Vacation spot slapped with US travel warning over crime, sexual assaults and kidnappings

The U.S.

State Department has escalated its travel warning for an East African nation popular for its wildlife safaris, urging Americans to reconsider visiting amid heightened health concerns and ongoing security threats.

The State Department on Monday raised its travel advisory for Kenya from Level 2, "Exercise Increased Caution," to Level 3, "Reconsider Travel." Health risks and crime were cited among the reasons for the advisory, along with civil unrest, kidnapping, terrorism and traffic safety concerns.

AMERICANS WARNED OF KIDNAPPING, EXTORTION AS VIOLENT CRIME GRIPS PARTS OF TOURIST SPOT "Prepare a will," the advisory added.

"Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones." Americans are urged to avoid certain neighborhoods in Nairobi and several counties across the country due to risks of crime, kidnapping and terrorism — as well as areas near the Ethiopian border due to unrest.

In its broader warning about the country, State Department officials said that violent crime "can occur at any time," noting that petty crime "is common" throughout Kenya .

The advisory also noted that solo travelers should exercise caution, and that some Americans have been sexually assaulted in bars, resorts and hotels .

"Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes," the advisory said.

SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND SCAMS PLAGUE TOP VACATION HOT SPOT, PROMPTING URGENT ADVISORY The State Department also warned that Americans frequently fall victim to investment scams involving gold and other high-value commodities , with Kenyan authorities unlikely to help victims recover their losses.

"Property disputes are common in Kenya," added the warning.

"Americans who have bought land, churches and businesses have lost their investments or been pushed off the property by locals who claim the land or business." Medical services in Kenya are limited, particularly in rural areas, with some facilities lacking essential medicines and equipment.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "Except for a few private medical facilities based in the large urban centers with enhanced capability, many health issues may require medical evacuation at your own expense," officials said.

"Medical facilities will usually deny service if payment is not made upfront." The advisory also warned that protests can turn violent — with demonstrators previously attacking vehicles carrying Americans, including safari vehicles and motorcycle taxis.

Americans are urged to stay alert in tourist spots , keep a low profile and avoid demonstrations and crowds while visiting the country.