The UK government has cautioned its citizens in Kenya to avoid political gatherings and large crowds amid ongoing protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
In a notice published on its website, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration advised British nationals to stay informed through local media due to the likelihood of continued demonstrations, especially in Nairobi.
“There have been injuries at anti-government political demonstrations in recent months. Planned protests about the proposed Finance Bill 2024 are expected to continue across multiple cities in Kenya, including Nairobi,” the UK government stated.
They emphasized the importance of avoiding protest areas and remaining vigilant about potential disruptions.
This advisory follows a similar notice from the US Embassy in Nairobi on June 18, 2024.
The US warned its citizens about planned protests in the Central Business District (CBD) and other areas, noting that while the protests are intended to be peaceful, large gatherings can become violent unexpectedly.
“There is a planned protest about the Finance Bill of 2024 in the area of the Parliament of Kenya in the Central Business District beginning at 12:00 pm. Organizers have stated that the events are intended to be peaceful,” the US Embassy’s statement read.
They further recommended that US nationals avoid large crowds and remain alert to their surroundings.
Both advisories underscore the potential risks associated with the demonstrations and advise expatriates to closely monitor the situation through local news outlets to stay updated on the developments.