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The United States Embassy in Nairobi has warned of possible terrorist attacks in Kenya’s capital, saying extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab remain a serious and ongoing threat.
In a security alert issued on Tuesday, the embassy said terrorist groups continue to pose dangers not just in Nairobi but across the country. The alert listed several potential targets, including hotels, embassies, shopping malls, restaurants, schools, markets, places of worship, and police stations. Officials stressed that attacks could happen suddenly and without warning.
The embassy also reminded people that the risk of attacks is often higher around the anniversaries of past terrorist incidents. These include the U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi on August 7, 1998, which killed more than 200 people, the September 11 attacks in the United States, the September 21, 2013, Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, and more recent global events like the Hamas assault on Israel in October 2023.
Safety Advice for Foreign Nationals
In its advisory, the U.S. government urged American citizens and other foreign nationals in Nairobi to remain vigilant. People were asked to:
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Stay alert in crowded public spaces
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Review personal security plans
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Monitor local media for updates on threats
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Avoid large gatherings, protests, and demonstrations
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Maintain a low profile to reduce visibility
The embassy stressed that these steps can reduce risk, though they cannot completely eliminate the danger.
Part of Ongoing Warnings
This is not the first time the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has issued such a warning. Over the years, several alerts have been released, some of which were followed by actual attacks, while others passed without incident. Kenyan officials have not yet issued a public response to this latest warning.
Despite frequent alerts, Washington and Nairobi maintain a close security partnership. The United States provides training, intelligence, and equipment to Kenyan security forces. U.S. Africa Command also supports joint military operations in East Africa, while the State Department funds programs to strengthen border security and specialized counterterrorism police units.
Al-Shabaab’s Record in Kenya
The main threat continues to come from Al-Shabaab, an extremist group based in Somalia that is linked to al-Qaida. For more than a decade, Al-Shabaab has targeted Kenya in revenge for the country’s military involvement in Somalia.
The group carried out some of the deadliest attacks in Kenya’s history. In 2013, heavily armed militants stormed Nairobi’s Westgate Mall, killing 67 people and leaving many more injured. Two years later, in 2015, Al-Shabaab gunmen attacked Garissa University, massacring 148 students and staff.
These high-profile attacks shocked Kenya and the world, highlighting the group’s capacity to strike far beyond Somalia’s borders. Even with improved security in Nairobi, experts warn that Al-Shabaab remains capable of planning and executing complex operations.
Continuing Concern for Kenya and Partners
Kenyan authorities have strengthened security in public areas, especially in Nairobi, but analysts say the threat has not disappeared. They warn that Al-Shabaab continues to adapt, finding new ways to attack both military and civilian targets.
The latest U.S. Embassy warning reflects these concerns and comes as part of broader counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries. The partnership aims not only to protect foreign nationals in Kenya but also to help safeguard Kenyan citizens from extremist violence.
For now, the message to residents and visitors in Nairobi is clear: stay vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and take security precautions seriously.