The Australian High Commission in Kenya has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens about ongoing transport-related protests over high fuel prices, disrupting movement in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
In an advisory released on May 18, the Embassy urged its citizens to limit movement, travel only if necessary, and avoid crowds.
“There are ongoing transport-related protests in Nairobi and other areas. Limit travel to essential movement only, and avoid crowds,” stated the embassy.
In the alert, the high commission reiterated that some areas remained high risk, although there was no specification of the hot spots for protests.
“We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime. Higher levels apply in some areas,” the alert went on.
Transport disruptions, planned by a conglomerate of public transport stakeholders in the country, such as the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK), continued to paralyse public transport for a better part of Monday, May 18, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and creating serious uncertainty for travellers and residents trying to navigate their daily routines.
In some areas, the disruptions descended into full-blown running battles as police engaged protesters in Kitengela, Ruiru and the Nairobi CBD.
Along Thika Road, roads were barricaded by protesters, with police seen lobbying for teargas to quell a group of irate youth.
Beyond the transport chaos, the advisory also flagged broader security concerns, particularly regarding crime and the ever-present threat of terrorism.
“We continue to advise exercising a high degree of caution in Kenya due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime. Higher levels apply in some areas,” stated the Embassy.
The Australian High Commission also sounded a warning over potential flooding risks, with Kenya experiencing more than average rainfall since the beginning of the year, causing destruction of critical infrastructure and hundreds of deaths.
Data from the Ministry of Interior and the Kenya Red Cross reveal that at least 188 people have died from floods and related landslides in the country, with government figures from late reported operations estimating that the cumulative toll could reach up to 257 fatalities, forcing over 165,000 people from their homes in different regions.
Additionally, tourists and visitors were not spared from the brunt of the floods, with multiple 4×4 tour vans and safari vehicles being submerged or damaged by rapidly rising rivers near campsites.
Coordinated air-evacuation operations by the Kenya Red Cross and county helicopters have prioritised airlifting stranded tourists out of affected safari lodges to safety.
Australians currently in Kenya are being asked to “monitor local media closely, follow all guidance issued by Kenyan authorities, and stay in regular contact with the High Commission” to ensure their safety and whereabouts remain known throughout this period.