Kenya: Independence Day celebration December 12

Event

Kenya will hold Independence Day (Jamhuri Day) celebrations on Wednesday, December 12, to celebrate the country's 55th anniversary of independence from the British. Events will be held nationwide, with the largest celebrations taking place in the capital Nairobi, where at least 30,000 people are expected to gather at Nyayo stadium. Business and traffic disruptions are expected throughout the country during the holiday.

Advice

Individuals present in Nairobi are advised to avoid all large gatherings and the vicinity of the venue site, and to expect traffic delays and heightened security measures in the city center.

Due to the significant terrorist threat, individuals present in Kenya are advised to remain vigilant, to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities, and to be particularly cautious when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (government buildings, places of worship, tourist sites, etc.).

Due to various security concerns, many Western governments advise against travel to a number of regions in the country, including areas bordering Somalia (parts of Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Lamu counties), Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Nonessential travel to the city of Mombasa and several Nairobi neighborhoods (including Eastleigh and Pangani) is also advised against.