Chinese Cargo Planes, Ships to Be Allowed in Kenya

A photo of a plane mid-air
A plane flying above the clouds

The Government of Kenya has announced that cargo planes and ships will continue to fly in and outside the country despite the spread of coronavirus.

Speaking during a press release on Tuesday, March 17, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe disclosed that Kenya and China had agreed to fly cargo ships and planes to supply goods into the country in an attempt to avert economic collapse.

He, however, clarified that all the staff who will accompany the cargo must be disinfected before leaving the country and quarantined on landing.

"There is Coronavirus, and after Coronavirus there will still be Kenya. In order for us not to suffer extreme economic losses, we have considered and found ways of ensuring that cargo vessels, cargo aircraft, and ships can come into the country provided they are disinfected at the point of departure and crew quarantined on arrival

Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addresses the media from the Mbagathi District Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addresses the media from the Mbagathi District Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Simon Kiragu
KENYANS.CO.KE

"Following the discussion we have had with China authorities including the Chinese Ambassador, for instance, we have come to see how as they restart their factories, we are also able to start moving goods and services, no people.

"We have advised KPA (Kenya Ports Authority) to let our ships in High Seas to dock at the port. Goods can continue coming in but we definitely have terms for quarantine," Kagwe stated in part.

During the address, Kagwe also pointed out that all travellers into Kenya (citizens, diplomats, residents, UN staff) to swear a legal document that they will observe quarantine rules.

"As you realise, Kenya is the host of the second-largest United Nations Mission in the world. Therefore, in order for the UN mission to continue operating, diplomats travelling to the UN and family members of residents in Kenya or if you are Kenyan, your children can come to you provided they follow the measures and quarantine," he continued.

President Uhuru Kenyatta had, 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.

The directive had caused anxiety in the private sector with many traders missing out on goods to supply after imports dropped drastically.