NAIROBI (Horn Life) – Germany’s Foreign Ministry has issued a travel warning for its citizens residing in or traveling to Kenya, highlighting an increased risk of terrorist attacks, especially in crowded public places such as hotels, markets, and transportation hubs. The advisory specifically warns about regions near the Somalia border, where militant groups remain active.
The ministry identified counties close to Somalia, including Lamu, as particularly high-risk due to ongoing terrorist activity.
“There is a growing threat of terrorist attacks in Kenya,” the ministry said in a statement. “The Al-Shabaab group, based in Somalia, has threatened to carry out attacks in Kenya as retaliation for Kenya’s military involvement in the African Union Mission in Somalia.”
The warning references previous and foiled attacks as evidence of militants’ continuing intent to target Kenya. Vulnerable sites include government buildings, hotels, bars and restaurants, large markets, churches, public transportation like buses and boats, airports, and other places where crowds gather.
Besides Lamu, the German Foreign Ministry named Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu, Turkana, and West Pokot counties as unsafe for travel.
German citizens are strongly advised to avoid travel within 100 kilometers of the Somalia border, particularly in Lamu County, and to refrain from non-essential visits to the Lamu and Manda islands. Air travel is recommended for those needing to access the Lamu Archipelago.
The ministry also urged Germans living in or visiting Kenya’s coastal regions to exercise heightened caution due to risks of kidnappings and attacks linked to militant groups operating near the Somalia border.
