Thankfully, the government of Kenya have officially announced that the incident is now over.Our thoughts and condolences are with those affected by the recent attack that took place in Westlands, Nairobi on 15thJanuary 2019.
We send out a heartfelt thank you to the brave men and women who worked tirelessly to help save many lives. As we all know, such tragic events are designed to create fear and disruption, and unfortunately, terrorism is global. Sadly no country can stand up and say that they are 100% safe.
Our suppliers have reassured us that all is calm in Nairobi and throughout Kenya, and the tourism industry continues to operate as normal. Security has been heightened in and around the city, but normalcy has returned. Anyone who has been to Kenya will have experienced the resilience, warmth and kindness of the Kenyan people. Kenya remains united and will proudly strive to keep the country safe.
Rest assured that all means of transport are operating normal schedules including the international airports.
And as for tourism - all tourist circuits across Kenya are operating normally. We have received positive feedback from our customers currently travelling in Kenya, none of whom have been affected by the incident.
Our customers’ safety is of utmost importance and Bench Africa have eyes and ears on the ground with our parent company in Kenya, Southern Cross Safaris, who operate all of our tours. They are able to quickly and efficiently liaise any news and updates to their drivers/guides ensuring that our customers are in the safest possible hands. The Bench Africa team of experts also continue to offer support at any time of the day and night should you need us - via our 24 hour emergency contact line.
And we are happy to report that our entire team on the ground in Kenya are all keeping safe and well - all of whom were unaffected by the incident.
Thank you to each and every one of you for your continued support, and we all look forward to welcoming you to Kenya very soon.
KARIBU
As always, when travelling overseas, we remind travellers to visit and register their holiday on www.smartraveller.gov.au to ensure they receive the latest government advice on travel safety and security.
Kenya travel advice
Latest update
On 15 January 2019, an attack occurred at the DusitD2 Hotel complex on Riverside Drive in Nairobi. As a result, the Australian High Commission in Nairobi is closed on 16 January. Remain vigilant, and pay close attention to your personal security at all times. We haven’t changed our level of advice – ‘Exercise a high degree of caution’ in Kenya overall. Higher levels apply in some parts of the country.
Rest assured we will continue to monitor the situation and update you with any new information. Should you have any questions then we will do our very best to assist.
For further information, I have included an official statement from the Kenya Tourism Federation regarding this incident – please see below.
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Statement by Kenya Tourism Federation on the Riverside Drive Attack in Nairobi Kenya 16th January, 2019
On 15/01/2019 Tuesday at approximately 15:00hrs Kenyan time, gunmen breached security controlled gate at a Nairobi building complex located in the Nairobi suburb of Westlands that houses a hotel (The Dusit D2) and several office premises including restaurants. According to a Kenya Police statement, the group of armed assailants attacked the complex in what is now believed to be a terror attack.
Kenyan security Forces quickly responded to the incident and managed to access the complex where hundreds were evacuated to safety. There have been a number of casualties and as we await further communication from the authorities within the course of the day, our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate incident.
Kenya’s interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, has confirmed that all buildings affected by the attack on the complex have been secured by security forces. The response by the Kenyan security forces was swift, determined and well synchronized so that within a short time the situation had been brought under control. Speaking at a press conference the Cabinet Secretary stated: "I can report that the country is secure, that the nation remains calm, that Kenyans and all of our visitors are safe and should feel free to continue going about their normal businesses. The situation is under control, and the country is safe.” The Minister paid tribute to the support and collaboration of the international community in standing up to terrorism.
From Kenya Tourism Federation we can confirm that the situation in Nairobi is calm and security is stable. All means of transport are operating normal schedules including the international airports in both Nairobi and Mombasa including the train connection between Nairobi and Mombasa. We are also happy to report that all tourist circuits across Kenya are operating normally.
We will keep all our stakeholders updated on any unfolding developments through our KTF safety and security Centre which is operating 24/7.
Please feel free to reach us on:
KTF – Safety and Communication Centre
Tel: 020 8001000; Cell: 0722745645 / /0738617499 Email: operations@ktf.co.ke
Twitter: @KTF_Kenya
Mohammed Hersi
Chairman
Kenya Tourism Federation
