Travel Advice for Kenya - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
/Advice/Kenya?20000801KETuesday, 01 May 2012, 15:56:33, +1000
2012 Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and TradeWhile every care has been taken in preparing this travel
information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its
agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff
abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in
respect of any statement contained therein.
Travel Advice Levels
| Kenya overall | High degree of caution |
| Nairobi suburbs of Kibera, Mathare, Kasirani and Eastleigh | Reconsider your need to travel |
| Border regions with Somalia, incl Mandera, Garissa, Wajir districts; Lamu district; borders with South Sudan, Ethiopia | Do not travel |
| Isiolo, Moyale and the A2 highway | Do not travel |
It contains new information in the Summary and Terrorism (grenade attack in Nairobi on 29 April 2012). The overall level of the advice for Kenya has not changed.
It contains new information in the Summary and Terrorism (grenade attack in Nairobi on 29 April 2012). The overall level of the advice for Kenya has not changed.
Summary
We strongly advise you to exercise a high degree of caution overall in Kenya at this time due to the high risk of terrorist attack, civil unrest and high crime levels in the country.
Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets in Kenya, including Kenyan and Western interests.
On 23 April 2012, the US Embassy in Nairobi warned that it had received credible information regarding a possible attack on Nairobi hotels and prominent Kenyan government buildings. Timing of the attack was not known, but the Embassy had reason to believe the potential attack to be in the last stages of planning.
Somali-based militants have threatened to launch attacks in Kenya in retaliation for military operations within Somalia by Kenyan security forces. These threats are renewed regularly, most recently in early April 2012. Attacks could occur in any part of Kenya, including at locations frequented by Westerners.
Since the beginning of Kenyan military operations in Somalia in October 2011, there have been a number of attacks in Kenya, most recently fatal hand grenade attacks occurred in Nairobi on 29 April and Mombasa on 31 March. Further attacks are likely. See Safety and security: Terrorism for details.
In early April 2012, Kenyan authorities alerted the public to a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in Nairobi and Coast province.
In December 2011, four people were arrested in Mombasa on charges relating to an alleged bomb plot.
There is an ongoing very high threat of kidnap to Westerners, including residents, tourists, journalists and humanitarian workers. The risk of kidnapping is highest in parts of Kenya that are close to the border with Somalia. A number of Westerners were kidnapped from Kenya in late 2011. See under Safety and Security: Kidnapping for further information on recent kidnappings. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.
We strongly advise you not to travel to the border regions with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Along the border with Somalia, this area includes all of Mandera and Garissa Districts, Wajir and east of Wajir and all of Lamu District, including Lamu and Manda islands. Cross border violence occurs, including attacks by armed groups, kidnapping, armed banditry, and violent tribal and clan disputes.
We advise you not to travel to Isiolo and Moyale in Eastern district and along the A2 Highway (Thika Road) due to sporadic clashes that have caused a number of deaths and injuries in recent months. See under Civil unrest/political tension for more information.
You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent.
Since 2008, members of the Mungiki sect have caused violent riots and erected illegal road blocks in Nairobi, Nakuru, Naivasha, Limuru and Eldoret. See Safety and Security: Civil unrest/Political tension for details.
Violent crime against Westerners, including armed carjacking, kidnapping for ransom and home invasions, occurs frequently in and around Nairobi. For further details see the Crime section below.
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Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Kenya for the most up-to-date information.
If you are arriving from a country infected with yellow fever you will be required to present a valid yellow fever certificate to be allowed entry into Kenya.
Kenya is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.
If you have visited Kenya in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Safety and security
Terrorism
We strongly advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya overall at this time due to the high risk of terrorist attack, kidnapping, civil unrest and high crime levels. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
You should evaluate your personal security situation in light of continuing terrorist threats and public warnings of possible attacks.
On 23 April 2012, the US Embassy in Nairobi warned that it had received credible information regarding a possible attack on hotels and prominent Kenyan government buildings. Timing of the attack was not known, but the Embassy had reason to believe the potential attack to be in the last stages of planning.
