For the umpteenth time, the US gave a travel advisory to its citizens who are interested in visiting Kenyan coast for holiday and other purposes, last week. This move has aroused a protest from the Kenyan Government and the hospitality industry.
The travel advisory is motivated by what the US considers lack of security. It is true that terrorists have caused untold suffering in Nairobi, Mombasa and other towns this year — including Sunday’s incident — but the Government has been fighting terrorism to its best and nobody should paint a contrary picture to the world about it.
If the Government wasn’t committed to fighting insecurity and terrorism, our defence forces won’t have been sent to Somalia, last year. They are still there and doing their best to wipe out terror group Al Shabaab. This is ostensibly to ensure Kenya and foreigners residing here are safe. Massive resources have been used for this noble assignment and, to me, it is a clear indication Kenya is serious about fighting terrorism within and without.
In this assignment, international community has been supporting Kenya to ensure Kenya and East Africa at large is a safe haven to live in as well as invest.
Other efforts have also been put in place to secure major towns and cities by deploying more security officers and state of art equipment to curb terrorism.
It is therefore worrisome that US — without engaging Kenya — issued a travel advisory. We all know terrorism is a global concern and no country — not even the US — is indispensable.
Therefore, the US should reverse the decision for the sake of our tourism business.
{James Mwangi Kanyi, Nairobi}
Therefore, the US should reverse the decision for the sake of our tourism business.
{James Mwangi Kanyi, Nairobi}
