Kenya (Hansard, 1 July 2003)

§ Mr. Keith Simpson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his Department is giving to the Kenyan Government to counter the terrorist threat in Kenya. [122050]

§ Mr. Mullin
[holding answer 30 June 2003]: We are giving the Kenyan Government substantial assistance to help them to counter the terrorist threat. This includes advice and training to improve security at airports, hotels and tourist destinations. We are also working with them to develop a long-term, sustainable strategy. My noble 206W Friend, Baroness Symons discussed this with the Kenyan Minister of Internal Security, Chris Murungaru, when he visited London on 27 June and I discussed it with the Kenyan Vice President on 30 June. Contacts will continue.

§ Mr. Keith Simpson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will review his Department's travel advice to Kenya. [122051]

§ Mr. Mullin
[holding answer 30 June 2003]: We keep travel advice under careful review. As the hon. Member may be aware, the travel advice for Kenya was changed on 26 June and the warning against non-essential travel was removed. The new advice makes clear that there is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya and British nationals should remain vigilant at all times.

§ Mr. Dawson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the British High Commission in Nairobi has taken action regarding reported killings of Sudanese refugees in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. [122705]

§ Mr. Mullin
[holding answer of 30 June 2003]: The British High Commission in Nairobi is aware of ethnic clashes in the area of the Kakuma refugee camp. We understand that violence broke out between Toposa (Sudanese) refugees and local Turkana (Kenyan) people after the alleged theft of cattle stock by the Toposa. The situation is now stable, although tensions remain. The High Commission is monitoring the situation.

§ Mr. Dodds
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the security risk to UK subjects(a) resident in Kenya and (b) travelling to Kenya. [121165]

§ Mr. Mullin
As the current Travel Advice for Kenya makes clear, there is a high threat from global terrorism in Kenya. However, the warning against non-essential travel has now been removed although UK nationals, whether residents or visitors, should remain vigilant in public places and tourist sites.