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KENYA TOURISM FEDERATION UPDATE

Friday 18th April 10 a.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

Yesterday was an historic day for Kenyans as the Grand Coalition Cabinet was sworn in at State House, Nairobi, in the final step to establish the power-sharing government which brought an end to the post-election crisis.

While the political crisis and civil unrest have definitely ended, with peace and calm restored across the country, the leadership recognised that the new government has to focus on some important tasks to re-establish Kenya in its former position as one of the continent’s most stable and economically successful nations.

President Kibaki called for the speedy resettlement of the internally displaced Kenyans who are living as refugees and indicated that this will be a priority for the government.

The new Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, pledged to lead a campaign to ensure that violence is ended and particularly mentioned the activities of the Mungiki sect which has been involved in demonstrations and clashes with police in the past week, urging that violent acts should stop immediately so that ordinary Kenyans could go about their daily lives in peace.

Former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, who had played such an important role in bringing both sides of the political divide together to resolve the crisis, was present to witness the swearing-in ceremony and expressed his pleasure that a peaceful settlement had been achieved, urging Kenyan political leaders to continue working together to achieve the implementation of all aspects of the National Accord and Reconciliation Act which is the basis of the power-sharing arrangement and Grand Coalition. Uganda's President Museveni of Uganda and other East African leaders were also in attendance together with international diplomats.

US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger congratulated the new government and commented, “This was very positive for Kenyans and the agenda that has been laid out is very challenging. The signs are good and the United States will be present to give its assistance.”

SECURITY UPDATE:

Following the swearing in ceremony and statements made by Prime Minister Odinga, the outlawed Mungiki sect has now announced that it has called off its campaign of protests that led to violent disturbances in parts of Nairobi and several towns earlier this week. The Mungiki spokesman asked matatu owners to resume operations and business people to reopen their shops as usual and confirmed that any threat of violent disturbances has been lifted.

With the swearing in of the new Grand Coalition Cabinet as the final step in the resolution of the political crisis that had plagued Kenya for weeks, and the ending of Mungiki violence, it is now hoped that the whole country can get back to normal and stakeholders in the tourism industry will be concentrating on working for a recovery of tourism in the months ahead, following the adverse impact suffered by the sector as a result of the post-election crisis.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

KENYA TOURISM FEDERATION UPDATE

Monday 14th April 9 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

Yesterday President Kibaki announced the composition of the new power-sharing cabinet, finally ending the political uncertainty and tensions of recent weeks. The ministers in the new coalition government have all been named and the cabinet positions have been shared equally between the two sides, while Mr Odinga is confirmed in the position of Prime Minister. Supporters of both sides of the political divide have expressed relief that the power-sharing arrangement is now finally in place and there is a new sense of unity and calm throughout the country. It is now considered most unlikely that we will see any more ethnic clashes or political demonstrations linked to post-election disputes since we have a political settlement that is acceptable to all sides. The business community and Kenyans as a whole are eager to work together to ensure that the country gets back to normal and that the economy recovers from the effects of the post-election crisis. The new Minister of Tourism is Hon Najib Balala who hails from the coast and has close connections with the tourism industry. He immediately confirmed that he will be recommending to the government as a priority that funds should be committed to undertaking a marketing campaign in the overseas markets to promote tourism to Kenya.

SECURITY UPDATE:

Today members of the illegal Mungiki organisation blocked roads in several high density housing estates around Nairobi and disrupted traffic on some routes into the city as well as in some other towns such as Naivasha, Thika and Nyeri. The Mungiki placed rocks and burning tyres on some roads early this morning to disrupt traffic and to intimidate the local residents. The police intervened and cleared these barricades with the support of members of the public so that traffic could proceed.

It must be stressed that the actions carried out today by adherents of Mungiki are not connected in any way to political disagreements relating to the post-election crisis. Mungiki started originally as a quasi-religious sect promoting traditional beliefs but are reported to have evolved into a criminal organisation which has preyed on disadvantaged people living in the slums around Nairobi, and in high density housing estates in a few other urban areas. They are reported to have been involved in extortion and demands for payments of “protection money” on various matatu transport routes. The Mungiki are reported to be protesting against the killing of the wife and driver of their jailed leader Maina Njenga who was convicted previously and sent to prison. The protests are also said to be an attempt to pressurize the government to release their leader from prison. It was reported that ninety Mungiki suspects have been arrested today and a number engaging in acts of violence were shot dead by police. The police spokesman stated that the police are determined to crack down firmly to stop the violent destruction of property and illegal disruption of business and transport by the Mungiki and to prevent further disturbances.

The Kenya Tourism Federation monitored the situation from early this morning so that tour operators could be advised to avoid the problem areas. Most roads were cleared quickly so that vehicles were able to drive in and out of Nairobi and there was no disruption of traffic from the city centre hotels to the airport so tourists arriving or leaving were not affected. It is hoped that the police will be able to bring the situation under control soon and a further update will be issued tomorrow. The protestors are not interested in targeting tourists in any way and their actions have been more of a nuisance in disrupting traffic and obliging tour operators to take alternative routes rather than posing any threat to the safety of our visitors.

OTHER NEWS:

Kenyans were in a celebratory mood following the announcement of the new Grand Coalition Government and the news that Kenyan athlete Martin Lel had won the London Marathon in a record-breaking time – another first for Kenya!

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

KENYA TOURISM FEDERATION DAILY UPDATE

Thursday 28th February 2008, 11 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

Today was a momentous occasion in Kenya’s history as the news flashed around the world that an agreement had been signed between the two Kenyan political leaders, President Kibaki and Hon Odinga, to end the political impasse following the disputed elections two months ago and to restore peace and harmony to the country.

The agreement was the result of a five-hour meeting today attended by President Kikwete of Tanzania who is the current Chairman of the African Union, and Mr Kofi Annan who has performed the role of mediator, with the participation of both President Kibaki and Hon Raila Odinga.

At a press conference called this afternoon in Nairobi following the successful conclusion of the meeting, Kofi Annan announced that a power-sharing agreement had been achieved. The political settlement agreed upon by both party leaders has created the new post of Prime Minister, to be held by Raila Odinga, with a coalition government of the two main parties in which cabinet posts would be shared between them. Parliament will convene next Thursday to pass a constitutional amendment to approve the changes agreed upon.

Speaking after the signing of the agreement, President Kibaki said, "As a nation there are more issues that unite than divide us. We've been reminded we must do all in our power to safeguard the peace that is the foundation of our national unity. Kenya has room for all of us if we can enhance peace and tolerance. Fellow Kenyans, we stand before you to give a solemn commitment."

Raila Odinga thanked Kofi Annan for his role in achieving the historic agreement. He also recognised Mr Kibaki as President. He stated that although they had been competitors during the elections they were now fellow countrymen. "In the past two months, Kenyans have known nothing but sadness," he said. "We have now opened a new chapter in our history, from the era of confrontation to the beginning of cooperation. We should ensure that Kenyans begin to celebrate and love each other, that we destroy the monster that is called ethnicity. I will ensure that what we have developed today will succeed."

The power-sharing agreement at last brings the two opposing sides together in a coalition government on terms agreeable to all. It has provided the political solution which had been sought to allow the country to recover from the trauma and civil unrest which followed the announcement of the election results.

