Kenya’s December holiday season draws large numbers of domestic and international travellers, but official advisories and recent reporting identify locations visitors may want to avoid or approach with caution this year.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office continues to publish regional risk updates and specific travel guidance for parts of Kenya. Travellers are advised to consult the government pages before planning journeys.

International warnings highlight heightened security risks in some northern and coastal counties.

Travel alerts have named Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and parts of Lamu as areas with an elevated risk of kidnapping and other security incidents. Foreign missions have advised caution or avoidance of these specific zones.

Crowding and logistical pressure are recurring issues on the Kenyan coast during the month of December.

Transport providers report heavy bookings to Mombasa and other coastal towns, and multiple outlets note full trains, packed beaches and near-capacity hotels during the festive period, conditions that mean long queues, strained services and hiked prices.

Also Read: How Govt Will Curb Road Accidents This Festive Season

Overcrowding on the Coast and Popular Beaches

Mombasa, Diani and public beaches regularly experience very large crowds in December; travel guides cite severe pressure on public facilities and heritage sites during the peak holiday window.

Travellers should expect limited parking, full accommodation, and busy public amenities on key dates.

Security-sensitive Counties and Official Advice

Government and embassy advisories single out northern and some coastal regions for elevated security monitoring.

The advisories recommend avoiding non-essential travel to specific districts and following updates from local authorities.

Visitors attending to regions near the Somali border or remote northern areas should register travel plans with family or their embassy and heed local security instructions.

Also Read: NTSA to Retest Drivers Ahead of Festive Season Rush

Road and Transport Congestion, Enforcement Measures

Festive-season traffic surges disrupt travel along major highways and in Nairobi.

Stepped-up road patrols and enforcement measures, including speed checks and breathalyser operations, are already inthe  NTSA and the Ministry of Interior’s checkbook.

Long-distance travellers should plan for delays, book transport early, and monitor official traffic alerts for route disruptions.

Before making travel plans, watch out for the security alerts from the embassies for foreigners and the local authorities for Kenyans.

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Kenyans Throng The Pirates Beach in Mombasa For Christmas Celebrations. PHOTO/Reuben Mwambingu