Kenya Travel Alert 

Carjacking Incident

January 31, 2007

This Warden message is being issued to inform American citizens of a recent incident involving members of the Embassy community and to remind American citizens to use caution while driving in Kenya.

On the afternoon of Saturday, January 27, the spouse of a U.S. Embassy employee and members of her family were carjacked by armed assailants. The family had pulled onto a service road off Waiyaki Way in the Uthiru area to wait for a friend. While they were waiting, four assailants pulled up next to them in an SUV that had been carjacked earlier. According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants approached the car yelling. The back seat passengers managed to get out fairly quickly, but when the front doors of the vehicle were opened at least one of the assailants opened fire, killing both the driver and front seat passenger.

Embassy personnel are working closely with the Kenyan Police to find the perpetrators of this vicious and violent act. This tragic incident underscores the need for American citizens to be vigilant at all times when operating a motor vehicle during both day and nighttime hours. If confronted by armed assailants while you are driving, it is recommended that you offer no resistance, and comply immediately and completely. Keep your hands raised and in sight of the assailants and your eyes averted so as not to convey any sign of hesitation or defiance.

American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi at (254) (20) 363-6000. In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254) (20) 363-6170.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal Holidays.)

American Citizen Services Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Nairobi
Tel: ( 254) 20 375 3704
Fax:( 254) 20 363 6410
Email: kenya_acs@state.gov
Emergency Telephone Number (254) 20 363 6170
Note: Online registration is available at https://travelregistration.state.gov./ Please update your registration with the Embassy once a year.