Vacation spot slapped with US travel warning over crime, sexual assaults and kidnappings

The U.S.State Department has escalated its travel warning for an East African nation popular for its wildlife safaris, urging Americans to reconsider visiting amid heightened health concerns and ongoing security threats.The State Department on Monday raised its travel advisory for Kenya from Level 2, "Exercise Increased Caution," to Level 3, "Reconsider Travel."Health risks and crime were cited among the reasons for the advisory, along with civil unrest, kidnapping, terrorism and traffic safety concerns.AMERICANS WARNED OF KIDNAPPING, EXTORTION AS VIOLENT CRIME GRIPS PARTS OF TOURIST SPOT"Prepare a will," the advisory added.

"Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones."Americans are urged to avoid certain neighborhoods in Nairobi and several counties across the country due to risks of crime, kidnapping and terrorism — as well as areas near the Ethiopian border due to unrest.The U.S.State Department raised its travel advisory for Kenya to Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider visiting amid health and security concerns.

(Xie Jianfei/Xinhua via Getty Images)In its broader warning about the country, State Department officials said that violent crime "can occur at any time," noting that petty crime "is common" throughout Kenya.The advisory also noted that solo travelers should exercise caution, and that some Americans have been sexually assaulted in bars, resorts and hotels."Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes," the advisory said.SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND SCAMS PLAGUE TOP VACATION HOT SPOT, PROMPTING URGENT ADVISORYThe State Department also warned that Americans frequently fall victim to investment scams involving gold and other high-value commodities, with Kenyan authorities unlikely to help victims recover their losses."Property disputes are common in Kenya," added the warning.A popular East African destination known for its wildlife safaris, Kenya is facing a heightened U.S.travel warning over crime and other risks.

(Simon Main...