China Issues Security Alert For Kenya, Advice Its Nationals To Take Precautions

The Chinese embassy in Kenya has issued unusual security advice to nationals in Kenya, advising its citizens to avoid traveling to some areas of the country due to increased security threats.

On Thursday, 26^th October, the Chinese embassy posted a statement on its website saying its Nationals should take precautions to avoid crowded areas mostly frequented by tourists. Countries that were mentioned are Mandera, Wajir, Lamu, Garissa, and other Kenyan border towns. The embassy also warned Chinese citizens against visiting areas where foreigners gather and crowded places.

“In recent times, as global hot issues continue to heat up, Kenya’s domestic security situation has become increasingly uncertain,” read part of the statement.

“The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Kenya remind Chinese citizens in Kenya to pay close attention to the local social security situation, strengthen their safety precautions, try to avoid going to areas where foreign tourists gather and crowded places, and be cautious when going to Mandera County, Wajir County, Garissa County, Lamu County, and other Kenyan border areas.”

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Other embassies such as the US and the UK High Commission have also been cited as dangerous due to extremist violence from Al-Shabaab. Unlike Western countries, Chinese embassies and the foreign ministry rarely give security alerts.

The United States has given at least five alerts since January 2023 which affects the movement of tourists as foreigners avoid areas perceived to be risky. Chinese citizens have also been advised to contact the embassy in an emergency.

“In the event of an emergency, please call the police promptly and contact the Chinese Embassy in Kenya or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Call Center.”

This statement follows a security alert issued by the US embassy last week, urging its citizens to avoid specific areas in Nairobi. The US embassy warned that Nairobi remains an attractive target for terrorists to conduct imminent attacks.

“Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists,” the Embassy stated.

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