In the light of the Foreign Office statement this weekend warning of the risk of terrorist attacks in Nairobi, we wish to update and to reassure everyone involved in our trips to Kenya.
The Foreign Office advice on Saturday, 7th January states that 'there is a risk of terrorist attacks in the Kenyan capital Nairobi and [advises people] to be extra-vigilant in public places.'
The overall level of FCO advice on travel to Kenya remains the same as when all our previous trips have been run. It is also important to remember that the trip is located in the rural western highlands, far away from all high risk tourist spots and where no issues have been suggested or experienced.
At this time we are monitoring the situation extremely carefully and as a matter of course. We have been liaising closely yesterday and today with our UK partner schools, with whom we work collaboratively, and will continue to do so.
We are also in regular contact with all those involved in helping these trips to run: the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Education in Kenya, our partner venture organisation in Nairobi, our Elimu rep who lives in Nairobi, and other contacts we have in the country, including the Kenyan Army.
Last October, I sat down with the Area Minister for Security in Nandi Hills who was brought in to see me by one of our Kenyan schools (in the middle of a tea estate!) with the aim of reassuring people in the UK that what happens in the more remote countryside where white people, never mind tourists, remain something of a novelty, is very different from tourist areas and concerns.
All of this enables us to have our finger on the pulse and to build a clearer picture of the situation than what is typically expressed in media headlines. The primary concerns in Kenya generally at the moment are to do with rising fuel costs. In the meantime, we look forward to our annual sponsored walk on Saturday, 24th March! Please feel free to email me with any questions joanne@elimufoundation.org.uk and do also keep an eye on the blog for some exciting updates on our work. Best wishes, Jo
Edited: The Foreign Office replied to an email from Jo on 18th January to confirm that 'the travel advice for Kenya that was issued on 7th January was a specific reference to information recieved about Nairobi.'
The Foreign Office advice on Saturday, 7th January states that 'there is a risk of terrorist attacks in the Kenyan capital Nairobi and [advises people] to be extra-vigilant in public places.'
The overall level of FCO advice on travel to Kenya remains the same as when all our previous trips have been run. It is also important to remember that the trip is located in the rural western highlands, far away from all high risk tourist spots and where no issues have been suggested or experienced.
At this time we are monitoring the situation extremely carefully and as a matter of course. We have been liaising closely yesterday and today with our UK partner schools, with whom we work collaboratively, and will continue to do so.
We are also in regular contact with all those involved in helping these trips to run: the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Education in Kenya, our partner venture organisation in Nairobi, our Elimu rep who lives in Nairobi, and other contacts we have in the country, including the Kenyan Army.
Last October, I sat down with the Area Minister for Security in Nandi Hills who was brought in to see me by one of our Kenyan schools (in the middle of a tea estate!) with the aim of reassuring people in the UK that what happens in the more remote countryside where white people, never mind tourists, remain something of a novelty, is very different from tourist areas and concerns.
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