Tourists warned to stay away amid Kenya unrest
Foreign tourists were warned Monday to avoid non-essential travel to Kenya amid deadly poll violence, while tour operators called off local excursions for travellers already there, officials said.
Britain joined a clutch of European governments advising their nationals not to visit troubled parts of the east African country, following clashes which have left at least 162 dead since disputed presidential elections Thursday.
"Sporadic incidents of violence have taken place in urban centres. There is an increased risk of violence in urban centres. "You should stay indoors and seek advice locally before travelling," said Britain's Foreign Office.
Austria, Denmark, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden all warned their travellers against unnecessary travel to Kenya as opposition candidate Raila Odinga rejected President Mwai Kibaki's re-election victory.
"Due to turmoil linked to the December 27 presidential election results, it is advised to avoid all travel to Kenya in the coming days, except for urgent professional business," said the French foreign ministry.
Italy's foreign ministry noted that "the political situation remains unstable throughout the country," urging Italian nationals in Kenya to "stay away from large gatherings."
Britain specifically advised against "all but essential travel" to Nairobi city centre, as well as Kisumu, Kakamega, Kericho, Eldoret and the Kisauni area of Nyali district in Mombasa, and Likoni and Tiwi areas south of Mombasa.
In a sign of growing concern, French travel firms Nouvelles Frontieres and Kuoni France announced they were suspending flights to Kenya until further notice, including a flight Tuesday evening from Paris to Nairobi.
In Germany, travel giant TUI said its next departures for Kenya were not planned until Wednesday. "We are waiting to see how the situation develops tomorrow to decide on whether we maintain them," said spokesman Mario Koepers.
"For the moment we have cancelled excursions for tourists on holiday on the beaches in Kenya, and pulled Nairobi as a stopover for safari tours," he said.
Dutch tourism industry sources reported no immediate sign of people cancelling holidays, saying holidaymakers were being advised if necessary to keep away from dangerous urban centres.
In London, holiday firm Kuoni said it was also cancelling local trips. "All our clients are alright and holidays are carrying on as normal but we thought it best to cancel some local excursions," said a Kuoni spokeswoman.
Around 10,000 Britons are in Kenya at present, nearly all either on safari or staying in beach resorts close to Mombasa. Fewer Germans travel to the country: some 83,000 visited in all of 2006.
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said no problems had so far been reported, but underlined that operators were making holidaymakers aware of the situation.
"Holiday company staff at the resorts are reassuring tourists and we are monitoring the situation very closely .. If the situation changes for the worse then we would take appropriate action," said a spokesman.
Sweden underlined the risk in particular for travellers not going with tour operators. "These independent travellers (should) perhaps plan to postpone their trip," said its foreign ministry.
Comments
Its been two days of utmost chaos, however non of the tourists have
been attacked as the holigan are out to steal and enrich themselves.
This however will be over in a few hours just been driving through
some of the worst hit areas in Mombasa and calm is been restored while
police men are fully in charge. Warm regards (reader in Kenya)
We are in Mombasa, North Coast - one of the main tourist areas - and right opposite the hotels. The situation is tense but here in the tourist areas all is calm - although shops and petrol stations were closed, there is a sign of activity today. Fresh produce is in short supply as most comes from Nairobi, Newspapers which I believe have been published are not reaching us either from Nairobi. The majority of tension is concentrated in the predominantly Luo areas of Kiembeni, Kisauni and Likoni as well as a few flare ups in Mombasa Island itself. Our staff report intimidation by gangs of youths in these areas.
We fail to see how tourists are 'stranded' in Mombasa which is in the news reports as we can hear and see the tourist jets taking off over us. The hotels , although short of supplies and some staff with travelling problems (matatus increasing fares by 200%) are functioning and last night we could hear numerous New Years parties with fireworks being let off at midnight. Our own night establishment was busy, but with half the business of past years as many stayed at home.
In general the situation in this residential/hotel area is fine and moving in the immediate area is possible and safe.
Sally Misbah
Dear Mr Steinmetz,
Today, an air of disbelief and disappointment surrounds the entire nation.
Millions of ordinary Kenyan people, myself included, lined up patiently
on December 27th to vote. There were no problems, order and excitement
prevailed.
We have had three safaris through this entire period, which have proceeded without
a problem.
One lady arrived from the USA, on December 24th, drove to Mt Kenya, Samburu, flew to the
Maasai Mara, and flew to the coast, where she is enjoying New Year. The only hitch was
a two hour delay of the flight from the Mara to the coast, because of a fuel shortage.
An American family of four, travelled to Samburu on the 29th December, no problems.
They returned today, no problems.
Two Russians motored to Samburu three days ago, and today drove across
the Mau Escarpment to Nakuru. No problems.
Kenyans are peaceful people. Kenya is quiet today from where we sit. My home,
the roads around us, the shops that opened for a few hours. We are continuing
with life normally. I rode my horse today, I am going swimming today. Our office
has been open as usual.
The trouble spots are mostly where there are unemployed thugs, just looking for an
excuse and opportunity to vandalize and steal.
KENYANS ARE WARM HOSPITABLE FRIENDLY PEOPLE. THERE MAY BE
A FEW TRIBAL SKIRMISHES OVER THE ELECTIONS, BUT YOU CANNOT BLAME THEM
FOR THAT. THEY ALL KNOW THAT TOURISTS ARE OUR BREAD AND BUTTER. WE
HAVE SO FAR, NOT HAD CAUSE FOR ALARM.
However, due caution, due care, special security precautions have all been put in place
by The Kenya Tourist Federation and Kenya Association of Tour Operators.
Karibu
Vivien Prince
Vivien Prince
Proprietor/Managing Director
As You Like It (Safaris) Ltd
Kenya Association of Tour Operators
www.asyoulikeitsafaris.com
Post new comment