Govt Takes Action After Kenyans in China Spend Nights in Streets

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo
Former Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo at Kenya School of Government (KSG), Lower Kabete in Kiambu For a Consultative Devolution meeting. Thursday, February 20, 2020
Simon Kiragu

The Government has taken action after a report that Kenyans and other Africans have been forced to live in the streets after they were evicted from their houses in China following claims that they are Covid-19 positive.

In a press statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government stated that it had raised the complaint with Beijing over the issue.

Additionally, the Ministry informed that it was working with the Chinese authorities to tackle the matter expeditiously.

Africans stranded in a Chinese street in China in April 2020
Africans stranded in a Chinese street in China in April 2020
File

"The Ministry's attention has been drawn to information concerning the situation of some Kenyan nationals in China specifically with regard to a recent decision by the Government of China to undertake stringent testing of foreigners and Chinese nationals alike, to forestall imported and asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 in Guangzhou and other areas of China.

"Unfortunately, these measures have in some instances precipitated unfair responses against foreigners particularly of African origin, from some members of the local community in Guangzhou, especially landlords," read the statement in part.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry asserted that it had received assurances that the Government of China had taken the matter seriously.

In addition, the Ministry stated that the local authorities in Guangzhou have been tasked to take immediate action to safeguard the legitimate rights of the Africans concerned.  

"In view of this commitment and cooperation, we expect an early and comprehensive resolution of this matter to the benefit of Kenyan nationals in China," read an excerpt of the statement.

In conclusion, the Foreign Affairs Ministry assured that the Embassy in China remained available to attend to any challenges by Kenyans in the Country.

All Kenyans in China are therefore encouraged to remain in touch with the Embassy either directly or through their Kenyan community leaders," read the statement.

Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo and Defence CS Monica Juma during the Hand Over Ceremony at Defence Headquarters on Thursday 23rd January 2020.
Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo and Defence CS Monica Juma during the Hand Over Ceremony at Defence Headquarters on Thursday 23rd January 2020.
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