Travel: Red Channel - Foreign Office advice for travel in Kenya

"The Samburu, Shaba and Masai Mara game reserves have experienced incidents of banditry. A British visitor was killed in a private game sanctuary at a country club outside Nairobi. Tourists wishing to visit these reserves should be accompanied by guards or tour operators.

A general election took place in Kenya on 29 and 30 December 1997. Political meetings and demonstrations, which can be violent, are likely to continue and should be avoided.

Politically motivated ethnic clashes have occurred in Laikipia and Nakuru districts. A night curfew has been imposed in these districts, including Nakuru town, from 9pm to 6am. Visitors should exercise extreme caution in these areas.

Except as otherwise indicated, game reserves and other tourist areas are generally safe, but muggings and armed attacks can occur anywhere and at any time, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. Be alert at all times. Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Avoid travelling after dark and in isolated places, particularly empty beaches. Do not carry valuables or wear jewellery in public places.

Avoid the North Eastern Province, the Tana River district of Coast Province and the Isiolo and Marsabit districts of Eastern Province where cattle raids are frequent."

Foreign Office travel advice is available on BBC2 (Ceefax) p 470 and can be accessed on http://www.fco.gov.uk/, or call 0171-238 4503.