Kenya tourism officials are working diligently to ensure the safety and security of visitors to the country. In order to keep the traveling public up-to-date on the situation on ground in Kenya, we are sending out continual updates on the current state of affairs within the country with regard to the tourism infrastructure. Please be sure to monitor the situation on all fronts, as the situation is fluid and can change at any time. The KTB strongly urges travelers and travel suppliers to make informed decisions based upon all the information that is available on Kenya’s state-of-affairs by continually checking with all available informed sources. As always, all U.S. travelers into Kenya should register themselves through the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi at: http://travelregistration.state.gov.

Wednesday 9 January 2008: Security Update from the Kenya Tourism Federation

Following the Presidential announcement of the appointment of cabinet ministers yesterday evening there were some concerns that there might be protests and public demonstrations from opposition supporters. However, in Nairobi and Mombasa all is quiet and there has been no change to the situation of calm which has prevailed for the last few days.  There have been no reports of any protests or disturbances in Nairobi or Mombasa and all roads between airports and hotels are open and traffic is flowing as normal. All safari departures took place as usual with no problems reported on any of the roads to the parks and reserves.

There are reports that there were some demonstrations in Kisumu last night and today but currently the Kisumu-Kericho-Eldoret areas are off-limits for tourists so no visitors are affected.

It is expected that discussions will be taking place between the political leaders over the next few days to attempt to end the political differences. The President of the African Union arrived yesterday to meet both sides in an attempt to assist in settling the differences. Parliament reopens on Tuesday next week and the country is moving back to normality.

A serious issue of concern is the need to support the displaced persons who are being cared for in Red Cross Camps until they can return to their homes or be re-housed. The tourism sector is joining with the business fraternity to provide financial contributions to buy and transport food. There is no food or fuel shortage within Kenya but there have been transport and distribution problems which are now being resolved.