1st LD Writethru: U.S. issues travel alert ahead of Obama's visit to Kenya

The United States has warned its citizens in Kenya to be very vigilant ahead of President Barack Obama's visit next week due to terror threats on unspecified locations in the country.

Washington's State Department warned its American nationals they could be turned into targets due to huge public events frequented by foreigners like the sixth annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) to be held in Nairobi from July 24 to 26.

"As with all large public events, there is the opportunity for criminal elements to target participants and other visitors," reads the alert which was issued on Monday night.

The security warning noted that large-scale public events such as GES summit to be attended by business leaders from across the globe can also be a target for terrorists.

The travel alert also encourages the Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (SMART) to enable them to receive pertinent safety and security information.

"Large-scale public events such as this Summit can also be a target for terrorists. U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of security awareness, and enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP) to receive pertinent safety and security information," said the alert which expires on July 30.

The alert cautions the American travelers to the East African nation's biggest economy to be on the lookout for possible terrorists and criminals.

The Al-Qaida-allied militia group Al-Shabaab has threatened Kenya with retaliatory attacks, saying it considers the forces' cross border incursion an affront to Somalia's sovereignty.

Analysts had also warned that the warnings are a blow to Kenya' s already troubled tourist industry which relies on foreign visitor, many of whom combine safaris with beach holidays in Mombasa.

Obama's first visit to Kenya as the U.S. president has been described as historic by the east African nation's ruling elite, scholars and ordinary citizens.

Security has been heightened in Kenya as the country's plays host to the global meeting. The authorities have mounted CCTV cameras at every entry and exit within Nairobi and the surrounding areas.

These particular cameras are high speed cameras that are capable of capturing number plates of a moving vehicle, making it easier to follow on anyone suspect.

The police have been deployed in key strategic regions in Nairobi including supermarkets and government installations that could be attacked by the Somali militants.

"We are under strict instructions to ensure law and order is maintained and to thwart off any attempts by Al-Shabaab to carry out any attacks in this city of any part of this country," a police officer told Xinhua in Nairobi.

The officer who declined to be named said more security officers will be deployed in Nairobi next week when Obama lands in the country to ensure maximum security is maintained round-the- clock.

The heightened security is expected to be even higher as Obama' s visit gets closer with both Kenyan and American security officials teaming up to guard the East African nation. Endi