Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith) Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Kenya Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1992 16:06:21 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Kenya ============================================================ KENYA - CAUTION December 18, 1992 Summary: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling in Kenya because of increased political activity in the periods preceding and following the general elections scheduled for December 29. End Summary. The Kenya government has scheduled general elections for December 29. Increased political activity in the periods immediately preceding and following the election date may lead to localized disturbances that have the potential to disrupt highway travel. The probability of violence, looting and other criminal activity may be high during this period. The American Embassy has advised official American employees and dependents that all non-essential travel should be avoided during the period immediately following the election date, and that employees and dependents who undertake non-essential travel at that time do so at their own risk. Security in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, which had deteriorated in 1991 and early 1992, has improved due to new security measures undertaken by the government of Kenya. Travelers who do not hire reputable safari firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are at risk. Safaris are best undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles, so that there is a backup in case of mechanical failure. Solo camping is risky. In Nairobi, Mombasa, and the coastal beach resorts there is widespread street crime, which is mostly of the "grab and run" variety, and confidence scams perpetrated by individuals pretending to be police or other government agency officials. Wherever crime is a problem, walking alone or walking in public parks, along footpaths or beaches at night could result in being victimized. There is a high incidence of residential break-ins. Kenyan currency may not be taken out of the country, and is sometimes difficult to exchange for dollars upon departure. Destruction of Kenyan currency is also strictly against the law and likely to be prosecuted. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and the Consulate in Mombasa are prepared to offer more specific information to U.S. visitors. Americans may wish to register their presence upon arrival in Kenya. The Embassy is located at the intersection of Moi and Haile Selassie Avenues in Nairobi, telephone 011-254-2-334141. The Consulate is located at Palli House on Nyerere Avenue in Mombasa, telephone 254-11-315101. No. 92-170 This replaces the previous travel advisory dated October 2, 1992, to advise U.S. citizens to exercise caution during the periods preceding and following the Kenyan general election scheduled for December 29, 1992. Distribution: >INTERNET:travel-advisories@stolaf.edu.