The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released a new travel advisory, urging British nationals to avoid specific regions in Kenya.

In its notice on Thursday, September 18, the FCDO highlighted areas in eastern Kenya, particularly along the Somali border, as high-risk zones due to escalating security concerns.

“FCDO now advises against all travel to areas in the east of Kenya, including the border with Somalia, and now advises against all but essential travel to some neighbouring areas,” the advisory read.

The advisory cited terrorism threats from Somalia-based groups and cautioned British citizens against travelling to Mandera County, Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, except for Wajir Town. It further restricted movement within 60 kilometres of the Somalia border in Wajir.

Additionally, the FCDO discouraged travel to Garissa County, apart from Garissa Town, Lagdera constituency, and the sections of Balambala constituency located north and west of the main road linking Saka on the Tana River to the C81 Road junction.

The FCDO also discouraged travel to Lamu County, except for Lamu Island and Manda Island.

It further advised against all but essential travel to Garissa Town, to the northern parts of Tana River County up to Saka, and to areas within 15 kilometres of the coastline between the Tana River and the Athi-Galana-Sabaki River.

The advisory raised concerns over a growing risk of abductions, pointing out that foreigners, including British nationals, are increasingly being targeted. It warned that kidnappings involving Westerners have occurred and remain highly likely.

The FCDO stressed that no travel is completely risk-free and urged UK citizens to exercise caution.

“If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency,” the advisory further read.