The UK has not banned its citizens from visiting Kenya due to insecurity threats posed by al Shabaab, British High Commissioner to Kenya Christian Turner has said.
Addressing the media at Mara Serena Hotel on Thursday, he said travel advisories are usually not blanket bans.
Citizens are only advised to avoid specific places during their visits, Turner said.
“The UK government has a responsibility to warn its citizens of any potential security threats,” he said.
“Travel advisories are usually based on an objective assessment of the security situation in a country.”
He said the ban targeted some parts of Coast and North Eastern, where terrorism cases were rampant.
The envoy urged British citizens to visit Masai Mara Game Reserve, terming it “one of the safest tourist destinations in the country”.
“My fellow countrymen should feel free to tour the area and enjoy the rich culture of the Maasai people and animal heritage,” he said.
Leaders present included Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, executives Nelson Keshei (Tourism) and Lenah Munge (Finance), and Michael Gachanga, the executive director of the East African Wildlife Societies.
Tunai said security has been improved after the deployment of more police officers and Kenya Wildlife Service rangers to the reserve.
“We have intensified patrols in the park as a way of ensuring the safety of our tourists,” he said.
The governor said the county government will employ 120 more rangers to strengthen security.
“We have also asked the national government to increase the tourist police because we do not want to leave anything to chance,” Tunai said.
The county boss said the Maasai Mara Game Reserve management plan, which will ensure proper park management, will be concluded in three months after consulting all parties involved.
