A tourist’s dilemma about "big five" country
The Standard
Roseleen Nzioka
December 16, 2009
A person from Finland sent me an email containing his government’s briefing to tourists who would like to visit Kenya.
I would like to share it here with you our readers. Hopefully our ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism can see what they are up against. So that as they spend millions of taxpayers money abroad in tourism expos talking about the BIG FIVE, they should beware of what REALLY informs travel advisories.
In many ways I feel vindicated by this particular travel advisory. I have always held the belief that there is no point in having a beautiful mansion whose toilets do not flush. So Hon Balala, it is not about how many black rhinos Kenya has. It boils down to the personal safety and security of a lone traveler on the highways and byways of this country. The advisory does not mince words about the security situation in Kenya. Tourist police is not a solution. It is like applying elastoplast on a septic wound.
Here is the travel advisory (translated and edited):
Generally the political situation is unstable and unpredictable.
Demonstrations can turn violent. People can get killed.
Criminality is common.
Car jacking is common
Tourists are kidnapped for ransom.
One can get hand weapons and explosives easily.
Terrorists come to Kenya also from Somalia where the situation is also very unstable.
Mungiki-movement (illegal) and other criminal groups have growing power. Police and Mungiki fight often. Mungiki is believed to be behind the kidnapping cases.
Small airports are risky because of poor security arrangements.
There is no security on the highways especially in North Kenya where cattle robbing and violence between ethnic groups makes the Northern region unsafe.
North-East Kenya (the area between Isiolo and Garissa to the north and east and the road from south and from west to Garissa) has continuously been an unstable area and driving a car alone is not recommended at all.
In Mandera there are conflicts between clans because of land ownership wrangles and water supplies - many people get killed.
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Travelling alone without a local guide is not recommended. If one goes alone, he/she has to make sure there is enough gas in the car and that mobile phone network covers the area where one plans to go.
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People lack food and this affects the security situation.
Tourists should register with the Finnish government or representative office when going to Kenya for help during a crisis situation.
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Jewellery, watches, mobile phones or money should be kept safely.
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Violent robberies with guns happen in Nairobi and Mombasa and other tourist places.
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One should avoid going out when dark.
Also during daytime one should not go to the parks in the Nairobi centre.
Slum areas ( Kibera, Mathare, Huruma, Kariobangi and Kawangare) should be avoided.
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Tourists are cheated in the streets by people trying to get monetary support.
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Transport is dangerous and driving is mad. Roads and vehicles can be in a very bad condition. There are many accidents on roads (where people get killed). The car windows should always be kept closed and doors locked. You should avoid driving in the dark areas outside cities, especially in the dark. You should avoid streets that are quiet.
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When in a car accident, one should immediately contact the police. Murders and lynching are possible in Kenya. Fake car accidents and mechanical problems are tricks used in order to make people stop and then those who stop to help get robbed.
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One needs to dress properly so that for example in Muslim areas you don't offend people.
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Health risks: there is A- and B- hepatitis, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, typhoid, yellow fever, cholera, H1N1 in Kenya.
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Only bottled water should be drank. If one gets diarrhea, he/she should go to the doctor.
There is no ebola in Kenya but it is in near areas like Congo and West-Uganda.
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Homosexuality is illegal. Smoking is prohibited in public areas.
Khat is legal but other drugs are illegal. Prostitution is illegal.
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Corruption is common. Prison conditions are miserable.
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Public service is slow. It takes time to get things done e.g. with documents.
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The writer ended his email thus: "After reading this, I am terrified. Should I cancel my trip? Is this a highly exaggerated list of warnings or what?"
Your take.
Article at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/InsidePage.php?id=1144030561&cid=385&
