CANADA ISSUES A TRAVEL ADVISORY TO THEIR CITIZENS

On December 13^th, the Government of Canada issued a travel advisory to their citizens In Kenya. In this document, they cited that the frequent power outages would result in opportunistic crimes such as theft. They advised them to stay away from Eastleigh, Kibera, Mathare, and Pangani due to the high levels of crime.

Additionally, these areas have often been mentioned to harbor suspects of terror and with an increase in criminal activity, it would be best to stay away. They urged them to stay vigilant to avoid carjackings, robberies, kidnappings and even spiked food and drinks. Although, I am not sure how you can be vigilant against these. Anyway, they are also not to travel to parts of Northern Kenya such as Wajir and Garissa and the volatile Tana River area. That however, is a sane thing to do because bandits have shown the military dust. Get it? No?

This advisory comes only a few months after the UK did the same and advised its citizens who live in this great country to avoid crowded areas like malls which may be targets for terrorists. And to stay away from the Kenya-Somalia border, Garissa, Mandera and Tana River. With this, there’s not much quarrel because there may be a cause for concern. Although I must admit the mall thing is getting old. Every year, towards the festive season, governments caution their citizens to avoid crowded areas. Wewe unajua Kenya over the holidays? Overcrowding galore!

But there is more. Canadians have been asked to refrain from displaying signs of wealth or substantial money. They clearly don’t know that siku yako ikifika ya kulala mteja hii Kanairo, huna bahati. The color of your skin means nothing.

But there is a cause for concern about the recent frequent power outages. Oh no, wameanua tena. Nationwide blackouts are no joke and yet KPLC has not shied in providing us with three! This is worrying, to say the least. While this company is on the verge of collapse, Kenyans are suffering. With calls to privatize it, for Energy CS Davis Chirchir to resign, and the company’s ability to continuously register losses, one thing is clear. This ship is sinking and if we don’t bail, we will drown. The Canadian Government and the UK Government are justified in worrying about how this house of falling cards can endanger the country.