Kenyans throughout the country were celebrating this evening and hopes are high that this political settlement will restore Kenya to its position as one of the most stable and successful countries in Africa. All the indications are that the overwhelming majority of Kenyans are delighted to see an end to the political stalemate and tension. The feeling of relief was evident among people everywhere and for the first time in weeks optimism was high as many Kenyans expressed their hopes for a better future.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

The security situation throughout Kenya was calm and peaceful in all areas with a mood of relief and celebration following the announcement of the power-sharing agreement.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Wednesday 27th February 2008, 10 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

Today Kofi Annan held meetings with the President and with the leader of the ODM opposition to discuss the contentious issues that are still pending following several weeks of discussions between the negotiating teams from the two sides of the political divide.

After consultations with Kofi Annan, the ODM leader Mr Raila Odinga announced today that he was calling off all public demonstrations and rallies until further notice to allow for continued discussions between the mediators and the principals.

President Kibaki was reported to have confirmed his willingness to accept a power-sharing arrangement and a coalition government but required this to be within the provisions of the current constitution.

The Chairman of the African Union, President Kikwete of Tanzania, arrived in Nairobi yesterday to lend his support to the mediation process. Today he met both President Kibaki and Hon Odinga as well as holding a briefing meeting with Kofi Annan. President Kikwete has indicated that he will stay on in Kenya until tomorrow and stated that he was hopeful that it was possible to bridge the gap between the two sides, appealing to the politicians to come to an agreement as soon as possible.

The Mayor of Nairobi was sworn in today, in spite of a tie in the mayoral election, as both sides agreed to his appointment under a power-sharing arrangement which caused observers to suggest that this could set a good example to the political leadership.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

The security situation throughout Kenya is calm and there were no reports received today of post-election violence anywhere in the country.

The Kenya Tourism Federation has lifted its previous recommendation that tourist visitors should avoid travel to the western region of Kenya including Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province. Tourist vehicles continue travelling to Lake Naivasha, through Naivasha town and onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park without experiencing any problems as the security situation on the main highways through these towns is now back to normal. However we continue to monitor the situation and in the event of any security concerns we will immediately notify tour operators so that itineraries can be altered if required.

In Nairobi it is recommended that the high density housing estates and slums should be avoided, including Eastleigh, Mathare, Huruma, and Kibera but tourists have always been advised to keep away from these areas.

As the situation returns to normal, police are now taking action, in those areas where there were previous incidents of civil unrest and ethnic clashes, to disband armed groups and to arrest persons suspected of having been involved in inciting violence.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Tuesday 26th February 2008, 10 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

Today Kofi Annan suspended the negotiation talks in order to take up the issues under consideration directly with President Kibaki and with Hon Raila Odinga. It is hoped that this will result in the two political leaders helping to accelerate the negotiation process.

Mr Annan again confirmed the commitment of his mediation team to assist in finding a lasting solution to the political crisis. The ODM opposition leaders expressed their support for the decision by Kofi Annan to meet Mr Kibaki and Mr Odinga to attempt to move the process forward, asserting that ODM was not responsible for the current political stalemate and that they felt a sense of frustration at the lack of progress. However the government side stated that they had already made concessions to keep the negotiation process moving forward and were ready to continue participating in the negotiations as soon as the talks resumed under the mediation of Kofi Annan.

President Kikwete of Tanzania, who is the new Chairman of the African Union, arrived in Nairobi today to lend his support to the mediation progress.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

The security situation throughout Kenya is calm and there were no reports received today of post-election violence anywhere in the country.

The Kenya Tourism Federation is now lifting its previous recommendation that tourist visitors should avoid travel to the western region of Kenya including Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province.

Tourist vehicles continue travelling to Lake Naivasha, through Naivasha town and onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park without experiencing any problems as the security situation on the main highways through these towns is now back to normal.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Monday 25th February 2008, 11 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

The talks between the negotiation teams representing the government and opposition chaired by Kofi Annan continued again today. Both parties had agreed in principle previously to the creation of a Prime Minister's position, which would be taken by ODM Opposition leader Mr Odinga. It was expected that today the negotiations would consider the question of the powers and responsibilities to be assigned to the Prime Minister. However the two sides were unable to agree on how to divide powers between a prime minister and a president and it was reported that they were also split on the sharing of cabinet positions between the two sides and the timing of a new election if a power-sharing coalition collapsed. It was agreed that the talks should be adjourned and the key issues referred to the leaders of both sides, Mr Kibaki and Mr Odinga. In a brief statement today, Kofi Annan said he believed his mediation team had done its work and that he was now asking the party leaders to do theirs. Mr Annan met both leaders today to urge them to take a lead in directing their negotiating teams to agree on a settlement acceptable to all. It is expected that further details of the position taken by the leadership of both sides will be clarified tomorrow, Tuesday.

Mayoral elections took place in the cities and towns of Kenya today and mayors were elected by councillors throughout the country without any public disturbances or civil unrest. However in Nairobi the election resulted in a tie and the final outcome has not yet been determined.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

The security situation continued to be calm throughout the whole of Kenya today and there were no reports received of post-election violence anywhere in the country.

In the tourist areas all continues unchanged with no problems reported affecting any tourist visitors to the international hotels in Nairobi, the beach resorts at the coast and the wildlife parks and reserves.

Areas to avoid: The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being tourist visitors should avoid travel to the western regions of Kenya including Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province. In Nairobi it is recommended that the high density housing estates and slums should be avoided, including Eastleigh, Mathare, Huruma, and Kibera but tourists have always been advised to keep away from these areas.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES:

Over the weekend the British government lifted its travel advisory and no longer recommends avoiding all travel to the western region of Kenya. The British government continues to recommend avoiding travel to the high density low-income housing estates and slums of Nairobi. The British government also highlights the Naivasha / Nakuru area as an area which may now be visited but cautions that this area has seen civil unrest in recent weeks and that the situation should change so visitors should consult their tour operator to check. The Kenya Tourism Federation advises that as of now the situation is calm in Naivasha and Nakuru. Tourist vehicles continue travelling to Lake Naivasha, through Naivasha town and onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park without experiencing any problems and the security situation on the main highways through these towns continues to be normal and secure. The freight and transport companies also confirm that their lorries heading to and from Uganda have been driving through Naivasha and Nakuru without encountering problems.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Friday 22nd February 2008, 10 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

The talks chaired by Mediator and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan continued today. Mr Annan stated that both sides had agreed on the creation of a prime ministerial post and considered that this showed progress towards achieving a political settlement. However the two sides have not yet agreed on the exact role of the proposed prime minister. The ODM opposition are demanding that the post should include executive powers but the government was reported to be in favour of a non-executive prime minister. The talks will be continuing next week from Monday. Leading ODM MPs stated today that if an agreement is not reached during the course of next week then they would consider starting a campaign of civil disobedience with such tactics as work slowdowns in order to apply pressure for a quicker resolution.

The newly elected African Union Commission chairman, Jean Ping, was in Kenya today to meet the political leadership of both sides and expressed his hope that an agreement would be reached by next week.

Mayoral elections are due to take place in the cities of Kenya on Monday. These are not public elections as the council elections took place previously, at the same time as the parliamentary and presidential elections, so councillors have already been elected and each council will elect a mayor from amongst themselves. The ODM party won most council seats and the mayoral elections are expected to take place without creating any public unrest.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

The security situation remains unchanged, with all areas throughout the country reported to be calm and no reports received of post-election violence anywhere in the country. However there have been some isolated incidents in the last two days in the slums of Nairobi as police moved in to deal with alleged illegal occupation of housing within the slums.

Areas to avoid: The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been sporadic incidents of civil unrest in past weeks: Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are in the Western region of the country and are not normally visited by tourists. Members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided the whole western area since the onset of the post-election problems. Currently the situation in most of these places is reported to be calm with no reports in recent days of any election-related violence or ethnic clashes.

