Security has been increased across social areas of Kenya after gunmen took over a shopping centre in Nairobi on Saturday.
Travel arrangements in the country remain uninterrupted in Kenya despite the attack, which saw 62 killed, including four Brits.
Kenyan police have now taken control of all levels of the Westgate shopping mall, which has been targeted by members of the al-Shabaab militant group that follows al-Qaeda and has founding in Somalia.
According to Sky News, the Kenyan Defence Force hopes the situation will come to a “speedy conclusion” later today.
In a statement, Phyllis Kandie, Cabinet Secretary, EAC Affairs, Commerce and Tourism assured tourists and the trade that the country is peaceful and tourist facilities remain open.
The full statement read: “The tourism sector joins other Kenyans in condoling the bereaved families including those of foreigners who have lost their lives during the Westgate attacks.
“The attack was a despicable act of cowardice intended to instill fear among Kenyans and our visitors, but the attackers must never be allowed to have their way. We are hereby therefore affirming that normal activities are going on in all parts of the country despite this grave and enormous challenge.
It continued: “We wish to assure tourists that Kenya is peaceful and our security agencies are doing everything possible to ensure that everyone is safe. Visitors are thus welcome to visit all our tourist facilities across the country which are operating normally. Tour operators and travel agents have confirmed that tourism activities continue uninterrupted. The government has also scaled up security in other social places across the country.”
The Africa Hotel and Investment Forum and Eco tourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference will still both take place this week in Nairobi.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has not made any changes in its travel advice to Kenya.
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