The United Kingdom has warned its citizens against making non-essential travel to Moyale town and its environs in light of ongoing cross-border violence. This warning was issued by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on November 6. The advisory reflects the assessment of the deteriorating security situation and reports of cross-border incidents affecting the Kenyan side of the border with Ethiopia.
The travel advisory covers Moyale town and an area extending five kilometres around it, including the border with Ethiopia. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated that the travel advice update for Moyale town advises against all but essential travel. This reflects their assessment of the security situation and reports of cross-border incidents affecting the Kenyan side of the border.
The warning comes as Kenyan security agencies step up operations along the border following fighting that erupted on October 22 in neighbouring Ethiopia. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered the deployment of additional officers to reinforce security in the border town on November 5. During a security assessment visit, Kanja directed officers to strengthen surveillance and remain on high alert to prevent the violence from spilling further into Kenya.
According to Inspector General Kanja, two women, one Kenyan and another Ethiopian, died after being struck by stray bullets, while several others sustained injuries. He also disclosed that approximately 10,000 displaced people were still living in temporary shelters and public institutions around Moyale. Humanitarian agencies are providing emergency assistance to those affected.
The fighting has disrupted cross-border trade, movement of goods and services, and electricity supply to Moyale, which relies heavily on power from Ethiopia. The British advisory also maintains restrictions on several other parts of northern and eastern Kenya over terrorism threats, particularly from the Somalia-based al Shabaab militant group.
The UK's travel advisory advises against all travel to Mandera county, parts of Wajir county, most of Garissa county, and parts of Lamu county. It also advises against all but essential travel to Garissa Town, parts of Tana River county, and sections of the coastline. The warning does not amount to a general travel ban on Kenya but specifically targets areas assessed to face heightened security risks.
The latest warning adds to concerns over the security situation in the Horn of Africa, where instability across national borders continues to affect communities, trade, and movement of people. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said its travel advice is regularly reviewed as security conditions change, urging British nationals to consult its guidance before travelling.
Key points
- The UK has warned its citizens against non-essential travel to Moyale town due to cross-border violence.
- The warning reflects the assessment of the deteriorating security situation and reports of cross-border incidents affecting the Kenyan side of the border with Ethiopia.
- Approximately 10,000 displaced people are still living in temporary shelters and public institutions around Moyale.
