The US embassy in Nairobi Thursday issued a terror alert warning its citizens terrorists may target high-traffic areas frequented by foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya.
This is the first alert this year.
It is out of intelligence the terrorists may be planning an attack in Nairobi.
The embassy said the locations continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct potentially imminent attacks. “Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists,” an alert issued said.
It added the government of Kenya has increased counterterrorism patrols.
The embassy wants its citizens to exercise vigilance at locations frequented by tourists/foreigners, review their personal security plans and be aware of their surroundings.
Officials said they believe dozens of al-Shabaab terrorists may have slipped into the city from Somalia and are planning an attack.
This follows ongoing operations in Somalia targeting the terror group.
Kenya has been a victim of terrorism on several occasions.
The terrorists usually breach the main Kenya-Somalia border and attack at will which has left dozens dead and others injured.
Kenya police said they have upped their patrols and operations to address the new fears.
The most deadly attack by the terrorists was on April 2 2015 when gunmen stormed the Garissa University College in Garissa, killing 148 people, and injuring 79 or more.
Police have thwarted dozens of others.
