Kenya drops COVID-19 travel restrictions for travellers

This follows a review of COVID-19 travel restrictions in Kenya by the Ministry of Health in line with guidance from the World Health Organization.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, in a letter to her Foreign Affairs counterpart Dr. Alfred Mutua, noted that Kenya has over the last three months noted a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and a drop in the overall positivity rate from a weekly average of 2.5 per cent in mid-January 2023 to a weekly average of 0.5 per cent as at the week ending  April 30, 2023.

"The risk of transmission of the disease, therefore, remains relatively low.

"In view of the above, and in keeping with guidance from World Health Organization, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with regard to de-escalation of containment measures, and the insights from analysis and monitoring of the pandemic in Kenya, the Ministry of Health has recommended a revision of containment measures including the lifting of the requirement to provide proof of vaccination or PCR testing for travellers into the country," reads the letter.

The Health CS further noted that only travellers arriving at any port of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be expected to fill out the passenger locator form on the 'Jitenge' platform. 

"They will also be required to take a COVID-I9 antigen test upon arrival at their own cost. Those who turn positive for Antigen testing will be required to take a further COVID-19 PCR test at their own cost," said the CS.

She added: "Those with severe symptoms shall thereafter be allowed isolate as per the prevailing isolation requirements for mild, moderate and severe disease."

Truck drivers entering the country will also not be required to have proof of COVID-19 PCR test or vaccination at the points of entry.

The Health CS added that for persons travelling out of the country, they will be required to abide by the travel requirements of the destination country.