Kenya has made it clear that there are no immediate plans to ban international flights following the detection of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
This was announced by Health Principal Secretary, Susan Mochache, who also confirmed that the country has responded to the discovery of the new variant by increasing surveillance and security across all entry points into Kenya.
“We will not stop international flights. But we are monitoring all people travelling from countries that have reported several cases of the new variant to ensure that our people are safe,'' Mochache stated.
“The government is keen on ensuring that economic activities are not affected. That is why we are not supporting the reintroduction of tough containment measures,” she continued, emphasising that the government was keen on ensuring that economic activities were not affected, while also prioritising the safety of everyone in Kenya.
“Let us ignore the propaganda and take the vaccine,” Mochache said, encouraging the wearing of face masks, social distancing and observing hygiene protocols.
There are currently no reported cases of the Omicron variant having been discovered in Kenya.
Kenya Airways in Johannesburg has told Travel News that there have been changes to Kenya’s entry requirements for travellers departing from South Africa and travelling to Kenya.
All travellers travelling from South Africa to Kenya, with the exception of returning Kenya residents and holders of Kenyan or Tanzanian passports, must have a valid vaccination certificate.
South African passengers are required to print their COVID-19 vaccination certificates from the following website and have this on hand for verification: https://vaccine.certificate.health.gov.za/
Passengers are also advised to keep their physical vaccination card with them.
All passengers, without exception, must have a negative PCR test result, taken in the 72 hours before departure, from a test taken in South Africa only. The Kenyan Health Ministry has made it clear that no exceptions will be made in this regard.
