Political Updates

November 2011

Kenya – Somali Pirates

We have noted the advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), which now advises against non-essential travel 150 kms south of the Somali border. We wanted to update you regarding the recent kidnappings that have been in the media and to reassure you that the location that this has affected is right at the very northern tip of the Kenyan coast, close to the border with Somalia.  

The coastal portion of your placement is, as you know, close to Diani Beach, south of Mombasa and close to the very southern tip of the Kenyan coast and the border with Tanzania, where tourism and security is at it highest. You are therefore approximately 350 miles south of where these northern incidents have occurred. We want to reassure you that you will be perfectly safe in this location and that all our locations are protected with security guards.

Secondly our project locations are all in safe, secure and peaceful rural locations so not at threat from any potential wider security issues that may affect cities.
In addition to our own project staff the team will be escorted by 2 armed Kenyan Police 24/7: on project work in land, on transport and when (if) they decide to visit the coast at the weekends.

I hope that this puts your minds at rest, but please give us a call if you’d like any further information.

Along with our in-country staff we have conducted a specific maritime Risk Assessment and we are confident that the level of risk to all our locations is very low and we will continue operations as normal albeit with a heightened focus on security. We are monitoring both the FCO advice in UK and the local situation via our in-country project leader who is resident in Kenya. 

Our project leader in Kenya has confirmed that if people wish to go to the beach at weekends then they will go as a group and will be provided with security, our project locations and accommodation are in land where there is no threat at all and the accommodation has 24/7 security.

The team can only visit the beach at the following weekends: 2-6, the other weekends you are in land. The team usually go to 'Forty Thieves' south of Diani, it is a well known beach restaurant with a water sports organisation close by. Forty Thieves has also added extra security (guards etc) as well as a metal scanner (as in airport security), but that part of the coast has always, due to the high volume of tourists, had a big security and police presence anyway.

We have detailed Risk Assessments and Safety Audits covering all the potential threats in addition to this specific issue/advice.

I would like to reassure you that safety is our utmost priority and we would never send a team to Kenya if the Foreign Office or we felt it was unsafe to do so.
At this point in time we see no reason to ‘ban’ the team going to the coast at the weekends outlined, as the beach is a major part of the enjoyment, but if we felt it necessary then we would.

I repeat there is no risk from Somali pirates whilst on project work in land, all our project locations are in the south eastern area of Kenya (Tsavo 3-4 hours, Makongeni 45 minutes and Mwulaganje 1 hour - from the coast), the team spend no time in Nairobi (transit only and the airport is on the outskirts of the city) or anywhere near the north or border with Somalia and therefore Kenya is a safe destination to travel to. There is a also a significant British Army training area north of Mount Kenya along with a well trained Kenyan Army, Air Force and Navy.

If any team member (or parent on behalf of their son/daughter) would prefer not to visit the beach on the weekends outlined, to completely avoid this issue, then that is absolutely fine as the team are provided with accommodation (and camp staff/security) throughout the entire placement including weekends, ensuring they can choose to stay in camp and relax.

I hope this helps relieve any anxiety and please call if you want any clarification. 

I grew up in Kenya and have various friends and family still there including ex Royal Marines/SBS and Foreign Office staff based in Kenya who I am also able to ask for advice.

For further advice and statements:

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Najib Balala, EGH, MP www.tourism.go.ke

Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) Statement on Lamu Kidnapping Incident www.ktf.co.ke

Guy Whitehead, Founder and Managing Director