
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Kenya
============================================================
CORRECTION TO ADVISORY

Kenya - Warning
 March 4, 1992

Summary:  The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise
reasonable caution when visiting Kenya and its game parks.  U.S.
citizens, however, should avoid travel to the Masai Mara Reserve at
this time, as serious incidents have recently occurred there.
Robbery has been the principal motive.  In addition, political
rallies and demonstrations, which have the potential of causing
localized disturbances, may take place from time to time.  End
Summary.

U.S. citizens should be aware that there are periodic reports of
attacks on tourists in or near Kenya's game reserves, particularly
in the Masai Mara.  Robbery, accompanied in some instances by
violence, is generally the motive.  During the past year, these
incidents have mostly involved single vehicle safaris.  Recently,
six Americans traveling in a lone tour van were abducted,
terrorized, and robbed in the Masai Mara.  U.S. citizens should
avoid the Masai Mara until security there improves.  If U.S.
citizens decide to visit the Masai Mara, the Department of State
strongly recommends that they do so only in multi-vehicle safaris
under the auspices and direction of reputable tour companies and
operators.  Single vehicle safaris and solo camping should not be
undertaken.  Those wishing to view wildlife have many other
possibilities in Kenya, particularly in those areas which are part
of the national park system, where the Kenya wildlife service has a
record of providing good security.

U.S. citizens resident in Kenya, as well as visitors, are also
advised to stay attuned to political developments.  U.S. citizens
should avoid locations where political rallies or demonstrations are
being held, as such events have the potential for localized
disturbances and possibly violence.

In addition, visitors to Nairobi need to be alert to widespread
street crime, which is mostly of the "grab and run" variety, and to
confidence scams, perpetrated by individuals pretending to be police
or other government agency officials.  As  advisable in any large
city where street crime is a significant problem, U.S. citizens
touring Nairobi should not walk alone if at all practical.  At
night, U.S. citizens should avoid walking in public parks, along
footpaths, and in poorly lit areas.  U.S. citizens intending to live
in Kenya should be aware of the high incidence of residential
break-ins and should take appropriate security precautions.

Travelers are cautioned that 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 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, who
are encouraged to register upon arrival in Kenya.  The Embassy is
located at the intersection of Moi and Haile Selassie Avenues in
Nairobi, telephone 2-334141.  The Consulate is located at Palli
House on Nyerere Avenue in Mombasa, telephone 11-315101.

 No. 92-037

This replaces the previous travel advisory dated December 11, 1991,
to advise U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Masai Mara Game
Reserve until security their improves.