In Nairobi it is recommended that the high density housing estates and slums should be avoided, including Eastleigh, Mathare, Huruma, and Kibera but tourists have always been advised to keep away from these areas.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Thursday 21st February 2008, 6 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

The talks between the government and ODM opposition negotiating teams have continued under the mediation of Kofi Annan who announced today that considerable progress has now been made towards ending the political crisis.

Talks have been adjourned until tomorow, as negotiators consult the political leadership on a compromise which it is reported has been largely agreed upon. The negotiators are expected to report back with final terms to be discussed tomorrow, Friday.

The opposition leaders have indicated that they would be prepared to accept the post of prime minister, providing it carried the necessary authority and power, as a means of achieving a political solution. The spokesman for the Kenya government said today that it agreed in principle to creating a prime minister's post and that the final details were now being discussed with the expectation that agreement could be reached by the weekend.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES:

The Spanish government has now followed others in lifting its travel advisory and limiting its advice against non-essential travel to the western region of Kenya, away from the tourism areas. This means that as of today the governments of the following countries do not have travel warnings against the whole of Kenya so that Nairobi, Mombasa and the national parks may now be visited by their nationals: USA, UK, Germany, Italy, Austria, Finland, France, Switzerland and Spain.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

The security situation remains unchanged, with all areas throughout the country reported to be calm and no reports received of post-election violence anywhere in the country.

In Nairobi it is recommended that the high density housing estates and slums should be avoided, including Eastleigh, Mathare, Huruma, and Kibera but tourists have always been advised to keep away from these areas.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Monday 18th February 2008, 11 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

The United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrived in Nairobi today as expected and immediately attended a briefing meeting with Kofi Annan before proceeding to have separate meetings with ODM opposition leader Raila Odinga and President Kibaki and government ministers.

Adressing the international media after these meetings, Ms Rice expressed her hope that Kenya's leaders would be able to come together to share power to end the political crisis. She said Kofi Annan had made good progress in working with the parties to settle several outstanding issues and will continue to mediate in the continuing negotiations. She confirmed the support of the United States together with the international community for the mediation process. She said the United States is helping with humanitarian assistance and is prepared to assist in the reconstruction of the infrastructure and the resettlement of people displaced from their homes.

The Presidential press office issued a statement after President Kibaki’s meeting with Condoleezza Rice which stated that the government remained committed to dialogue and "will continue looking for an amicable solution".

Raila Odinga held a press conference after his meeting with Condoleezza Rice and summarised the ODM proposals for a new position of prime minister, shared executive authority, and a fresh presidential election within two years.

The two sides are due to resume talks tomorrow, Tuesday, mediated by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA: The security situation remains unchanged, with all areas throughout the country reported to be calm and no reports received of post-election violence anywhere in the country.

Naivasha and Nakuru: Tourist vehicles continue travelling to Lake Naivasha, through Naivasha town and onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park without experiencing any problems as the security situation on the main highways through these towns is now reported to be back to normal. The freight and transport companies also confirm that their lorries heading to and from Uganda have been driving through Naivasha and Nakuru without encountering problems.

Areas to avoid: The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Mombasa and Nairobi as well as the highways between the airports to the Nairobi international hotels and beach hotels at the coast are considered safe for visitors at the present time, the following areas continue to be off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Western Kenya: The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been sporadic incidents of civil unrest in past weeks: Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided the whole area since the onset of the post-election problems. Currently the situation in most of these places is reported to be calm with no reports in recent days of any election-related violence or ethnic clashes.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Friday 15th February 2008, 7 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:
The former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan returned to Nairobi today after chairing two days of talks with the negotiation teams representing the government and opposition in a secluded location in one of the national parks. In a press conference at 5 pm today, he said that a possible power-sharing agreement had not yet been finalised but that the sides were getting closer and were “moving steadily”. He is due to meet President Kibaki and the ODM opposition leader Raila Odinga on Monday when the talks are expected to continue.

The United States government has announced that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will arrive in Nairobi on Monday with a message for the political leadership in Kenya and to express support for Kofi Annan’s efforts in his mediation role.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:
The security situation remains unchanged, with all areas throughout the country reported to be calm and no reports received of post-election violence anywhere in the country.

In the tourist areas all continues to be calm and unchanged with no problems reported affecting any tourist visitors to the international hotels in Nairobi, the beach resorts at the coast and the wildlife parks and reserves.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES
The Italian government has announced that it has lifted its travel advisory against visiting Kenya and now recommends its citizens to avoid the western part of the country. This is on similar lines to the advice of the US, British and German governments which also do not have “non-essential travel” advisories for the whole of Kenya but advise against visiting areas in the western region of the country.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Thursday 14th February 2008, 9 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

The Government and the Orange Democratic Movement negotiation teams returned to Nairobi this afternoon after being based in Tsavo National Park for the past two days where they held their discussions away from the glare of the media spotlight. Mr Kofi Annan will be returning to Nairobi tomorrow and has scheduled a Press conference for 5pm tomorrow evening. The talks are then expected to resume in Nairobi on Monday morning to continue seeking a political solution acceptable to both sides.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

The security situation remains unchanged since our update on 12th February, with all areas throughout the country reported to be calm and no reports received of post-election violence anywhere in the country.

Areas to avoid

The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Mombasa and Nairobi as well as the highways between the airports to the Nairobi international hotels and beach hotels at the coast are considered safe for visitors at the present time, the following areas continue to be off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Tuesday 12th February 2008, 5 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

Today Kofi Annan met Kenyan MPs from all the political parties at a special session of Parliament to brief them on the progress of the talks between the government and opposition negotiating teams which he has been chairing. Mr Annan repeated calls that have been made for MPs to travel to their constituencies and preach peace and reconciliation. He commended the government for lifting a ban on live media coverage and holding of political meetings.

As the continuing talks enter their third week, they are being moved away from Nairobi to a private location for three days to avoid the glare of publicity. Yesterday Mr Annan took a short break from the talks to go for a leisurely walk in the Uhuru Park in the centre of Nairobi. Mr Annan has asked both sides not to discuss the contents of the talks in public, indicating that at the appropriate time he will release a statement on the outcome of the discussions to the media. It has been reported that both the opposition (ODM) and President Mwai Kibaki's party (PNU) have tabled proposals for a power-sharing agreement. Mr Annan stated that both ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Kibaki have been well briefed of the progress of the talks so far and are in total support of the process.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

The security situation throughout Kenya today was again reported to be calm in all areas and for the last few days no reports have been received of post-election violence anywhere in the country.

In the tourist areas all continues to be calm and unchanged with no problems reported affecting any tourist visitors to the international hotels in Nairobi, the beach resorts at the coast and the wildlife parks and reserves. Tourist arrivals into Mombasa and Nairobi airports have dropped substantially in the last three weeks owing to travel advisories imposed by various governments, particularly Western European countries, but the US and British governments do not have a full advisory in place against non-essential travel to Kenya as a whole and instead are advising that specific places such as the western corner of Kenya should be avoided. The British advisory specifically mentions wildlife parks and reserves which they do not consider to pose a risk for visitors. Tourist visitors to the parks and reserves in recent days have been having an exclusive wildlife experience with few other tourist vehicles to be seen. Many visitors have expressed their surprise that the images portrayed by their national media at home were so very different from their actual experience on a safari or beach vacation in Kenya once they arrived here.

Mombasa and the coast: Mombasa town continues to be calm and it is generally peaceful throughout all of the coast province. The British government recently lifted its advisory against travel to Mombasa town in view of the improved security situation.

