US seeks more security for its staff in Kenya

The US embassy in Nairobi Saturday requested Kenyan and American governments to deploy additional security in view of a surge in terror threats.

US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said the US embassy is also reducing the size of its staff because of an increase in terrorist threats in Kenya as Washington condemned Friday's twin attacks which left at least 10 people dead and over 70 others injured, Xinhua reported.

"The embassy is continuously reviewing and updating its security measures, and expects to take additional steps in coming days... We remain open for normal operations and have no plan to close the embassy," Godec said in a statement released in Kenyan capital.

There have been numerous attacks in the past 18 months involving shootings, grenades, or other explosive devices in Kenya.

More than 100 people have been killed in these attacks and hundreds others have been injured. Fifty-three of these attacks occurred in northeastern Kenya, mainly in Dadaab, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera counties. Seven attacks occurred in Mombasa.

The US envoy strongly condemned Friday's terrorist attacks in the Gikomba market in Nairobi which is frequented by thousands of Kenyans.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to all who were affected. This is the latest in a series of despicable and cowardly attacks on innocent civilians in Kenya, from the capital to the coast," he said.

Friday's attacks came after Western countries issued travel advisories this week, warning their citizens against visiting Kenya due to increased terror attacks in the East African nation.