In unprecedented times like these, it is a matter of concern for everyone out there battling their lives amidst the pandemic and missing out on the adventures of the world! Although, some places have been hit the worst by the pandemic, but there are other countries doing considerably well. However, if you are traveling to Kenya for the purpose of business or tourism, you must be wondering: Is Kenya Safe to visit? Well, as a matter of fact, this question is a major concern for many people aspiring to visit Kenya but here’s how we can help you determine by giving you some reviews if you are planning a trip to Kenya!
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Is it safe to visit Kenya now?
Starting off with the most daunting questions, the first priority for anyone traveling ever since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic at large would be concerned with one question: Is it safe to travel to Kenya in 2020 coronavirus?
However, Kenya is still considered to be a safe destination as compared to a few surrounding African countries! You could reconsider travelling to Kenya due to COVID-19. But there has been rise in caution not because of COVID-19 factor alone but more so for crime, terrorism, other health issues, theft and kidnapping.
Despite that, due to the healthcare emergency all across the globe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Kenya due to the massive COVID-19 outbreak.
Although, now due to decline in the number of piling cases, Kenya has resumed a few flight routes and on ground business operations. Even land borders are now open to commercial trucks ever since improved health conditions have been reported within Kenya.
Is Kenya safe to visit 2020? Kenya travel restrictions:
You must not travel to the dreadful Kenya-Somalian border and the other extended coastal areas due to high risks of terrorism and areas of Turkana County due to risks of hefty crime.
You may also want to reconsider traveling to places such as the Nairobi neighbourhoods, in particular, the Eastleigh and Kibera due to increased risk factors of crime and kidnapping. Take extra precautions and be vigilant especially when you are traveling after dark to anywhere Kenya due to high potential of criminal activities such as all the violent crimes involving armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, that has a possibility to occur at any time. Local police are willing to protect you in an emergency but it often gets late due to the lack of responding effectively towards the cases of serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire service is also limited to a few areas and not accessible to many.
Many a times terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning at all, targeting mostly the Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, shopping malls, and other places of worship. High chances of terrorist acts include armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings.
Due to the high risks of civil aviation operating in the vicinity of the Kenyan-Somali border, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authority has issued a legal Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for Kenya travel ban.
Is Kenya safe to visit? Health risks:
It is advisable to seek medical advice from a professional health practitioner before travelling to Kenya to ensure that you have received all of the required vaccinations against Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and B, and Tetanus along with Rabies and Meningitis since they are strongly recommended. A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is a mandatory requirement for all travelers to travelling to Kenya and if you are travelling from an infected area then it must be presented upon your arrival to the country in order to be granted an entry especially if you are travelling onward to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania you will be required to produce a Yellow Fever Certificate on your arrival in country so that you can be granted entry.
There are also increased risks of malaria in Kenya that is why it is extremely important for you to check with your doctor before you go to Kenya. You must go for a check up to determine whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting. You must ensure that you take the necessary precautions to safeguard yourself throughout your trip to Kenya. Therefore, it is good practice to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved, light coloured clothes and wearing mosquito repellent body creams that contain at least 50% DEET to prevent the mosquito bites.
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Is Kenya safe to visit for a woman?
There are many wanderlust enthusiasts that may visit Kenya as part of a safari tour and in this very context, visiting Kenya is very safe for a woman alone as they will be under the protection of their tour guide and stay in their lodge at all times. However, those who visit Kenya alone might not have such an easy time dealing against the increased rates of crime, kidnapping, terrorism in Kenya. There are many instances stating that harassment from local men is very common but is usually just to annoy or tease rather than a threat to your life or honour. Nevertheless, you must avoid this by dressing modestly, wearing sunglasses to avoid eye contact and carry an active cell phone. You must also try to limit your night time travel as much as possible due to increased risk factors! Is Kenya safe to visit for women has been one of the most frequently asked questions and the best way to avoid this is to stray away from potential places of threat.
