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 September 2011 1 British National was killed and another kidnapped at a beach resort north of Lamu, near the Kenya-Somalia border.

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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 December 28, 2010 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 July 24th, 2009.

The U.S. Government continues to receive indications of potential terrorist threats aimed at American, Western, and Kenyan interests in Kenya.  Terrorist acts could include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation as evidenced by the 2002 attacks on an Israeli airliner, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Many of those responsible for the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in 1998 and on a hotel in Mombasa in 2002 remain at large and continue to operate in the region. 

In July 2009, three NGO workers were kidnapped and taken into Somalia by suspected members of a terrorist group that operates out of Somalia. In November 2008, armed groups based in Somalia crossed into Kenya near the town of El Wak and kidnapped two Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has designated a small portion of Kenya bordering Somalia and Ethiopia as “restricted without prior authorization” for purposes of travel by U.S. Government employees, contractors, grantees and their dependents. This designation is based on reports of Somali-based armed groups that have on occasion crossed into Kenya to stage attacks or to commit crimes. This restriction does not apply to travelers not associated with the U.S. Government, but should be taken into account when planning travel. 

Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings and home invasions/burglaries, can occur at any time and in any location, particularly in Nairobi. As recently as February 2010, U.S. Embassy personnel were victims of carjackings. In the short-term, the continued displacement of thousands of people by the recent civil unrest combined with endemic poverty and the availability of weapons could result in an increase in crime, both petty and violent. Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter or investigate such acts or prosecute perpetrators.

American 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. Americans should also remain alert in residential areas, at schools, and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Americans who travel to or reside in Kenya despite this Travel Warning are encouraged to register through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. Americans without Internet access may register 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. The Embassy home page is http://kenya.usembassy.gov.