In early April 2012, Kenyan authorities alerted the public to a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in Nairobi and Coast province, and adopted heightened security precautions in response to the threat.
Since the beginning of Kenyan military operations in Somalia in October 2011, there have been a number of attacks in Kenya. Further attacks are likely.
In late 2011, Somali-based militants threatened to launch attacks in Kenya in retaliation for ongoing military operations within Somalia by Kenyan security forces. These threats are regularly renewed, most recently in April 2102.
These recent threats of retaliatory attacks have occurred in the context of Somali-based militants declaring a ‘jihad’ against the interests of East African Governments supporting the Somali Transitional Federal Government, including the Kenyan Government. You should be aware that Somali militants may launch attacks in any part of Kenya against Kenyan, Burundian, Ugandan, Djiboutian and Ethipoian interests, including at locations frequented by Westerners.
Previous warnings were issued in October 2011 by the US and UK Governments regarding credible information of imminent terrorist attacks. Possible targets mentioned in reporting include prominent Kenyan institutions and facilities, and places where Westerners gather such as malls, nightclubs and public venues broadcasting international sporting events. Kenyan authorities have encouraged extra vigilance against possible terrorist attacks on public places as a result of the current heightened conflict in Somalia.
Nairobi:
Recent information also indicates terrorists continue to plan attacks against places frequented by Westerners in Nairobi and the surrounding region.
Kenyan authorities have also alerted the public to a heightened threat from terrorist attacks in Nairobi, most recently in April 2012. Australians should heed the warnings of Kenyan authorities and maintain heightened awareness of the security environment and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Attacks could be indiscriminate and target Kenyan institutions as well as places where expatriates and foreigner travellers gather. You should take extra care in public places and at public events.
Kenyan security authorities have adopted heightened security precautions in response to the threat of terrorist attack. An enhanced security presence has been deployed at public venues such as hotels, shopping plazas and other large establishments.
Due to heightened security concerns, staff at the Australian High Commission in Nairobi have been advised to exercise greater vigilance and security measures have been increased. We advise you to do the same.
Locations that may be subject to terrorist attack:
Kenyan authorities have encouraged extra vigilance against possible terrorist attacks on public places as a result of the current heightened conflict in Somalia.
We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets in Kenya, including Kenyan and Western interests. Possible targets frequented by Westerners include Western embassies, UN premises, hotels, airports, shopping areas, markets, bars, sports bars and nightclubs (including venues broadcasting international sporting events), restaurants and cafes, tourist resorts (including beach resorts and beaches), safari lodges, churches and other places of worship, commercial airlines and other places frequented by foreigners. Other possible targets include Kenyan Government buildings, major infrastructure and refugee camps.
In planning your activities, you should avoid the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets. Terrorist acts could include suicide bombings, kidnappings, roadside improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, attacks on civil aviation and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. These attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners, including Australians. You could be caught up in attacks directed at others.
Embassies, hotels and commercial airlines in Kenya have been targeted by terrorists in the past and remain potential targets.
Australians should be particularly vigilant in the lead-up to and during religious festivals and days of national significance as militants have used such occasions to mount attacks.
You should exercise particular vigilance if attending sporting events including football matches. You should also avoid public venues, such as sports bars, nightclubs and restaurants that broadcast sporting events, particularly international events, as well as public transportation to these events.
Recent attacks in Kenya include:
On 29 April 2012, a grenade attack against a church in the Ngara suburb of Nairobi killed one person and injured 16 others.
On 31 March 2012, grenade attacks against a church and a bar in Mombasa left one person dead and 15 injured.
On 10 March 2012, a grenade attack on a bus station in Nairobi city killed seven people and injured approximately 60 others.
On 12 January 2012, an attack on a police facility near Wajir killed at least five people.
On 31 December 2011, an explosion in a club in Garissa town killed five people.
On 24 December 2011, an explosion in a bar in Wajir wounded at least six people.
On 5 December 2011, an explosion killed one Kenyan police officer and wounded three at the Dadaab refugee camp.
