Britain: Travel advisories to stay until security improves

The British government says travel advisories cautioning its citizens against travelling to Kenya will only be lifted if security improves in parts of Kenya listed in the advisories.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Christian Turner, however, says the UK will work with Kenya to improve security and development in the country.

The travel advisory that was issued approximately a year ago has dealt a major blow to the already struggling tourism sector.

The travel advisories were triggered by recent terrorist attacks in the country by the Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militia.

Kenya Coast Association Chairman Mohammed Hersi says the advisory is also affecting other countries since the British government is taken seriously and considered to have a strong working relationship with Kenya.

“I appreciate that the British government has said that a willing traveller can still come to Mombasa but that’s not how they see it. For them ‘non-essential’ means do not come to Kenya unless you are a doctor, unless you are the high commissioner,” noted Mr Mohammed.

Dr Turner says that Britain and Kenya are working together to achieve that security and the growth and those jobs.

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho said; “We are looking at how best we can improve security. We have been able to get community involvement in fighting insecurity and most importantly on the issue of counter terrorism.”

“We are engaging with the young people in the county and with the religious leaders on how best to have a peaceful and secure county.”