The route to the Mara past Narok town continues to be used by tourist vehicles without any problems reported. The Senior Warden for Masai Mara National Reserve has also confirmed that security patrols have been put in place both on the approach to and exit from Narok town as an additional measure to ensure the safety of tourists. The British government has now removed its advisory against travelling by road to the Mara through Narok. This is now consistent with our own advice.

Areas to avoid
The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Mombasa and Nairobi as well as the highways between the airports to the Nairobi international hotels and beach hotels at the coast are considered safe for visitors at the present time, the following areas continue to be off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Western Kenya: The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been sporadic incidents of civil unrest in recent weeks: Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided the whole area since the onset of the post-election problems. Currently the situation in most of these places is reported to be calm with no reports in recent days of any election-related violence or ethnic clashes.

For visitors to Nairobi it is recommended that the high density housing estates and slums should be avoided, including Eastleigh, Mathare, Huruma, and Kibera but tourists have always been advised to keep away from these areas.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Monday 11th February 2008 4 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

The negotiating teams representing the government and opposition continued their series of meetings again today with Kofi Annan mediating. At the end of last week it was reported that good progress was being made and hopes have been raised that a political settlement acceptable to all may be reached soon. In the meantime the government lifted the ban on politicians making live broadcasts or holding public meetings, citing the recently improved security in the country.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

There was no change over the weekend or today and the security position remains the same as indicated in the report on Friday 8th February below. There were no reports today of ethnic clashes or violence linked to the post-election dispute anywhere in the country.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Saturday 9th February 2008 8 p.m. Nairobi

POLITICAL UPDATE:

The funeral took place today at Chepkoiyo near Kericho of the opposition ODM MP, Mr Kimutai Too who was shot dead last week. All the leading opposition MPs attended, led by Raila Odinga, together with thousands of ODM supporters. This was the first mass public gathering since the government lifted a ban on rallies imposed after the election and the occasion passed without violence or confrontations with the police. Several speakers at Too's funeral in Kericho today called for reconciliation and a peaceful resolution to the political crisis.

The negotiating teams representing the government and opposition are due to meet again on Monday with Kofi Annan mediating. It was reported that progress is being made and hopes have been raised that a settlement may be reached during the course of next week.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

No change today and the position remains the same as indicated in yesterday’s report, Friday 8th February. No reports of ethnic clashes or violence linked to the post-election dispute anywhere in the country.

TOURISM NEWS:

The East African Whale Shark Trust is organising a Whale Shark Satellite Tagging programme from Diani Beach on Kenya’s south coast between 18th February and 2nd March. For a fee of US$90 per person for the day, tourists staying at the beach resorts at Diani can join world renowned scientists on a daily whale shark safari lasting 4 hours. They will be taken out in a boat leaving Pinewood Village in the morning and guided by a spotter plane to find the whale sharks. Snorkelling equipment is provided and there will be the opportunity to swim with whale sharks and to watch the research team tag the world’s largest fish. This is a memorable experience and helps to support research and conservation.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Friday 8th February 2008 6 p.m.

POLITICAL UPDATE:
The mediation talks between the government and opposition continued today under the Chairmanship of Kofi Annan as mediator, with reports that significant progress towards a settlement has now been made, with agreement reached on the broad principles of a possible solution. Kofi Annan told reporters, "We are all agreed that a political settlement is needed, that a political settlement is necessary and we are working out the details of such a settlement."

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:
The security situation throughout Kenya was again reported to be calm in all areas and for the third consecutive day no reports were received of post-election violence anywhere in the country.

In the tourist areas all is calm and unchanged with no problems reported affecting any tourist visitors to the international hotels in Nairobi, the beach resorts at the coast and the wildlife parks and reserves.

Mombasa and the coast: Mombasa town continues to be calm and it is generally peaceful throughout the coast province. The British government recently lifted its advisory against travel to Mombasa town in view of the improved security situation.

The route to the Mara past Narok town continues to be used by tourist vehicles without any problems reported. The Senior Warden for Masai Mara National Reserve has also confirmed that security patrols have been put in place both on the approach to and exit from Narok town as an additional measure to ensure the safety of tourists.

Naivasha and Nakuru: Tourist vehicles continue travelling to Lake Naivasha, through Naivasha town and onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park without experiencing any problems as the security situation on the main highways through these towns is now reported to be back to normal. The freight and transport companies also report that their lorries have been driving through Naivasha and Nakuru without encountering problems and continuing on to Uganda.

Areas to avoid
The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Nairobi and the highways between them to the Nairobi international hotels are considered safe for visitors at the present time, the following areas continue to be off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Western Kenya: The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been sporadic incidents of civil unrest in recent weeks: Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided the whole area since the onset of the post-election problems. Currently the situation in most of these places is reported to be calm but in recent weeks there have been frequent disturbances and civil unrest in Kisumu and in the areas around Kericho and Eldoret.

For visitors to Nairobi it is recommended that the high density housing estates and slums should be avoided, including Eastleigh, Mathare, Huruma, and Kibera but tourists have always been advised to keep away from these areas.

TOURISM NEWS:
Cruise ships are again calling at Mombasa after an absence during the past month owing to concerns caused by the post-election crisis, with the Silverseas cruise ship arriving this week, bringing over 200 tourists who went on safaris to Tsavo, Amboseli and the Mara.

In the community-owned Ol Choro Oirogua Conservancy in the Mara, a new-born rhino calf was promptly given the name “Kofi Annan” by rangers in recognition of the role being played by the former UN Secretary General.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Thursday 7th February 2008 7.30 pm

Once again no reports were received today of any new incidents of violence linked to the post-election crisis from anywhere in the country and the situation remains unchanged since yesterday’s report below.

The talks between the government and opposition negotiating teams continue with Kofi Annan mediating.

Foreign ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda and Somalia who arrived in Nairobi yesterday for a meeting of the East African regional group, Igad, met today to discuss the crisis. A statement is awaited.

The main focus of attention in Kenya now is on the continuing discussions to end the political impasse in the country.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Wednesday 6th February 2008 10 p.m.

POLITICAL UPDATE:
The two teams selected by the government and opposition to represent both sides in discussing a solution to the political dispute have been increased to 4 persons on each side, with Mr Annan as mediator backed by a team of “Eminent Africans” including Graca Machel and the former President of Tanzania. Today the meeting continued seeking to arrive at a solution, with agreement that the first objective is to secure an end to violence.

The government has confirmed that the ban on live broadcasts by politicians has been lifted, citing the recent improvement in security.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:
The security situation throughout Kenya was again reported to be calm including in those areas in the western corner of Kenya which have recently experienced ethnic clashes and violent disturbances. No reports were received of post-election violence anywhere in the country today.

In the tourist areas all continues calm and unchanged with no problems reported affecting any tourist visitors to the international hotels in Nairobi, the beach resorts at the coast and the wildlife parks and reserves.

Mombasa and the coast: Mombasa town continues to be calm and peaceful and it is peaceful throughout the coast province. The British government has now lifted its advisory on Mombasa with effect from today in view of the improved security situation.

Naivasha and Nakuru: Tourist vehicles continue travelling to Lake Naivasha, through Naivasha town and onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park. Throughout the past four weeks Lake Nakuru National Park has remained secure and safe for visitors with KWS rangers on duty to patrol the park. The media visited Nakuru town today and local TV showed interviews by well-known newsman Jeff Koinange with people in Nakuru on the streets and in shops to confirm that life had returned to normal and that local residents had vowed to forget their differences and to live together.

AREAS TO AVOID
The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Nairobi and the highways between them to the Nairobi international hotels are considered safe for visitors at the present time, the following areas continue to be off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Tuesday 5th February 2008 4 p.m.