On 5 November 2011, a grenade attack on a church in Garissa killed two people and injured two others. *On 24 October 2011, an explosion occurred in a nightclub in Nairobi city centre. Reports indicate that 14 people were injured.
In December 2011, four people were arrested in Mombasa on charges relating to an alleged bomb plot.
Kidnapping
There is an ongoing very high threat of kidnap to Westerners, including tourists, journalists and humanitarian workers, in parts of Kenya that are close to the border with Somalia. Somali-based kidnappers have abducted a number of Westerners from Kenya in 2011. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.
Threats to humanitarian workers: Armed groups from Somalia have previously kidnapped Westerners in Kenya working in a humanitarian capacity along the border with Somalia. Western aid workers in refugee camps in this region may be a particular target. On 13 October 2011, two Spanish aid workers were kidnapped from the Dadaab refugee camp, near the border with Somalia. In July 2009, three aid workers in Kenya were kidnapped by Somali militias and taken into Somalia. You should be aware that humanitarian workers and journalists covering the humanitarian situation in border areas may be targeted for abduction by kidnappers.
Threats to tourists and residents: Tourists and residents in coastal resorts and towns in eastern Kenya have recently been kidnapped by armed groups based in Somalia. These developments underscore the seriousness of general threat of kidnapping to foreigners in parts of Kenya that are close to the border with Somalia or along the Kenyan coast. In mid-November 2011, gunmen attacked a village near Malindi (150km south of Lamu) and kidnapped six fishermen. On 1 October 2011, a French national was attacked and kidnapped from her beachfront residence of Manda Island (adjacent to Lamu Island) by an armed group. She later died in captivity. On 11 September 2011, two British nationals were attacked at a resort north of Lamu: one was killed and the other was kidnapped and held in captivity for six months. Both attacks took place at beach front properties. Kenyan authorities have launched a response in order to improve security in the area. In light of these attacks we strongly advise you not to travel to all of Lamu District, including Lamu Island.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.
Border Regions:
We strongly advise against all travel to Kenya’s border regions with Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan because of the extreme threat posed by kidnapping, terrorism and military and tribal conflict. Along the border with Somalia, this area includes Mandera and Garissa Districts, Wajir and east of Wajir and all the Lamu District, including Lamu and Manda islands.
From February 2011, the ongoing conflict along the border with Somalia has intensified and has caused a deterioration in the security environment in Kenya. In October 2011, Kenyan security forces commenced military operations in Somalia against armed groups operating in these areas. As a result, the risk of violent attacks and terrorist attacks has increased. Heavy fighting has recently been reported along the Ethiopia-Somalia border.
Cross border violence occurs, including attacks by armed groups, kidnapping, armed banditry, and violent tribal and clan disputes.
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Civil unrest/political tension
International events and political developments may prompt large demonstrations in Kenya. You should monitor the media and other local information sources for details about curfews, political events and possible safety and security risks. You should avoid all political rallies and protests as they may quickly turn violent. Demonstrations over high food prices, controversial media and tax legislation have resulted in violence and arrests in the past. In the event of violence or civil unrest you should avoid all protests, monitor the media for information that could affect your safety and security and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Following the presidential elections in December 2007, two months of widespread election-related violence erupted. Approximately 1,500 people died and 300,000 were internally displaced. The country also experienced disruptions to food and water supplies and public transport during this period. Since then, violence and political demonstrations have occurred.
The next presidential elections are scheduled to occur in 2012. Protests and demonstrations may occur without notice in the lead up to and surrounding the elections. You should avoid all protests and demonstrations throughout Kenya as they may turn violent.
On 13 June 2010 a grenade attack on a political rally in Nairobi killed six people and injured over 100.
In December 2010, the International Criminal Court announced the names of individuals to be indicted for their roles in the 2008 post-election violence. On 23 January 2012, the International Criminal Court made public the verdict.
Mungiki (quasi-political religious cult) members occasionally cause violent riots, erect illegal roadblocks and organise strikes with little warning.
