FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Saturday, June 21, 2003

Statement on Kenya Peace Corps Program

{'html': "Washington, D.C., June 21, 2003 - The Peace Corps understands the concerns volunteers and families may have regarding current media accounts and statements made by U.S. Department of State regarding threats against the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Peace Corps/Kenya, in consultation with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C. has determined that this information does not pose an immediate threat to the safety and security of the Peace Corps volunteers.

On Friday, June 20, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi closed temporarily due to specific threats against the embassy building. The Ambassador expects the embassy to remain closed through Tuesday, June 24. The threats were specific to the U.S. Embassy and no threats have been made against volunteers or the Peace Corps offices.

The safety and security of Peace Corps volunteers is the Agency's highest priority. Peace Corps has a comprehensive infrastructure in place designed to maximize volunteers' safety during their overseas service. Peace Corps/Kenya has an Emergency Action Plan, which is tested regularly. Volunteers are trained in and are aware of what they need to do in the event of an emergency.

If families have questions or concerns, they may contact the Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services at 1-800-424-8580, extension 1470, or after hours at 202-638-2574. The Office of Special Services maintains a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week duty system.

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