Travel Advice During The Kenya Elections

4 August 2017 – RPS Partnership

Kenya goes to the polls on August 8th to vote in what has become an increasingly violent and bloody run up to the election this year.

Contact RPS Partnership on [email protected] for advice and training if you are planning to travel there in the next few days or weeks.  If you find yourself caught up in the violence and need advice on how to proceed, then call our number 00 44 (0) 1225 290210.

Background to the elections

The elections are a two-horse race between Uhuru Kenyatta and his main rival Raila Odinga.  It will be a close result and there are local tensions brewing all over Kenya which the security forces are struggling to contain.   Many of the tensions are caused between rival supporters or are ethnically motivated.   Already there is a mass exodous from urban areas of people returning to their villages to vote or to escape potential violence.

There are unconfirmed stories that rivals are recruiting individuals to insure that each side makes no attempt to rig the election.   Paranoia is running high and it is causing concern that the looser will not accept the result amid reports of intimidation, violence and loss of life – in particular the murder of Chris Musando last week who was ICT manager for the electoral commission.  Amongst all of this, Kenya is also facing allegations of police brutality and the continued threat from attacks by Al-Shebab.

RPS Partnership advises that if you are currently in Kenya listen to the advice set out by your local host or fixer and check the local media and news feeds. Exercise a heightened level of vigilance, particularly in public areas and always be aware of what is happening immediately around you and in your personal space.  If you find yourself caught up in any violence move from the area as quickly as possible.

General advice includes the following:

• if you’re working overseas, familiarise yourself with your own employer’s evacuation and contingency policies, particularly in high-risk locations
• keep in regular contact with family and friends so that they know your whereabouts
• make sure your employer has your next of kin details in case of an emergency
• you or your employer may consider preparing supplies of useful items, or items more difficult to secure in an emergency, for example sufficient medical supplies (first aid kit, specific prescription medication that you or family members require), a torch, batteries, and access to several days’ supply of food and water
• ensure that your vehicle and any domestic generator fuel supplies are as full as possible

If you are planning to travel overseas to Kenya or any other challenging environments, RPS Partnership offers Travel Security Training Courses and Hostile Environment Training Course which address the issues associated with ensuring your own safety whilst travelling for work or leisure. We offer bespoke travel security awareness workshops as well as many types of First-Aid courses. 

We have male and female consultants who are all qualified trainers with vast experience gained over the years; we can tailor training to your specific area of travel.
Contact us on [email protected] for more information.

Sources PGI Risk Portal, FCO Travel Advice, INSO Kenya Bi-Weekly, Other Solutions Consulting
Pictures RPS Partnership