Isiolo, Moyale and the A2 Highway
We advise you not to travel to Isiolo and Moyale in Eastern district and along the A2 Highway (Thika Road), due to sporadic clashes that have caused a number of deaths and injuries. Recent clashes have caused approximately 50 deaths, a large number of injuries and significant displacement of local populations. The A2 Highway between Isiolo and Moyale has also been closed by spontaneous protests. Residents have fired shots and thrown rocks at passing vehicles. Tourists have been injured in these attacks. If, despite our advice not to travel, you decide to visit these areas, you should exercise extreme caution.
Crime
The level of crime in Kenya is high. The deaths of hundreds of people, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and job losses during the 2008 post-election violence have resulted in increased criminal activity.
In Nairobi, violent crime against Westerners, including armed carjacking, kidnapping for ransom and home invasions, occurs frequently and can be brazen, brutal and sometimes there have been fatalities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that foreigners are increasingly being targeted in homes, tourist areas and while travelling by road.
The risk of armed banditry, violent robbery, carjacking and kidnapping has increased in recent years. Crimes of this nature are common in Kenya's urban centres, coastal beach resorts, northern Kenya (including the North East Province), the northern parts of Eastern, Coastal and Rift Valley Provinces and north of Malindi. If you travel to remote areas or border regions, you could be the target of attacks or kidnappings. The incidence of crime generally rises during the holiday periods.
You should avoid walking or travelling after dark and remain vigilant during daylight hours.
Muggings and armed robberies are common, though victims are generally not harmed if they don't resist. Jewellery and bag-snatching from open vehicle windows frequently occur while motorists are either stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic. When driving, you should ensure that windows are up, doors are locked and valuables are out of sight.
Due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
Scams, whereby criminals try to extort money from travellers using fake police, hotel and government identification, are common.
In Nairobi, confrontations between police and criminal suspects occur regularly. Bystanders have been wounded or killed as result of indiscriminate gunfire in crowded areas. We advise you to remain vigilant at all times.
Nairobi suburbs of Kibera, Mathare, Kasirani and Eastleigh: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the Nairobi suburbs of Kibera, Mathare, Kasirani and Eastleigh due to high crime levels.
National parks and game reserves: There have been several attacks on Australian and other Western tourists on safaris in national parks and game reserves, including the Masai Mara. Police and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have increased security in the affected areas. You should take care with personal security when visiting parks and game reserves.
Visitors to the Ngong Forest Reserve and Ngong Hills should get an armed escort from the KWS because of the risk of robbery. The Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) can provide advice on reputable travel firms and guides.
North, north-eastern and western Kenya: Banditry, cattle rustling and ethnic clashes have caused sporadic violence in north and north-eastern Kenya and in the Mount Elgon region of western Kenya. Australians could inadvertently be caught up in violence directed at others. We advise you to seek advice from the police and travel in convoys or with police escorts if visiting these regions.
Borders with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia: We strongly advise you not to travel to the border regions with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Localised incidents of violence, such as armed banditry, violent cattle rustling, counter raids and tribal warfare, are common along the Kenya-Ethiopia border and Kenya-South Sudan border. Conflict along the border with Somalia has intensified during 2011. Heavy fighting has been reported on the Kenya-Somalia and Ethiopia-Somalia borders and Kenyan armed forces entered Somalia in October 2011. The border crossing from Kenya to Somalia is closed.
Kidnapping: There is an ongoing very high threat of kidnap to Westerners, including tourists, journalists and humanitarian workers, in parts of Kenya that are close to the border with Somalia. See under Safety and Security: Kidnapping for further information on recent kidnappings in Kenya.
Borders with Uganda and Tanzania: There have been reports of banditry and robbery at unauthorised border crossing points on the borders with Uganda and Tanzania and along the road from Nairobi to the Tanzania border crossing.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Travellers cheques are not widely accepted.
