The Government of Kenya has announced the closure of its embassy in France that serves three European countries including France, Portugal, Serbia and Holy See (Governed by the Bishop of Rome).
In a statement shared by Ambassador Judy Wakhungu on Tuesday, March 17, services at the embassy will be halted from Wednesday, March 18, to March 27.
The shutdown affects all services including issuance of visas and processing of e-passports, save for emergencies.
"Following the rapid spread of Covid-19 cases in France and the decision of the Republic of France to impose a partial lockdown, the Kenya Embassy will be closed between Wednesday, March 18 and Friday, March 27.
"During this period, all consular services, save for emergencies, will be suspended. Services to be suspended include issuance of visa and processing of e-passports," reads the statement in part.
While urging Kenyans based in the three countries to cooperate with advisories over the virus issued by their host countries, the notice offered emergency contacts.
The contacts are +33156622525 and +33658372954. The citizens can also contact the embassy through Whatsapp (+254708243232) as well as the institution's Facebook page.
The embassy made the announcement days after President Uhuru Kenyatta, On Sunday, March 15 issued a directive blocking the entry of foreigners from Covid-19-hit countries into Kenya except for citizens.
"As a result of this we are going to implement the following measures: Only Kenyan citizens and foreigners with valid resident permits will be allowed to come into the country provided they proceed on self-quarantine or in a government quarantine facility," announced Uhuru.
France alone has recorded 148 deaths from the virus with over 6,000 infected with Covid-19. Only 12 people had recovered from the disease according to data provided by Worldometer.
Worldwide, over 7,000 deaths have been recorded with 183,000 others infected.