POLITICAL UPDATE:

Following Kofin Annan’s arrival in Kenya, he succeeded in quickly bringing the two opposing sides together in talks aimed at solving the current political crisis. The government and opposition sides have each chosen a 3-person team to negotiate a political settlement, with Mr Annan as mediator backed by a team of “Eminent Africans” including Graca Machel and the former President of Tanzania. After their first full morning meeting last week, both sides issued a joint statement which expressed optimism that a peaceful solution to the political crisis would be arrived at sooner rather than later. An agenda has been agreed upon with one of the first objectives being to take urgent steps to stop the violence and thereby resolve the immediate crisis within a 15 day time-scale.

Mr Annan’s team proposed Cyril Ramaphosa as mediator to lead talks in the longer term to address Kenya's ethnic and land issues. However the government side expressed reservations about Mr Ramaphosa, whom it was suggested might have business links to ODM leader Raila Odinga, whereupon he withdrew and left the country yesterday. This means an alternative person will have to be appointed. In the short term the key priority is to achieve an immediate end to violence and the talks continue today with Mr Annan as mediator.

As part of the strategy to stop violence, MPs are returning to their constituencies to urge their supporters to shun violence and keep the peace. It seems that this approach is already having an effect as calm has returned to many of the areas previously experiencing unrest. The coast MPs announced in Mombasa that they intend that the coast region should set an example to the rest of the country as to how different ethnic groups can once again live together in harmony as Kenyans.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:
The security situation in the country today is now reported to be calmer in those areas in the western corner of Kenya which have experienced ethnic clashes in recent days.

In the tourist areas all continues calm and unchanged with no problems reported affecting any tourist visitors to the international hotels in Nairobi, the beach resorts at the coast and the wildlife parks and reserves.

Naivasha and Nakuru: Tourist vehicles continue travelling to Lake Naivasha, through Naivasha town and onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park. Throughout the past four weeks Lake Nakuru National Park has remained secure and safe for visitors with KWS rangers on duty to patrol the park.

Mombasa: The security situation in Mombasa town has been calm and peaceful for a continuous period over the past two weeks and it is generally calm throughout the coast province.

Areas to avoid
The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Nairobi and the highways between them to the Nairobi international hotels are considered safe for visitors at the present time, the following areas continue to be off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Western Kenya: The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been sporadic incidents of civil unrest in recent weeks: Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided the whole area since the onset of the post-election problems. Currently the situation in most of these places is reported to be calm but in recent weeks there have been frequent disturbances and civil unrest in Kisumu and in the areas around Kericho and Eldoret.

News from the National Parks:
The Kenya Wildlife Service has announced the results of a census of the elephant population in Tsavo National Park and the surrounding eco-system which shows that numbers have increased and poaching is at minimal levels. Tsavo is Kenya’s largest national park and the elephant population there is now 11,696 which is an increase on the figure of three years ago of 10,397. The new figure from this year’s census represents a 4.1 per cent growth rate, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service Director, Dr Julius Kipng’etich. “The elephant is Kenya’s flagship species and so its distribution and condition is a good indicator of the status of our wildlife,” Dr Kipng’etich said.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Monday 4th February 2008 4 p.m.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

The security situation in the country has not changed in the last two days with the areas of civil unrest still confined to the western corner of Kenya including districts surrounding Kisumu, Kericho and Eldoret. There have been reports of inter-ethnic clashes over the last two days in the area between Bomet and Kisii, south of Kericho, with a number of fatalities reported.

The route to the Mara past Narok town continues to be used by tourist vehicles without any problems. The Senior Warden for Masai Mara National Reserve has also confirmed that security patrols have been put in place both on the approach to and exit from Narok town as an additional measure to ensure the safety of tourists.

Naivasha and Nakuru: Tourist vehicles are travelling once again to Lake Naivasha, through Naivasha town and onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park. Throughout the past four weeks Lake Nakuru National Park has remained secure and safe for visitors with KWS rangers on duty to patrol the park.

Mombasa: The security situation in Mombasa town has been calm and peaceful for a continuous period over the past two weeks.

Areas to avoid
The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Nairobi and the highways between them to the Nairobi international hotels are considered safe for visitors at the present time, the following areas are absolutely off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Western Kenya: The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been sporadic incidents of civil unrest in recent weeks: Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided the whole area since the onset of the post-election problems. Currently the situation in most of these places is reported to be calm but there have been frequent disturbances and civil unrest in Kisumu and in the areas around Kericho and Eldoret.

For visitors to Nairobi it is recommended that the high density housing estates and slums should be avoided, including Eastleigh, Mathare, Huruma, and Kibera but tourists have always been advised to keep away from these areas.

Talks continue between the political leadership on both sides:
The six-member team made up of three senior politicians from each side, the Government and Opposition, have been meeting again today, with Kofi Annan mediating, and a statement is expected later today to report on their progress in working together to restore peace in the troubled western areas of Kenya. Yesterday churches across the whole country were crowded as Kenyans prayed for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, reflecting the wish of the overwhelming majority of people that violence and ethnic conflict should be ended quickly.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Friday 1st February 2008 4 p.m.

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS:

Murder of MP yesterday in Eldoret:

As reported yesterday, an ODM opposition MP, Mr David Kimutai Too, was shot dead in Eldoret town together with a female companion. Eyewitness accounts by members of the public and a statement by the Kenya Police indicate that Mr Too was in the company of a woman police constable and that they were followed and shot dead by a policeman colleague of the dead woman. The assailant was arrested and is expected to appear in court today charged with murder. Initially there was some speculation reported in the media that this could have been a political assassination and subsequently there were street protests and demonstrations in Eldoret, Kisumu and Kericho. However the Police have indicated that their initial investigation suggests that this was a crime of passion unconnected with the post-election crisis.

Talks continue between the political leadership on both sides:

A six-member team has been appointed by the Government and ODM Opposition with three senior politicians from both sides and yesterday they held their inaugural meeting chaired by Mr Kofi Annan. After a full morning meeting they issued a joint statement which expressed optimism that a peaceful solution to the political crisis would be arrived at sooner rather than later.

The government statement said: “The country would be amazed by the speed with which this committee has deliberated on the issues today. The committee was discussing the agenda and most of the things discussed have been agreeable.”

The ODM Pentagon statement said the committee was determined to go through the issues placed before them by Mr Annan with a view to striking a peace deal.

“We are determined to get a solution to the problems facing this country.We have covered a lot of ground, which is a positive development. A peaceful solution is likely to emerge and you can be sure that nothing will derail us,” said the ODM spokesman.

The team was expected to continue meeting today and stated their intention of arriving at a solution to end the violence within seven days.

There is an increasing desire, being expressed by all sections of society in Kenya, to seek peace and reconciliation between the opposing sides which is reflected in the statements made by the political leadership. The ODM opposition party called off street protests last week and this has helped to reduce tensions.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has arrived in Nairobi, to boost efforts to end post-election violence.

Mr Ban is expected to meet opposition leader Raila Odinga today, having seen President Kibaki at a summit yesterday.

SECURITY SITUATION IN KENYA:

The security situation continues much as before with the areas of civil unrest confined to the western corner of Kenya including areas surrounding Kisumu, Kericho and Eldoret as well as the high density housing estates and slums of Nairobi. In the tourist areas all continues calm and unchanged with no problems reported affecting tourist visitors to the international hotels in Nairobi, the beach resorts at the coast and the wildlife parks and reserves.

