from Somali terrorists and to protect visitors and Kenyans from further attacks.

The grenade incident took place at a local downtown bar, situated in a location that is not frequented by international tourists. Whereas efforts are in progress to enhance security for all Nairobi residents in general, locations patronised by international visitors will continue to have enhanced levels of security.

The Government of Kenya stepped up the war on terrorism by engaging the rogue elements in Somalia directly. The action has the full support of the Transition Federal Government of Somalia and is not a war against Somalia but against international terrorism. We are further gratified to note the support being received from our international partners whose forces are located in the region.

There is a stronger military presence along the land border with Somalia in the remote northeastern region of Kenya to stop any further incursions into Kenya by Somali bandits or by the Al Shabab terrorist group. The Kenya Army has deployed troops along the border and has crossed into Somalia to ensure that the area all along the border is cleared of any bandits or suspected terrorists. Kenya is also giving air and ground support to the Somali government, which is carrying out its own offensive against Al Shabab.

The military intervention in Somalia by Kenyan security forces has resulted in threats of retaliation by elements within Somalia, believed to be affiliated to Al Shaabab. The Kenya Government takes the threats seriously and security has been heightened in key urban locations. This is with special emphasis on areas frequented by foreigners.

The Kenya Government has increased security patrols and surveillance in public areas including but not limited to shopping malls, government offices and hotels. We have been assured of the government’s commitment to ensuring that citizens and visitors in the country are safe.

The Kenya Coast, including Lamu and its environs, continue to enjoy higher levels of security and surveillance in the wake of the recent kidnappings. The Kenya Navy is co-operating with the international navies present in the Indian Ocean for counter-piracy exercises, and has naval patrol boats in the Lamu area to intercept and inspect any boats coming towards Kenya from the Somali coastal waters.

A visit to Lamu over the weekend by the Tourism Minister, accompanied by top government officials, tourism industry officials and the US Ambassador to Kenya (Maj. (Rtd) Scott Gration) confirmed that the security situation is greatly improved and higher visitor inflows have started to be experienced. Ambassador Scott Gration said that the US Government was gratified with the heightened security measures taken by the Kenyan authorities to avert any terror attacks.

The Government has assured that the on-going efforts to enhance security will continue and the tourism industry welcomes and supports these assurances. Intending visitors to Kenya are urged to make their travel arrangements with reputable and licensed tour operators. Where tourists are travelling on their own, they are advised to take the normal security precautions and for the time being, avoid crowded entertainment places frequented by locals - unless as advised by your hotel concierge or the Kenya Tourism Federation - Safety and Communication Center

Hon. Najib Balala, Minister for Tourism of Kenya has said, “Kenya is not at war with Somalia as being portrayed. The military response on Alshabaab will not affect tourism activities in the country owing to a raft of security measures already in place to secure all tourist attractions.”

He continued to say, “the military response against the Alshabaab invasion on Kenya’s territory is a joint effort between Kenya and the government of Somalia through an understanding and need for peace by both countries. Action against Alshabaab is meant to secure a safer Somalia to pave way for the African mission in Somalia and restore the stability of the region.”

The wildlife parks and reserves in Kenya are all located far away from the border with Somalia and have never been considered to be under any threat, while the beach resorts south of Lamu are also considered to be safe in view of their location being at a greater distance from the border with Somalia.

Visitors can be assured they will continue to receive the warm friendly welcome and hospitality for which Kenyans are renowned and can still travel to Kenya for safaris and beach holidays in the knowledge that their safety and security remains a high priority for our government and all of us
in Kenya’s tourism sector.