ATMs that accept international cards are widely available in Nairobi and major towns. Australian currency is not accepted in Kenya. Travellers’ cheques are accepted at large banks and foreign exchanges, though are not widely accepted in hotels.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Local travel
Driving in Kenya is dangerous due to poor road conditions, poorly maintained vehicles and a lack of sufficient street lighting. Public transport (buses and minivans – matates) is also dangerous as driving standards are poor and roads and vehicles are inadequately maintained. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Australians travelling by road should verify local security conditions beforehand. All travel on major highways in and out of Nairobi and on rural roads at night is not recommended and should be avoided. There have been reports of illegal roadblocks.
Travel at night to and from Nairobi's international airports (JKIA and Wilson) should only be undertaken with a reputable tour or taxi company.
You should only use reputable radio taxi services.
Passenger trains are considered to be unsafe, especially during the rainy season. Train services are also unreliable. Theft is common on trains and there have been cases where passengers’ belongings have been taken from their compartments.
The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities such as scuba diving, are not always met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. You should only use reputable tour operators and check that safety measures are in place.
Piracy
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Kenya. To the immediate north of Kenya's waters, attacks by pirates against all forms of shipping around Somalia's waters and the Gulf of Aden are increasing in frequency. Somali pirates using motherships have attacked shipping further than 1,000 nautical miles (1,850 kilometres) from the coast of Somalia. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports on its website. See also our travel advice on travelling by sea for more information.
Airline safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Laws
When you are in Kenya, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Kenya.
Penalties for drug offences can be severe and include lengthy jail terms.
Travellers are not allowed to work in Kenya, even in a volunteer capacity, without a valid work permit. Offenders may be fined, jailed or deported.
Destroying Kenyan currency of any denomination is against the law.
Smoking in public places is banned. Offenders caught smoking outside designated smoking areas face a substantial fine and/or jail for up to six months.
It is illegal to take photographs of some official buildings. If in doubt, seek advice from an official before taking any photos.
Distributing religious material in public without a licence is illegal.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money, laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Local customs
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Kenya, particularly in coastal and rural areas. You should take care not to offend.
Information for dual nationals
Kenya does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Kenyan dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We recommend you travel on your Australian passport at all times.
Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Health
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
The standard of medical facilities throughout Kenya varies. Medical facilities are adequate in urban areas, but may be extremely limited elsewhere. Public and private facilities will require either an up-front deposit for services, a guarantee of payment or confirmation of medical insurance before commencing treatment. In remote areas, air evacuation to a major city is sometimes the only option for medical emergencies. Costs for such an evacuation can exceed $A10,000.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Malaria is a risk in all parts of Kenya throughout the year, except in Nairobi and areas below 1,800 meters above sea level. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever, filariasis and African sleeping sickness (Trypanosomiasis)) also occur. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria, and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof, including with treated mosquito nets.
The US Center for Disease Control issued a Travel Notice on 12 March 2012 following the detection of two cases of African sleeping sickness in two foreign tourists who had visited the Masai Mara National Reserve. African sleeping sickness is spread by tsetse fly bite.
There have also been reports of a dengue fever outbreak in Mandera since September 2011.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholerahepatitis, meningococcal, polio, measles and tuberculosis) are also prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
There have been reports a cholera outbreak in Dadaab refugee camp since November 2011.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Kenya is very high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. You can find out more information from the Department of Health and Ageing.
A decompression chamber is located at the Kenyan Naval Base in Mombasa.
For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection of avian influenza and on Australian Government precautions, see our avian influenza travel bulletin.
Where to get help
In Kenya, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian High Commission
Riverside Drive (400 metres off Chiromo Road),
Nairobi KENYA
Telephone: (254 20) 427 7100
Facsimile: (254 20) 427 7139
Website:
http://www.kenya.highcommission.gov.au/
If you are travelling to Kenya, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register on-line or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
There are two rainy seasons, from October to November and from March to June, when flash flooding and mudslides are common. Roads may be impassable during these times.
Northern and eastern Kenya are currently experiencing a severe drought. There may be disruption to essential services and delays should be expected when travelling in these areas.
Kenya is subject to earthquakes. It lies on a fault line and tremors occur infrequently. Volcanic and seismic activity can also occur near Mt Elgon, on the Kenya-Uganda border.
All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, pay attention to warnings issued and follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Childwise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.