Staff told to keep off UN compound during Obama weekend

“Please note that access to UNON on Saturday 25 July and Sunday 26 July will be restricted to UN staff members whose presence is related to the organisation of the conference”/CFM NEWS

Staff told to keep off UN compound during Obama weekend

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 20 – The United Nations has issued a security advisory to its workers ahead of the visit of US President Barack Obama who is expected to jet into the country on Friday.

In the advisory, the organization told its staff who are not taking part in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) summit to keep off on Saturday and Sunday as access to the UN headquarters will be restricted to only those concerned with organisation of the conference.

“Please note that access to UNON on Saturday 25 July and Sunday 26 July will be restricted to UN staff members whose presence is related to the organisation of the conference only and who have been accredited to the conference. Some access to UNON office spaces may be granted to staff on an exceptional or emergency basis to areas outside of where the conference is being held,” it said.

In the statement, the United Nations Department for Safety and Security points out that there will be significant traffic disruption, particularly on main routes between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Wilson Airport, through the central business district of Nairobi and towards the UN Office along Limuru Road , UN Avenue and Gigiri.

“Traffic disruptions are anticipated on 24, 25 and 26 July 2015 along Limuru Road and UN Avenue. As of Friday 24 July, check points will be established on routes to UNON. We request staff to carry their UN Passes (and UN Decals in their vehicles if driving) with them at all times and comply with security requests.”

The UN further anticipates disruptions in air travel by stating that JKIA and Wilson Airport operations may be suspended for a limited time, approximately an hour and urged its members to limit their movements in Nairobi from Friday until Sunday.

“Please bear in mind that getting caught in traffic increases the risk of opportunistic robberies; this type of crime is particularly common, although not restricted to Mombasa and Uhuru Highways, Museum Hill, Globe, Parklands and parts of Thika Road,” the advisory said.

It called on them to be wary of rumours which are likely to be widely circulated on various social networks before and during the conference.

“Please note that UNDSS will update you – SMS, emails – in case of verified information of operational value. Please refrain from further circulating rumours consider contacting UNDSS and/or your agency security officer if you have any question. We also recommend that you refrain posting any operational detail on the conference and/or VIP movements on social media.”

President Uhuru Kenyatta will on Tuesday outline Kenya’s agenda during President Barack Obama’s visit to the country.

Spokesperson, Manoah Esipisu said the two leaders will hold bilateral talks on Saturday and later President Kenyatta will host a State dinner, in honour of President Obama.

He said the conference is proof that Kenya is a fitting host for this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Summit, as the country epitomizes the transformational power of entrepreneurial possibility, according to President Kenyatta.