Radicalization still Kenyas major security challenge U.S.

The United States government has said that radicalization and terrorism are still Kenya’s major security threats.

Speaking when he toured Old Town area and Fort Jesus in Mombasa Island, U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said radicalization was a major challenge in the coastal city and all Kenyans need to work together to address the problem.

Godec, however, said the U.S. government was impressed by the Kenya’s effort in restoring safety in the country and especially in Mombasa.

He noted that intensified security operations and investment on security apparatus by the government was encouraging.

Godec was categorical that following security interventions, the U.S. government lifted travel advisories against  Mombasa to facilitate the region’s economic growth which mainly relies on the tourism sector.

Godec, who also opened a new American Corner at Muslim Education Welfare Association (MEWA), which aims to strengthen the relationship among Americans in Kenya, is also scheduled to meet American citizens staying in Mombasa, tourism stakeholders and civil society members.

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho said Godec’s visit was an endorsement of the region as a safe tourism destination.

He hailed the U.S. government for having lifted the advisories against Mombasa saying this was already bearing fruits following the tourist arrivals registered during the peak season.

Mvita MP Abdulswamaad Nassir appealed to other foreign nations to also lift travel advisories against Kenya.

In October 2015, the United States Government lifted a travel advisory it had issued to its citizens against visiting most parts of Kenya’s coastal region. The U.S. Embassy stated that travel restrictions to Malindi, Mombasa and Kwale counties up to the Tanzanian border had been lifted in a move that has proved beneficial to the area’s tourism industry.Restrictions were, however, placed on any travel to towns near Kenya’s border with Somalia, with citizens cautioned against using the Likoni Ferry Services in Mombasa.The U.S. also cautioned those visiting Old Town in Mombasa saying they should do so only during the day.

The travel advisories were issued in May 2015 with the government advising against travel to Eastleigh area in Nairobi and coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu.

In late October 2015, the United Kingdom (UK) lifted its travel advisory on Malindi.

In a statement sent by the British High Commission to Kenya, the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office declared the area between Malindi and Watamu as safe for travel.

The announcement came barely a month after UK Prime Minister David Cameron conceded that issuance of advisories on Kenya had done more harm than good to Kenya’s socio-economic well-being.