Economy

Kenya angered by US, UK travel advisories

kibicho

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho termed the advisories, issued by the four countries in view of terror attacks in Kenya, as ‘unfriendly’. Photo/FILE

The Kenyan government has expressed its disappointment after the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and France issued travel advisories to their citizens this week.

In a statement Thursday, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho termed the advisories, issued by the four countries in view of terror attacks in Kenya, as ‘unfriendly’.

The PS said Kenya has cordial relationships with the four countries, including cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

“The advisories are obviously unfriendly acts coming from our partners who have equally borne the brunt of global terrorism and no doubt understand the repercussions of terror menace,” he said.

He said the fight against terror needs concerted efforts and not "behaving in a manner that accelerates it by causing fear and panic".

“Issuance of such travel advisories only plays to the whims of bad elements in the society whose aim is to spread fear and panic among otherwise peaceful people,” he stated.

Mr Kibicho said the government is committed to fighting terrorism and security forces are vigilant.

“Visitors are assured to utmost security and safety when in Kenya,” he said

The British Government issued a new travel advisory to its citizens early this week.

The UK advised the country’s citizens to avoid travelling to Mombasa, Eastleigh in Nairobi and areas within 60 kilometres of the Kenya-Somalia border.

READ: Britain issues travel warning for Mombasa