Warden Message - Planned demonstrations for 19 April 2011

April 18, 2011

This is to inform U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Kenya that the Consumers Federation of Kenya plans to hold a peaceful demonstration in Nairobi on 19 April 2011 in protest of the recent increase in the prices of petrol, diesel, and kerosene.  The group has also called on commuters to boycott public transport if the authorities fail to rescind the fuel price increase by 18 April 2011.

The threatened protest reflects growing tension due to rising inflation in the country.  The available information indicates the protest march will begin at the Uhuru Park in Nairobi and other major towns at midday tomorrow.  In Nairobi the procession will follow Kenyatta Avenue to Nyayo House, then to the Parliament and finally to the offices of the President and the Prime Ministers on Harambee Avenue where petitions will be presented. 

Given the public discontent surrounding the issue, the event is likely to be well attended and held amid tight security, causing localized traffic disruption.  Although the organizers have called for a peaceful protest, confrontations could occur between participants and the police, posing incidental risk to bystanders.  In addition, if the threatened boycott of public transport is carried out, the associated increase in pedestrian traffic may cause minor delays.

The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstration areas as a basic security precaution.  Where possible, plan alternate routes circumventing possible protest venues in Nairobi to minimize inconvenience.  Please monitor the local media and the Embassy web site at http://nairobi.usembassy.gov for information on any related developments.

Please ensure that your contact and personal information is up-to-date by enrolling in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP). You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.  If you don't have internet access, we have a call center for updates--1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

American Citizen Services Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Nairobi
Email: Kenya_ACS@state.gov
Telephone Number: +254-(0)20-363-6622
After-hours Emergencies:  +254-(0) 20-363-6170