The route to the Mara past Narok town is now considered by the Kenya Tourism Federation to be secure once again for tourist visitors. Tourist vehicles have been driving along this route from Nairobi to the Mara daily without any problem and all the latest reports confirm that the road is open and that traffic is moving freely. The route to the Mara is south from Narok and drivers do not need to drive north to Bomet which is within the area recommended as off-limits to tourists (see below). The Senior Warden for Masai Mara National Reserve has also confirmed that a permanent security patrol has been established both on the approach to and exit from Narok town as an additional measure to ensure the safety of tourists.

Naivasha and Nakuru: Following clashes between rival groups recently in and around Naivasha and Nakuru, the Kenya Tourism Federation had recommended that road safaris through Naivasha town and on by road to Lake Nakuru should be suspended while the situation was monitored and until it was confirmed that the police and army had fully restored order and calm. It is now considered that the road through Naivasha and on to Nakuru is secure after confirmation that traffic has been moving without a problem in recent days. We recommend that tourist vehicles may once again resume travel to Lake Naivasha, through Naivasha town and onwards to Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru National Park has remained secure and safe for visitors with KWS rangers on duty

Mombasa: The security situation in Mombasa town has been calm and peaceful for a continuous period over the past two weeks. The Kenya Tourism Federation therefore considers the area to be safe and tourist vehicles can now pass through Mombasa town without a problem while day excursions to Mombasa for tourists from the coastal beach resorts can be operated again.

Areas to avoid

The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Nairobi and the highways between them to the Nairobi international hotels are considered safe for visitors at the present time, the following areas are absolutely off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Western Kenya: The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been sporadic incidents of civil unrest in recent weeks: Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided these areas since the onset of the post-election problems. Currently the situation in most of these areas is reported to be calm but there have been frequent disturbances and civil unrest in Kisumu, Kericho and Eldoret.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Thursday 31st January 2008 3.30 p.m.

Murder of MP today in Eldoret:

It was reported that an ODM opposition MP, Mr David Kimutai Too, was shot dead in Eldoret this morning. Some international media reports have appeared claiming that Mr Too was shot by police at a road-block. However the Kenya Police have now issued a statement indicating that the shooting of the ODM opposition MP today appears to be a "crime of passion" and that the correct details are as follows:

At 10:00 am Eldoret Police Station received a report that a policewoman who was in the company of a man had been shot by a colleague in the town of Eldoret.
Police moved to the scene and commenced investigations where they established that at about 09:30 am PC Eunice Chepkwony was picked up by a man outside the police station in a vehicle and that they drove off towards a hotel. The policewoman's boyfriend, another Police constable, PC Andrew Maoche, then trailed them on a motorcycle.
PC Eunice Chepkwony and her companion stopped outside the hotel and as they were about to enter PC Maoche approached the couple and fired several shots at them. The man died on the way to Hospital while PC Eunice Chepkwony was admitted in serious condition.
Later it was established that the deceased is Hon. David Kimutai Too, the MP for Ainamoi Constituency.
PC Andrew Maoche has been arrested and will appear in court tomorrow charged with murder.

We hope that the international media will correct their reports to avoid creating the impression that this incident was linked to post-election unrest.

Other than some initial anxiety over speculation about the motives for the killing of the MP Hon Kimutai Too, which has now been allayed by the statement issued quickly by the Kenya Police, the situation throughout the country has been calm today with no reports of any disturbances or violence linked to the post-election crisis as at 3.30 p.m. today.

Nairobi: The situation within the city of Nairobi was all calm and normal today.

Tourist areas:
The main tourist areas at the beach resorts and the safari circuit continue to receive international tourist visitors as usual and the current situation is as follows:

Mombasa and coast: there are no problems at any of the beach resorts and the roads between Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, Nyali, Bamburi, Mombasa, Diani, Galu, Msambweni are all open and reported to have no problems. The international airport at Mombasa is operating as normal with both charter flights and
daily scheduled services flying in and there is no problem with access to the airport on the roads from the north and south of Mombasa. The ferry at Likoni is operating as normal for tourists travelling to the south coast.

Safaris: all the national parks and wildlife reserves are operating as normal with most camps and lodges open for business. The roads linking the parks and reserves are all open and conditions are normal with the exception of roads through Naivasha town (see below). For tourist vehicles travelling by road to the Mara, the road passing Narok town is a stretch of approximately 4 kms and is now being monitored by a permanent security patrol to ensure that there are no problems for tourist vehicles. For the past week tourist vehicles have been driving along this route from Nairobi to the Mara daily without any problem and latest reports indicate that the road is open and that traffic is moving freely. The route to the Mara is south from Narok and drivers do not need to drive north to Bomet which is within the area recommended as off-limits to tourists (see below).

Areas to avoid
The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Nairobi and the highways between them to the Nairobi international hotels are considered safe for
visitors at the present time, the following areas are off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Naivasha and Nakuru
Following the recent clashes between rival groups in and around Naivasha and Nakuru, the roads have been open to traffic for the past three days and the police have restored order. However the Kenya Tourism Federation recommends that road safaris through Naivasha town and on by road to Lake Nakuru should be suspended for the present time while we monitor the situation and until we can confirm that peace and calm have been fully restored once again in the area.

Air safaris may continue to Lake Nakuru National Park using the airstrips next to the park in the Congreve Conservancy or at Lanet. The Warden of Lake Nakuru National Park has confirmed that all is calm within the park and that tourist visitors have not been affected by the clashes beyond Nakuru. Lake Nakuru Park remains secure and safe for visitors with KWS rangers on duty.

Western Kenya, areas off-limits for tourists: In addition to Naivasha and Nakuru, the Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been sporadic incidents of civil unrest in recent weeks: Nyanza Province, Western
Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators
have avoided these areas since the onset of the post-election problems. Currently the situation in these areas is reported to be calm.

For visitors to Mombasa and the Coast: all has been calm and normal for over a week now but it is recommended to avoid going to the following areas in Mombasa at the present time: Majengo, Tonononka, and Bondeni. Sporadic demonstrations had occurred previously in these areas. Mombasa is an island and not a beach resort and the areas mentioned can be avoided by tourist vehicles transferring from the airport to the beach resorts on the north and south mainland.

Political developments
Talks are expected to continue today in Nairobi between the political leadership of both sides with Kofi Annan mediating.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Wednesday 30th January 2008 5 p.m.

Nairobi: The situation within the city of Nairobi was all calm and normal today. The highways between the airports and to all the international Nairobi hotels remained open as usual. However on one of the outer exit roads beyond Nairobi at Kikuyu town and adjacent villages there were some disturbances and inter-ethnic clashes. The police moved in quickly to quell these disturbances and to restore order. There were no reports of any tourist vehicles being affected and tour operators have been avoiding this stretch of road today.

Tourist areas:

The main tourist areas at the beach resorts and the safari circuit continue to receive international tourist visitors as usual and the current situation is as follows:

Mombasa and coast: there are no problems at any of the beach resorts and the roads between Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, Nyali, Bamburi, Mombasa, Diani, Galu, Msambweni are all open and reported to have no problems. The international airport at Mombasa is operating as normal with both charter flights and daily scheduled services flying in and there is no problem with access to the airport on the roads from the north and south of Mombasa. The ferry at Likoni is operating as normal for tourists travelling to the south coast.

Areas to avoid
The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Nairobi and the highways between them to the Nairobi international hotels are considered safe for visitors at the present time, the following areas are off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Naivasha and Nakuru
Following the recent clashes between rival groups in and around Naivasha and Nakuru, the roads have been open to traffic for the past two days and the police have restored order. However the Kenya Tourism Federation recommends that road safaris through Naivasha town and on by road to Lake Nakuru should be suspended for the present time while we monitor the situation and until we can confirm that peace and calm have been fully restored once again in the area.

