Kenya Removes Mandatory Quarantine Requirement for Travelers Arriving from Abroad

Travelers arriving in Kenya from abroad will no longer be subjected to mandatory quarantine over Covid-19, Transport CS James Macharia has said.

On Wednesday, Macharia told reporters that this will apply to passengers and tourists who do not show any signs of contagious illness on arrival in the country.

The move is aimed at encouraging foreigners to visit Kenya in order to boost tourism, one of the sectors that have been hard-hit by the pandemic.

Arrivers who show any symptoms of coronavirus, including body temperatures above 37.5 degrees Celsius, a persistent cough, difficulty in breathing and other flu-like signs will be quarantined.

“Where there is a suspected case of COVID-19 on the flight, the crew shall be quarantined at home. If they test negative for COVID-19, they shall be allowed to resume normal duties. Where layovers are necessary, crew members shall not be allowed to leave their hotel rooms, except in cases of emergency,” said Macharia.

“When there is a suspected case of COVID-19 on the flight or if the symptoms are detected, the passengers within two rows of the passenger with the symptoms shall be tested. If they test negative, they shall be allowed to leave the airport. If they test positive, they shall be quarantined in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines.”

CS Macharia spoke a day after President Kenyatta announced that domestic and international flights will resume on July 15th, 2020, and August 1st respectively.

“A number of airlines have confirmed that they will resume providing local air passenger transport services to various destinations across Kenya once the airspace is opened on July 15,” noted Macharia.

“These airlines include Kenya Airways, JamboJet, Aim Air, Boskovic Air, and Scenic Safaris. We shall get a lot more airlines coming forward because this is something Kenyans have been looking forward to.”