UK Warns Citizens Against Travelling to Kenya

A photo of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport's international arrivals terminus.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport's international arrivals terminus.
Daily Nation

The United Kingdom on Monday, March 16 issued an updated travel advisory cautioning citizens against all non-essential travel to Kenya.

Through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), UK authorities cited the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and identified terror hotspots where UK citizens were urged to stay away from.

Non-essential travel to areas within 60 kilometres of the Kenya-Somali border, Garissa County, Lamu County (excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island) and areas of Tana River north of the river itself was advised against. Violence at the Kenya-Somalia border has escalated in recent weeks with diplomatic tensions also intensifying.

A directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta to take effect on Tuesday, March 17 restricting the entry of individuals from countries with confirmed COVID-19 cases into Kenya was also referenced by the FCO.

Passengers pictured at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following a disruption on March 6, 2019
Passengers pictured at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following a disruption on March 6, 2019
Photo
JKIA

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Kenya.

"This is due to the Kenyan authorities announcing measures restricting individuals, except Kenyan citizens and resident permit holders, from entering Kenya if they have come from countries affected by coronavirus (COVID-19), including the United Kingdom," the advisory read in part.

An estimated 190,00 residents of the United Kingdom visit Kenya each year.

Confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK currently stand at over 1,390 with 35 deaths so far confirmed.

Globally, the virus has claimed more than 6,500 lives around the world with governments scrambling to put in place measures to combat the spread of the disease.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, March 15, at the steps of Harambee House in Nairobi, Uhuru announced that the travel ban would be in effect for 30 days.

"The government is suspending travel for all persons coming into Kenya from any country with reported Coronavirus cases. 

"Only Kenyan citizens and foreigners with valid resident's permits will be allowed to come in provided they proceed on self-quarantine or to a government-designated quarantine facility. This will take effect within the next 48 hours to cater for any passengers who may be en route.

"This directive will remain in effect for the next 30 days or as varied by the National Emergency Response Committe," he stated.

Uhuru also announced the indefinite suspension of learning in all institutions in the country.

A photo of President Uhuru Kenyatta issuing an address at Harambee House on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta issuing an address at Harambee House on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
PSCU
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