BENCH AFRICA STATEMENT
July 03, 2024
We want to reassure all our guests and partners that demonstrations are not occurring in any tourist areas. Demonstrations are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, therefore we are taking every precaution to keep our guests away from the affected areas and will adjust routes if necessary to ensure their safety and comfort.
Our previous statement remains valid as we continue to closely monitor the situation, prioritising the safety of our guests throughout their travels in Kenya.
KENYA UPDATE BY THE KENYA TOURISM BOARD
Nairobi, June 27, 2024
PRESS RELEASE: KENYA'S MAGIC REMAINS UNDISRUPTED
In light of recent developments in Kenya, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) would like to reassure all our visitors that Kenya remains a remarkably safe and welcoming destination for all visitors.
We understand the concerns these events may have raised regarding travel to Kenya, and we are here to provide the following reassurances:
• All airports and airstrips across Kenya remain fully operational, with scheduled flights arriving and departing as normal. Our main airports have stringent security protocols in place and are functioning at optimal capacity.
• Road networks and railways across the country remain open, including the efficient Standard Gauge Railway, which provides comfortable travel between Nairobi and Mombasa. We assure our visitors of convenient access to any of our tourism circuits countrywide.
• All tourism destinations and attractions remain unaffected and open to visitors.
• We continue to work in close collaboration with local authorities to monitor any concerns and ensure seamless experiences for visitors.
• Kenya's renowned warm hospitality and high service standards remain unwavering. Visitors can continue to expect the welcoming experience that Kenya is famous for.
27 June, 11:30 PM AEST
Update: President Ruto Withdraws Finance Bill
Bench Africa has received news that President William Ruto has withdrawn the contentious Finance Bill 2024. This development is a positive step toward calming the unrest and restoring peace in the affected areas. We are hopeful that this action will lead to a reduction in tensions and a return to normalcy tomorrow.
Our team continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients. All our guests remain safe, and their safari itineraries continue as planned, with minor adjustments to routes to avoid areas of previous concern.
We will continue to provide further updates as the situation evolves.
27 June, 12:30am AEST
Kenya’s proposed Finance Bill 2024 has sparked several peaceful protests across various cities, including Nairobi. Organised by non-political and non-tribal-affiliated youth, these protests call for the rejection of the bill. However, yesterday's protests, which remained peaceful for most of the day across Kenya, took a tragic turn in Nairobi's Central Business District. There, protestors encountered government forces near Parliament, resulting in casualties among the protestors.
With this recent news, travellers planning to visit the country understandably have concerns. At Bench Africa, ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority. With over 55 years of experience in the industry, we have developed robust expertise and established processes to effectively mitigate any potential impacts on our operations.
Here are the details and measures we have in place to address the current situation:
The Facts:
- Based on the latest reports from Southern Cross Safaris, our head office in Kenya, the protests appear to have been localised to areas that are typically not frequented by our clients.
- Our most recent reports, received on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, would suggest that the situation has stabilised, and traffic is flowing normally.
- We have received no reports involving tourists being harmed.
- Bench clients and itineraries remain unaffected.
- The reports received from our partners on the ground align with advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Smart Traveller.
- Bench Africa's headquarters in Kenya allows us to receive real-time reports directly from our parent company on the ground.
- This proximity enables us to react promptly and efficiently to any developments, always ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our clients.
Safety Measures in Place:
To ensure the safety of our clients travelling in Kenya, we have long maintained the following measures to consistently provide a high level of security:
24/7 Radio Communication: All Bench-owned vehicles are equipped with high-frequency (HF) radios, and our radio room operates 24 hours a day, year-round. This ensures continuous awareness of areas to be avoided.
Expert Oversight: Southern Cross Safaris receives real-time updates directly from the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) in Nairobi and security teams in Kenya’s Coast Province, ensuring we uphold the highest safety standards.
Satellite Tracking: Southern Cross Safaris utilises satellite tracking to monitor all vehicle movements, allowing us to know the exact location of our vehicles relative to any reported issues.
Continuous Monitoring: The Southern Cross Safaris office remains open around the clock, and drivers are consistently kept informed of any developments.
Transport Hubs Security: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), domestic airports, and train stations are all secured, providing additional assurance of a safe travel environment.
We are committed to providing timely updates should we receive any further information that would impact your travel to Kenya. If you are travelling soon and wish to speak to someone then please don't hesitate to reach out to our team of Africa experts.
