By Kevin Koech
Kenya has responded to UK’s decision to add the country to the ‘red list’ on travel ban.
Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya retaliated by enforcing measures on travelers coming from the UK.
“All passengers originating from or transiting through UK airports will now be required to go through mandatory 14-day isolation at a government-designated facility at their own cost upon entry into Kenya,” stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While in isolation, travellers would be subject to take two PCR COVID-19 tests, on day 2 and day 8 of their quarantine, at their own cost.
Kenyan nationals living in the UK or transiting through UK airports into Kenya were, however, exempted from this process
The government further stated that the decision by the United Kingdom would have consequences on Kenya-UK trade, travel, tourism and security co-operation.
Kenya also claimed to have remained in constant contact with the UK Government throughout the pandemic.
“Kenya believes that it is only through solidarity and collaborative partnership in responding to the crisis, that this pandemic can be brought to a close and new normal be allowed to emerge in its wake,” read the press statement.
On Friday, April 2, UK banned people travelling from Kenya from entering England starting April 9 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Travellers, who have departed from or transited through Kenya, the Philippines, Pakistan and Bangladesh in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into England.
Only British and Irish citizens or residents will be allowed to enter the country from these nations from 4am on Friday April 9.
They will be required to arrive into a designated port.
“Of the average of 550 people that travel from Kenya to the UK each week, a significant number are testing positive on Day 2. Nearly a third of those positive have been carrying the B.1.351 variant, which originated in South Africa,” said the UK government.
