The French Embassy in Kenya on Thursday declined to issue visa details for the government delegation travelling to the Olympics as requested by several Kenyans.
In a statement released, the embassy stated that due to privacy and data protection reasons they would not publish nor communicate the details of the applicants.
“The Embassy is bound by obligations regarding respect of privacy and personal data protection, and thus cannot communicate or publish the personal information of visa applicants,” read the statement in part.
However, they confirmed they would only grant visas to qualified applicants who submitted valid applications.
“It is important to underline that the role of the Embassy of France in Kenya is limited to granting visas to those who submit valid applications,” stated the embassy.
In its statement, the French government further explained that all its embassies had mounted collective action to ensure the processing of visas on time.
“All Embassies of France across the world have been putting great efforts into processing visa applications to ensure that the various Olympic and Paralympic teams, as well as supporters, can compete and witness legendary athletic performances in Paris this year,” read the statement in part.
Further, the Embassy relayed good-luck wishes to Kenya’s teams ahead of the Olympic games.
Kenya’s team which will be hosted in Miramas, a commune in France ,pitched tent at the commune, where they are holding practice sessions alongside their coaches.
On the other hand, Kenyans continued to mount pressure on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to release the list of a delegation who would be sponsored to accompany the sportsmen to France.
However, the ministry through the former Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba declared that the National Olympic Committee of Kenya would publish the list.
The list is expected to be presented during the second PMC meeting.
