No plans to ban entry into Kenya over new COVID-19 variant, PS Mochache says

Speaking on Sunday in Kisii, the PS said the government has intensified surveillance at the entry points to the country and all persons will be screened and show proof that they have been vaccinated.

Mochache urged Kenyans to continue observing the MoH guidelines on combating the spread of the disease, so that the country can remain open to allow economic recovery, especially in this festive season when the tourism industry is expected to pick up.

“We cannot continue with an economic depression because of COVID-19. Families must continue to interact and people must continue to move,” stated the PS.

Ministry of Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth on Friday said all passengers travelling to Kenya from Botswana, South Africa and Hong Kong will be subjected to enhanced COVID-19 surveillance measures amid reports of a new variant in the said countries.

"Whilst passenger traffic may not be as significant from neighbouring Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe, enhanced surveillance protocols like quarantine and repeat testing will be applied to all passengers from all countries reporting the new variant," added Dr. Amoth.

The new variant christened B.1.1.529 carries 32 mutations which makes it highly transmissible and with potential for vaccine escape.

Meanwhile the United Kingdom has banned flights from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe. 

UK's Health Minister Sajid Javid said all six countries will be added to the red list, meaning UK residents and British and Irish nationals arriving home from those points of departure must undergo a 10-day hotel quarantine at their own expense.