Air safaris may continue to Lake Nakuru National Park using the airstrip in the park. The Warden of Lake Nakuru National Park has confirmed that all is calm within the park and that tourist visitors have not been affected by the clashes beyond Nakuru. Lake Nakuru Park remains secure and safe for visitors with KWS rangers on duty.

Western Kenya, areas off-limits for tourists: In addition to Naivasha and Nakuru, the Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been sporadic incidents of civil unrest in recent weeks: Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided these areas since the onset of the post-election problems. Currently the situation in these areas is reported to be calm.

For visitors to the Coast it is recommended to avoid going into Mombasa “town” at the present time including the areas of Majengo, Tonononka, and Bondeni as some sporadic demonstrations had occurred previously in this area although all has been calm and normal for over a week now. Mombasa is an island and not a beach resort and the areas mentioned can be avoided by tourist vehicles transferring from the airport to the beach resorts on the north and south mainland.

Political developments
Talks continued today in Nairobi between the political leadership of both sides with Kofi Annan mediating. Members of Parliament are heading back to their constituencies to urge their supporters to shun violence and to support the restoration of peace and calm in any areas where there have been disturbances in the past few weeks.

Other news:

Nairobi National Park is very green at the moment and has good grazing for herbivores following some recent rainfall in an area of the park where there had been grass fires a few weeks ago. A pride of 16 lions is being seen regularly by visitors including a lioness with young cubs. Cheetah and black rhino are also being seen frequently. A visit to the park is recommended for visitors staying in Nairobi’s hotels.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Tuesday 29th January 2008 11 p.m.

Nairobi: In the early hours of this morning an ODM opposition party Member of Parliament, Mr Mugabe Were was shot dead outside his house in Nairobi by unknown assailants. Crowds of supporters gathered outside his home during the morning to express their grief and were dispersed by police using teargas. This developed into more violent protests along Ngong Road away from the centre of Nairobi and at the housing estate of Kawangware as well as disturbances in the Kibera slums and in Mr Were’s Embakasi constituency. The situation had returned to normal by late afternoon and the centre of Nairobi was not affected while the highways between the airports and Nairobi hotels remained open as usual. President Kibaki has sent his condolences to Mr Were’s family and appealed for the public not to rush to any conclusions on the MP’s killing until police investigations are completed.

Tourist areas:

The main tourist areas at the beach resorts and the safari circuit continue to receive international tourist visitors as usual and the current situation is as follows:

Mombasa and coast: there are no problems at any of the beach resorts and the roads between Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, Nyali, Bamburi, Mombasa, Diani, Galu, Msambweni are all open and reported to have no problems. The international airport at Mombasa is operating as normal with both charter flights and daily scheduled services flying in and there is no problem with access to the airport on the roads from the north and south of Mombasa. The ferry at Likoni is operating as normal for tourists travelling to the south coast.

Safaris: all the national parks and wildlife reserves are operating as normal with most camps and lodges open for business. The roads linking the parks and reserves are all open and conditions are normal with the exception of roads through Naivasha town (see below). For tourist vehicles travelling by road to the Mara, the road passing Narok town is a stretch of approximately 4 kms and is now being monitored by a permanent security patrol to ensure that there are no problems for tourist vehicles. For the past week tourist vehicles have been driving along this route from Nairobi to the Mara daily without any problem and latest reports indicate that the road is open and that traffic is moving freely. The route to the Mara is south from Narok and drivers do not need to drive north to Bomet which is within the area recommended as off-limits to tourists (see below).

Areas to avoid
The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to monitor the security situation to ensure that any areas considered unsafe for tourists are avoided. While the beach resorts, the safari circuit, the airports in Nairobi and the highways between them to the Nairobi international hotels are considered safe for visitors at the present time, the following areas are off-limits for tourists until further notice:

Naivasha and Nakuru
As reported yesterday, the violent disturbances and clashes between rival groups in and around Naivasha were eventually brought under control by the police and security forces by yesterday afternoon. The roads were opened by police and army so that traffic was able to move in and out of Naivasha today. However tensions in Naivasha and Nakuru remain and the Kenya Tourism Federation recommends that road safaris through Naivasha town and on by road to Lake Nakuru should be suspended for the next few days while we monitor the situation and until we can confirm that peace and calm have been restored once again in the area. However air safaris may continue to Lake Nakuru National Park using the airstrips in the park. The Warden of Lake Nakuru National Park has confirmed that all is calm within the park and that tourist visitors have not been affected by the clashes beyond Nakuru. Lake Nakuru Park remains secure and safe for visitors with KWS rangers on duty.

Western Kenya, areas off-limits for tourists: In addition to Naivasha and Nakuru, the Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been continuing sporadic incidents of civil unrest: Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided these areas since the onset of the post-election problems.

Talks between political leadership
Today the talks started in Nairobi between the political leadership of both sides with Kofi Annan mediating. Hopes are high that the talks will lead to a resolution of the political crisis and Mr Annan expressed optimism that this could be achieved within four weeks.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Monday 28th January 2008 9 p.m.

Tourist areas:

The main tourist areas at the beach resorts and the safari circuit continue to receive international tourist visitors as usual and the current situation is as follows:

Mombasa and coast: there are no problems at any of the beach resorts and the roads between Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, Nyali, Bamburi, Mombasa, Diani, Galu, Msambweni are all open and reported to have no problems. The international airport at Mombasa is operating as normal with both charter flights and daily scheduled services flying in and there is no problem with access to the airport on the roads from the north and south of Mombasa. The ferry at Likoni is operating as normal for tourists travelling to the south coast.

Nairobi: the city is calm and all appears now to be back to normal. The airport continues operating as normal and all international hotels are open for business. No problems have been reported in recent days.

Areas to be avoided by tourist visitors:

Naivasha and Nakuru

As reported yesterday, the violent disturbances and clashes between rival groups in and around Naivasha were eventually brought under control by the police and security forces by yesterday afternoon. The roads were opened by police and army so that traffic was able to move in and out of Naivasha today. However tensions in Naivasha and Nakuru remain and the Kenya Tourism Federation recommends that road safaris through Naivasha town and on by road to Lake Nakuru should be suspended for the next few days while we monitor the situation and until we can confirm that peace and calm have been restored once again in the area. However air safaris may continue to Lake Nakuru National Park using the airstrips in the park. The Warden of Lake Nakuru National Park has confirmed that all is calm within the park and that tourist visitors have not been affected by the clashes beyond Nakuru. Lake Nakuru Park remains secure and safe for visitors with KWS rangers on duty.

Western Kenya, areas off-limits for tourists: In addition to Naivasha and Nakuru, the Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas where there have been continuing sporadic incidents of civil unrest: Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided these areas since the onset of the post-election problems.

For visitors to Nairobi it is recommended that the high density housing estates and slums should be avoided, including Eastleigh, Mathare, Huruma and Kibera but tourists have always been advised to keep away from these areas.

For visitors to the Coast it is recommended to avoid going into Mombasa “town” at the present time including the areas of Majengo, Tonononka, and Bondeni as some sporadic demonstrations have occurred previously in this area. Mombasa is an island and not a beach resort and the areas mentioned can be avoided by tourist vehicles transferring from the airport to the beach resorts on the north and south mainland.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Saturday 26th January 2008: Kenya Security Update: 4 p.m.

Nairobi, Mombasa and coastal areas, National Parks and wildlife reserves were reported all to be calm today with tourism operating as usual and all roads open with traffic moving as normal. Tourists now in Kenya staying in Nairobi hotels, at the coastal beach resorts and on safari in the country’s parks and reserves have not experienced problems and are continuing with their holidays as usual.

