The US Department of State has placed Kenya at Level 2 risk, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution due to unrest, crime, terrorism and health concerns including Ebola threats from neighboring countries.
The advisory lists protests that can turn violent with little notice, disrupting transport in cities like Nairobi. A transport operators' strike on May 18, 2026, led to demonstrations, looting and property damage before being postponed for a week.
Crime remains a persistent issue, with armed robberies and thefts reported in major towns and tourist areas, especially at night. Terrorism risks include attacks by al-Shabaab and bandit incidents in eastern and north-eastern regions.
Health warnings highlight Ebola risks from outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The US strongly urges Americans not to travel to the DRC, South Sudan or Uganda, and to reconsider travel to Rwanda. Kenya has intensified border screenings despite recording no Ebola cases.
The State Department noted no recent kidnappings of US citizens but advised vigilance. Kenya has faced protests since 2024 that often cause traffic disruptions and property damage.
