US Embassy Issues Security Alert in Kenya, Warns Citizens to Stay Vigilant
- The US embassy in Nairobi issued a fresh security alert warning Americans and other foreigners to remain vigilant against possible terror attacks
- The advisory flagged hotels, malls, schools, police stations, and places of worship as potential targets for extremist groups like al-Shabaab
- Officials highlighted sensitive dates such as August 7 and September 21, tied to past tragedies, as periods of heightened concern
- US citizens were urged to adopt strict safety measures, including avoiding crowds, keeping a low profile, and monitoring local media
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - The US embassy has issued a new security alert, warning American citizens and other foreigners in Kenya to remain vigilant.
Source: UGC
In an advisory, released on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the US urged its nationals to exercise caution.
The US government urged its citizens to be on high alert, particularly in high-traffic areas in Nairobi and other major towns where foreigners and tourists often gather.
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According to the embassy, potential targets include hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls, markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and entertainment spots.
These locations, the alert warned, remain attractive to terrorist groups that have previously staged deadly attacks in the country.
"Terrorist groups, such as al-Shabaab, are an ongoing and persistent threat not only in Kenya as a whole, but also in Nairobi. Terrorist groups can attack with little to no warning. While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversary dates of prior attacks," the embassy said in its statement.
It specifically flagged August 7, September 11, September 21, and October 7 as sensitive dates.
These dates mark tragedies such as the 1998 US embassy bombing in Nairobi, the 9/11 attacks in the US, the 2013 Westgate Mall siege, and Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel.
How should US citizens ensure their safety?
The embassy advised US citizens in Kenya to adopt strict personal safety measures to safeguard their well-being.
Among the actions recommended were maintaining a low profile, staying away from protest zones and demonstrations, avoiding crowds, and reviewing personal security plans.
It also urged individuals to remain alert in public areas frequented by tourists, be aware of their surroundings, and closely monitor local media for any emerging updates.
"Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/foreigners, review your personal security plans, be aware of your surroundings, monitor local media for updates, avoid protest areas and demonstrations, avoid crowds and keep a low profile," the US urged.
Source: UGC
The security warning comes at a time when Kenya continues to grapple with intermittent terror threats, particularly from al-Shabaab militants based in Somalia.
Over the past decade, the militant group has launched several high-profile attacks, targeting both security installations and civilian sites.
Is Gachagua a security threat to Kenya?
Elsewhere, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen raised concerns over former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s return from the US, calling it a potential security threat.
He noted that Kenya had remained calm during Gachagua’s absence and warned that his arrival could spark unrest.
He said security agencies are on high alert, and Murkomen pledged legal action against anyone who breaks the law amid the expected crowds.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
