The United Kingdom has released an updated travel warning, identifying specific regions in Kenya that its nationals are advised to avoid due to elevated security concerns linked to terrorism and broader regional instability.
This caution, published on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, details particular administrative divisions and localities where travel is not recommended. It cites dangers predominantly stemming from extremist groups active along the Somali frontier.
**Regions to Bypass**
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises its citizens to refrain from all journeys to various spots situated along the Kenyan-Somali boundary and the upper portion of the eastern seaboard.
According to the guidance, there have been numerous assaults in the north-eastern border territories, largely blamed on Al Shabaab. These assaults have resulted in fatalities among both Kenyan defense personnel and ordinary citizens.
The statement noted, “Kenyan security forces have intensified their deployment in the impacted zones. Armed insurgent groups are active within the Boni National Reserve and adjacent to the Somali border.”
**Lamu Island and Manda Island**
For journeys to Lamu Island and Manda Island, the UK has recommended that its citizens use air travel to Lamu Airport (a public airport on Manda Island). Road travel to these islands is also discouraged.
**JKIA to Nairobi City**
Regarding transit between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Nairobi City, British citizens are advised to utilize the Mombasa Road or the Nairobi Expressway.
**North and North-East Kenya**
In the rural parts of northern and north-eastern Kenya, incidents of livestock theft, banditry, and inter-ethnic conflicts occur periodically. While foreign visitors are not typically targeted, the UK has urged its citizens to exercise extreme caution.
**Other Administrative Divisions**
The UK further stated that despite ongoing security efforts in portions of these administrative regions due to criminal activity and communal unrest, vigilance is essential. Although earlier nighttime curfews have mostly ended, limitations on movement could still be imposed during security interventions, especially in volatile areas like the Turkana–West Pokot boundary, Kerio Valley (Elgeyo-Marakwet), and secluded parts of Laikipia, Samburu, and Baringo.
**Kenya-Ethiopia Border**
Near the Kenya-Ethiopia border, particularly around Moyale and close to the primary A2 highway leading south, instances of landmine attacks have been reported. Vehicles traversing this part of the Kenya-Ethiopia border are advised to remain on the A2, bypassing the rest stop at Sololo, and proceed directly to Marsabit before pausing their trip.
Concurrently, this warning is issued as the United Kingdom has reiterated its dedication to regional safety, having assisted Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel through a five-week training program on Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Nairobi.
As per a statement from the British High Commission on Friday, November 21, 2025, these recently instructed experts are now prepared to address IED dangers and reinforce African Union and United Nations missions aimed at maintaining peace throughout East Africa.
