Over the last 15 years or so Kenya has been the target of a number of terror attacks in addition to serious crime. Here is a brief summary of the major incidents:

On August 7, 1998 the US Embassy in Kenya was bombed. Seventy-four people were killed in Nairobi, eight of them Americans. Six Americans are still missing. More than 1,600 people were injured.

On November 28, 2002, 3 suicide bombers blew up Kenya's Paradise Hotel killing 13 and injuring 80. Simultaneously, shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles were fired at a Boeing 757 airliner carrying 271 vacationers from Mombasa back to Israel. The missiles missed the aircraft as it took off from Moi International Airport and the plane continued on safely to Tel Aviv. United States intelligence officials reported that six live missiles were found at the scene. One suspect is being held at Guantanamo Bay.

In November 2005 a cruise ship sailing off the Kenya / Somalia coast outran pirates firing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. The Bahamian-registered ship was carrying 302 passengers and crew, mostly Americans and Britons.

In January 2007, two family members of an U.S. Embassy employee were killed by armed carjackers in Nairobi.

On June 12, 2007 a bomb exploded outside Nairobi's Ambassadeur Hotel killing 1 and injuring 37. The investigation is continuing. The blast came at a particularly tumultuous time in the Kenyan capital. Gangsters have been blamed for a string of beheadings in recent months. More than 30 people were killed by police last week in raids on a Nairobi slum believed to be a stronghold for the gang.

Violence erupted again in Kenya in late 2007 / early 2008 after incumbent President Kibaki was declared the winner of the latest presidential election. Violent rampages killed hundreds in several parts of the country. Police shot a number of demonstrators causing even more violence. Tourism to Kenya dropped over 90% as frightened travelers cancelled their arrangements. The US government suspended their Peace Corp program in the country. In late February a power-sharing agreement was agreed to.

In February 2010 U.S. Embassy personnel were victims of carjackings.

In September 2011 a British National was killed and another kidnapped at a beach resort north of Lamu, near the Kenya-Somalia border.

Late May 2012 a bomb blast at a Nairobi shopping center killed three and injured 30 more.

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On May 16, 2004 the U.S. State Department issued a Travel Warning asking Americans to reconsider non-essential travel to Kenya. The warning stated that terrorists might be targeting resorts, hotels and commercial aircraft. Britain and Australia issued similar warnings and British Airways suspended flights to and from Kenya for a period.

Importantly travel insurance coverage for terrorism is invalidated by the US travel warning. As safaris are not inexpensive we see this as a huge risk.

Ultimate Africa is not saying Kenya is dangerous. There are, however, higher quality destinations in Africa offering more abundant wildlife and a superior wilderness experience without crime and terror warnings.

As of November 4, 2011 the US State Department website reads:

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Kenya.  American citizens in Kenya and those considering travel to Kenya should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing threats from terrorism and the high rate of violent crime. This replaces the Travel Warning of December 28, 2010.

The U.S. government continues to receive information regarding potential terrorist threats aimed at U.S., Western, and Kenyan interests in Kenya, particularly after the death of Osama Bin Laden.  Terrorist acts could include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports.  Although there have been recent gains in the pursuit of those responsible for previous terrorist activities, many of those involved remain at large and continue to operate in the region.  Travelers should consult the Worldwide Caution for further information and details.

On October 14, 2011, two Spanish nationals working for an NGO were kidnapped in Dadaab refugee camp, in northeastern Kenya.  On October 1, 2011, a French national was kidnapped from a private residence on the popular tourist destination of Lamu Island on Kenya’s north coast.  She died while in captivity in Somalia.  On September 11, 2011, a British national wife and husband were kidnapped - and the husband murdered - at a coastal resort near the Kenya–Somali border.  The motivation for these kidnappings is unclear, but the perpetrators took all of the hostages into areas of Somalia controlled by Al Shabaab, a designated terrorist organization, with some links to Al Qaeda.  On October 16, 2011, Kenya initiated military action against Al Shabaab, declaring self-defense.  Kenyan troops crossed into Somalia and are actively pursuing Al Shabaab in southeastern Somalia.  Al Shabaab has responded to the Kenyan incursion into Somalia by threatening retaliation against civilian targets in Kenya.

In the early morning of October 24, 2011, a hand grenade was tossed into a night club in downtown Nairobi, injuring 14 Kenyan patrons.  Later the same day, another grenade exploded at a crowded bus stop, killing one and injuring 16 Kenyans.  In North Eastern Kenya, on October 27, a vehicle carrying officials from the Ministry of Education was attacked, leaving four dead, and on October 28 a police vehicle was heavily damaged after driving over an explosive device.  Responsibility for these incidents has not been determined, though an individual was sentenced on October 28 for his role in the grenade attack on the night club.  U.S. citizens traveling to Kenya for business or pleasure should take these actions and incidents into account when planning their travel. 

As a result of recent events and threats, the areas to which travel by U.S. government employees, contractors, grantees, and their dependents is restricted have been expanded and now encompass Lamu District and the Northeastern Province, including El Wak, Wajir, Garissa, Dadaab, Mandera and Liboi. Although this restriction does not apply to travelers not associated with the U.S. government, it should be taken into account when planning travel. The security of these areas will be regularly reviewed for possible modification.

Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings, home invasions / burglaries, and kidnappings can occur at any time and in any location, most particularly in Nairobi.  U.S. citizens have fallen victim to such crimes within the past year.  U.S. citizens in Kenya should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal security, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship.  U.S. citizens should also remain alert in residential areas, at schools, and at outdoor recreational events.

U.S. citizens should use common-sense precautions, such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, using well-marked taxis, locking vehicle and lodging doors, carrying small amounts of cash and credit cards, wearing small amounts of jewelry, knowing emergency phone numbers, and being aware of your surroundings.  These measures can help ensure your travel to Kenya is safe and enjoyable. 

The drought affecting the Horn of Africa is causing thousands of people to pour across Kenya’s porous borders each week.  With Kenya's endemic poverty and the availability of weapons in the area, the result could be an increase in crime, both petty and violent.  Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter or investigate such acts or prosecute perpetrators.

U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and political rallies of all kinds.  Most political gatherings are peaceful, but they can turn violent with no notice.  In the run-up to the constitutional referendum in June 2010, six Kenyans were killed and 100 injured at a prayer meeting/political rally in Uhuru Park in downtown Nairobi.  The next Kenyan presidential election is set to take place in late 2012.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Kenya are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive the most up-to-date security information.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.  The U.S. Embassy is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (+254) (20) 363-6000; fax (+254) (20) 363-6410.  In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (+254) (20) 363-6000.  Travelers may also consult the U.S. Embassy Nairobi website for more information. The Embassy home page is http://kenya.usembassy.gov.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Kenya and the Worldwide Caution, which are located on the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs website.  Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs websitewhich contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook, and download our Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.