In Rift Valley Province yesterday there were serious inter-ethnic clashes between rival communities in the area between the outskirts of Nakuru and on to Molo with sections of the housing estates outside Nakuru town being burnt and at least twenty people in the area reported to have been killed. The police, the paramilitary service and Kenya Army moved into Nakuru yesterday and restored order. A curfew was imposed last night by the government in Nakuru town and its environs and today the town is reported to be quiet with police maintaining a heavy security presence. Police are patrolling the highway north to Eldoret to ensure security for vehicles travelling on this road. However the area beyond Nakuru towards Eldoret has already been off-limits to tourists for the past three weeks on the
recommendation of the Kenya Tourism Federation.

The Warden of Lake Nakuru National Park has confirmed that all is calm within the park and that tourist visitors have not been affected by the clashes beyond Nakuru. For the time being it is recommended by the Kenya Tourism Federation that visitors should access and exit Lake Nakuru
National Park via the Lanet or Nderit gates to avoid driving through Nakuru town, until the situation has returned completely to normal. Kenya Wildlife Service Rangers are on duty within the park to ensure the security of visitors. The KWS Lanet Gate is located about 4 kms before reaching the southern outskirts of Nakuru town and the road up to Lanet is reported to be open to traffic as usual.

The Kenya Tourism Federation continues to recommend that for the time being visitors should avoid the following areas:
Nyanza Province, Western Province, and the western area of Rift Valley Province including roads to the north of Narok to Bomet, Sotik and Njoro, the areas surrounding Kericho, Molo, Londiani, Nandi Hills and Eldoret. These places are not normally visited by most tourists and members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators have avoided these areas since the onset of the post-election problems.

For visitors to the Coast it is recommended to avoid going into Mombasa “old town” at the present time as some sporadic demonstrations have occurred previously in this area. Mombasa is an island and not a beach resort and the “old town” area can be avoided by tourist vehicles transferring from the airport to the beach resorts on the north and south mainland.

For tourist vehicles travelling to the Mara, the road passing Narok town is a stretch of approximately 4 kms and is now being monitored by a permanent security patrol to ensure that there are no problems for tourist vehicles. For the past week tourist vehicles have been driving along this route from Nairobi to the Mara daily without a problem and it is reported that the road is open and that traffic is moving freely. The route to the Mara is south from Narok and drivers do not need to drive north to Bomet
which is within the area recommended as off-limits to tourists.

The town of Nakuru should also be avoided but at the present time Lake Nakuru National Park may be visited with access through KWS Lanet Gate, south of Nakuru town.

At the coast, there are no problems at any of the beach resorts and the roads between Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, Nyali, Bamburi, Mombasa, Diani, Galu, Msambweni are all open and reported to have no problems. The international airport at Mombasa is operating as normal with both charter flights and daily scheduled services flying in and there is no problem with access to the airport on the roads from the north and south of Mombasa. The ferry at Likoni is operating as normal for tourists travelling to the south coast.

Travel Advisories: The Dutch government and the French government have now revised their Travel Advisories to remove the warning against travel to Kenya as a whole and have instead advised against travel to specific locations in Kenya along similar lines to the US and British advisories.This has been the approach recommended by the Kenya Tourism Federation and it is to be hoped that other governments will soon follow suit.

Kofi Annan is continuing his mediation role between the opposing political leadership and has indicated his intention to stay until a political solution is achieved. Today he has travelled to the areas in the western part of Rift Valley Province where the worst incidents have occurred in his quest to help restore peace and calm.

During the past 3 weeks it is estimated that there have been over 40,000 international tourists in Kenya and we have received no reports of any visitor being harmed as a result of the post-election unrest. In fact we continue to receive numerous positive comments from visitors including this comment yesterday from Brian Jackman, a well-known British travel writer specialising in African safaris: “Thanks for the reassurances which helped us to stick to our decision not to cancel our visit to Kenya. Thank goodness we came. It was better than ever!”

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Friday 25th January 2008: Security Update: 2 p.m.

Nairobi, Mombasa and coastal areas, national parks and wildlife reserves were reported all to be calm today with businesses operating as usual and all roads open with normal traffic. Tourists in Nairobi hotels, the coastal beach resorts and on safari in the country’s parks and reserves continue with their holidays as usual.

However in Rift Valley Province there were reports of further serious inter-ethnic clashes between rival communities in the area between the outskirts of Nakuru and on to Molo. The highway north from Nakuru to Eldoret was barricaded by unruly youths earlier this morning. Police and paramilitary General Service Unit (GSU) moved in quickly to bring the situation under control and to stop the violence but it was reported that several people from the local communities were killed. The security forces re-opened the highway to Eldoret and are patrolling the road to escort vehicles moving north from Nakuru.

The Warden of Lake Nakuru National Park has confirmed that all is calm within the park and that tourist visitors have not been affected by the clashes beyond Nakuru. For the time being it is recommended that visitors enter the Lake Nakuru National Park via Lanet or Nderit gates to avoid driving through Nakuru town until the situation has returned to normal. The Kenya Wildlife Service rangers are on duty within the park to ensure the security of visitors.

Kofi Annan is continuing his mediation role and today is expected to meet former President Moi and Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai before continuing to mediate in further meetings between the political leadership of Kenya.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Thursday 24th January 2008: Security Update: 1100 p.m.

Nairobi: There were no reports of any demonstrations or public disturbances in Nairobi today and it was a normal working day with everything operating as usual.

The ODM opposition party announced yesterday that there would not be any further demonstrations while the talks between the political leaders were taking place, mediated by Kofi Annan.

Mombasa and the coastal areas: all calm and quiet with business as usual in Mombasa town and all roads open as normal. Beach resorts were open and operating as usual.

Safaris: There were no problems reported in any of Kenya’s wildlife parks and reserves. All connecting roads were open and safari camps and lodges were operating as usual.

As has been the case throughout this month, there were no reports of any problems affecting tourists staying in Nairobi hotels, beach resorts, on safari, or transferring between airports and hotels in Nairobi, Mombasa or Malindi.

Western Kenya: In the western area of Kenya which remains off-limits for tourists, there were reports of a clash between rival groups near the town of Molo with one person killed. No tourists are in that area.

Mediation by Kofi Annan: Following the arrival of Kofi Annan in Nairobi to mediate between the opposing political leadership, the first meeting took place today between the President and the Opposition leader. Both appeared together after this important meeting and shook hands in front of a large group of international media reporters. They declared their commitment to peace and asked their supporters to maintain calm as they continue their newly established dialogue in further meetings. Kofi Annan expressed his belief that the first steps have now been taken towards a peaceful solution of the problem and said that both sides had underlined their wish to work together for a just and sustainable peace.

Travel Advisories: Following the lifting of the British Travel Advisory last week, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also revised its travel advice to allow travel to Kenya with the exception of some specific areas in Western parts of Kenya as well as the slums outside Nairobi.

Jake Grieves-Cook
Spokesman
Kenya Tourism Federation

Wednesday 23rd January 2008: Security Update: 11.00 p.m.

Nairobi: The ODM leadership and a large gathering of supporters attended a funeral on Ngong Road outside central Nairobi early this afternoon. Police fired teargas into the gathering, sparking off a furious reaction from many in the crowd. They fought back with police and then set fire to a government building and cars parked outside. The fires were put out and the crowds were dispersed by police. In the slum areas outside Nairobi it was reported that there were some inter-tribal clashes with at least one person reported killed at Kariobangi estate.