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US issues security caution

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Security officers at Nairobi’s Dusit office park on January 16, 2019 that was attacked by terrorists. FILE PHOTO | NMG

The US Embassy in Nairobi has issued a security alert to its citizens visiting public spaces, including malls, hotels and places of worship, to remain vigilant.

“Be aware of your surroundings, stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners, have travel documents up to date and easily accessible and review your personal security plans,” said the embassy.

Nairobi has been on heightened security alert following the January 15 terrorist attack on the 14 Riverside complex in Nairobi that left 21 people dead and dozens injured.

Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office indicated that its citizens should remain vigilant in the country, advising against travel to areas within 60 kilometres of the Kenya-Somalia border. The US and the United Kingdom, however, spared the tourism sector by not issuing a travel advisory.

“The areas to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel (marked in amber on the map above) don’t include Kenya’s safari destinations in the national parks, reserves and wildlife conservancies,” said the notice. “However, there is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in Nairobi and the coast and resort areas around Mombasa and Malindi, and northern border counties,” it added.