The United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi has issued a security alert, warning its citizens of terror attacks.
In a statement on Friday, the Embassy said terrorists may target the locations that are highly frequented by foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
"Locations frequented by US citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct potentially imminent attacks," the statement dated October 13, 2023, read.
It further warned that terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting locations including hotels, restaurants, embassies, malls and markets.
They may also attack schools, police stations, places of worship and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists.
Citizens have been advised to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/foreigners, review their personal security plans and be aware of their surroundings.
Further, the Embassy advised citizens to monitor local media for updates, avoid protest areas and demonstrations, avoid crowds and keep a low profile.
It is not clear what triggered the alert.
On Wednesday, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said since the 1998 bombing, at least 500 lives have been lost due to terror attacks in the country.
The August 7, 1998 bombing was orchestrated by Al-Qaeda terrorists and hit the American Embassy.
It resulted in 213 fatalities including 201 Kenyans and 12 Americans.
Addressing the Senate, he noted that the government has put measures in place to boost counter-terrorism efforts.
These include specialised units including the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, National Counter Terrorism Center, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Financial Reporting Center, Coastguard, Trans National Organised Crime Unit and Asset Recovery Agency.
The government has also set up an establishment of Personal Identification Secure Comparison and evaluation System in immigration services.
"The government has also held continuous training and deployment of specialised Formed-up Police Units (SOG, QRU, GSU) at the Kenyan borders," Kindiki said.
