The advisory comes amid growing tension following allegations of state-linked violence in the wake of Tanzania’s recent general elections.
In a notice dated Friday, December 5, the Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam urged all Kenyans residing, working, or visiting Tanzania to remain extremely vigilant.
The mission said it issued the communication after receiving information suggesting that several civil society groups and political actors were mobilising nationwide demonstrations to protest the post-election killings reported in late October and early November.
According to the advisory, Kenyans were strongly encouraged to limit their movements, especially in major towns such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Dodoma, and Zanzibar, where demonstrations could quickly escalate.
The High Commission warned that the security situation could “change at any moment,” noting that past protests in Tanzania had rapidly turned violent.
The mission advised all Kenyans to stay indoors if signs of unrest begin to emerge. In particular, they were cautioned against visiting areas known to attract large crowds, including public squares, political offices, markets, and popular commuter routes.
Sports grounds and university zones were also highlighted as high-risk areas in the event demonstrations take place.
Kenyans were further urged to avoid passing through or loitering near police and military checkpoints.
The advisory indicated that security forces in Tanzania had already heightened surveillance and were likely to respond firmly to any form of demonstration.
The High Commission told Kenyans to rely exclusively on verified information, urging them to monitor updates released through its official website and social media channels.
“Do not depend on rumours or unverified reports circulated on community WhatsApp groups,” the advisory stated, citing the high likelihood of misinformation spreading as tensions rise.
Officials also encouraged families to create or update their emergency communication plans. This includes agreeing on alternative ways of reaching one another should mobile networks or internet services be intentionally slowed down or switched off—actions that Tanzanian authorities have previously taken during periods of political tension.
The advisory also noted that Kenyans in Tanzania should ensure they have enough essential supplies for at least several days.
The items listed include water, food, necessary medication, flashlights, and fully charged power banks.
The mission said these steps were necessary because movement might become restricted, and shops or pharmacies could temporarily close depending on how the situation unfolds.
Those who may require assistance were directed to contact the High Commission directly through two emergency numbers provided in the notice, or via email.
The mission also reminded all Kenyans living in Tanzania to ensure their travel papers, work permits, and residence documentation were valid and available if required by authorities.
This latest alert was issued after multiple regional and international bodies raised concern over the political climate in Tanzania.
Human rights organisations and some diplomatic missions have questioned the handling of the election period, during which clashes between police and opposition supporters resulted in several fatalities.
Images and videos showing large bonfires along roads and officers firing tear gas into crowds were widely circulated on regional media platforms.
Despite the calls for demonstrations, the Tanzanian police have declared the planned protests illegal. Police spokesperson David Misime said the groups behind the mobilisation had failed to follow required procedures, including issuing a formal notice to authorities.
Misime warned that officers would not hesitate to act against individuals found organising or participating in unlawful gatherings.
Tanzanian authorities have consistently maintained that the October elections were peaceful and that reports of targeted killings were exaggerated by political activists seeking to discredit the process.
However, opposition leaders insist that dozens of their supporters were either killed or disappeared during the vote-related clashes.
As the December 9 Independence Day approaches, Tanzania remains on high alert. Security agencies have reportedly deployed additional personnel in major towns, particularly in regions where anti-government sentiment has been strong since the announcement of the election results.
Kenya becomes the latest in a growing list of countries issuing safety alerts to their citizens living in Tanzania.
Earlier, the United States and several European embassies also advised their nationals to reconsider non-essential travel and prepare for potential disruptions.
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