The United States on Monday issued a security alert for Kenya, citing credible information that Westerners may be targeted by extremists in the coastal region and three other towns.

In its security alert, the U.S. embassy in Kenya reminded the public of the continued need for enhanced vigilance throughout the country, saying terrorists may be planning to carry out attack on Westerners in the capital, Nairobi, and in Naivasha and Nanyuki, both in northwest Kenya.

"The U.S. Embassy reminds the public of the continued need for heightened vigilance throughout Kenya, especially in public spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, and places of worship," it said in its alert.

The embassy asked the public to be aware of their surroundings and stay alert in locations frequented by tourists and Westerners.

The warning came after al-Shabab attacked a luxury hotel and office complex housing multinational companies in Nairobi on Jan. 15 that left 21 people dead and several others injured.

Security forces have arrested and taken to court several suspects in connection with terror attack at the leafy Dusit2 complex on 14 Riverside Drive.

Somalia-based terror group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the hotel attack, saying they killed 47 people inside Dusit Hotel, part of a Thai-owned international chain that appeared to be the chief target of the attackers.

Two people were injured on Jan. 26 when a suspected improvised explosive device exploded at a busy street in Nairobi a day after the U.S. embassy issued similar alert. 

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