Canada issues travel advisory against Kenya over power blackouts

The Canadian government issued a travel advisory that cautioned its citizens to be extra careful should they travel to Kenya during the upcoming festive season.

The government listed, among other issues, terrorism, high levels of criminal activities, frequent power outages, unsafe public transport systems and roads as some of the factors that could endanger the safety of its citizens.

On power outages, Canadian citizens were cautioned that the regular blackouts may increase the risk of criminal activity in affected areas, which could in turn lead to opportunistic theft during prolonged outages.

Power outages could affect your ability to purchase necessities and impact essential services, such as: public transportation, including flights, medical services, water supply, telecommunications and banking," part of the advisory read.

Kenya has experienced three major power blackouts in the past year alone. There are plans for power rationing.

“You are advised to plan accordingly and follow the instructions of the local authorities,” the security alert added.

In the alert, which officials termed as shocking and uncalled for, Canada warned its citizens to avoid four areas in the country, including four estates in Nairobi County for safety reasons.

In Nairobi County, Canada advises its citizens to avoid Eastleigh, Kibera, Mathare and Pangani due to what they termed as high levels of crime and the limited capacity of police to respond to incidents.

The other areas are Turkana, Marsabit, Tana River, Kilifi, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties.

Canada also urged its citizens to be extra vigilant and avoid carjackings, robberies and kidnappings, especially in major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa.

“Be vigilant during religious holidays, sporting events and public celebrations. Terrorists have carried out attacks during these events."

Other issues foreigners have been warned about include fraud, road accidents and spiked food and drink.

Canada is the second country to issue such a warning in a week. The United Kingdom (UK) recently issued a similar warning to its citizens.

The UK warned its citizens against travelling to six regions highlighted as key targets for terrorist groups. It also warned them against visiting crowded areas such as shopping centres, which have been targeted before.

Some areas highlighted by the UK were the Kenya-Somalia border, Eastern Garissa, Mandera, Tana River County, Lamu County and the coast between Tana River and Galana River.

There was no immediate comment from the government.

But sources said the government expected such advisories and have made various mitigation arrangements on many issues cited.