This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
On June 24, 2020, the Kenyan tourism sector introduced new health and safety protocols to ensure a safe experience for visitors and service providers.
The Magical Kenya Tourism Health and Safety Protocols, which will be adopted once hotels have conformed with Ministry of Health measures, require tourism facilities to establish and maintain documented lists of emergency contacts, reporting systems, and evacuation procedures for any health-related incidents.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala stated that the main objective of the protocols is to inculcate institutional operational and staff preparedness, ensuring service provision meets World Health Organization guidelines and Kenya's Ministry of Health measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
According to the new protocols, tourism facilities staff must have valid COVID-19-free certification for core staff, not more than 14 days old, from a government-approved facility. Staff must also maintain physical distance of 1.5 meters apart from guests at all times and provide guests with appropriate personal protective equipment.
Additionally, the protocols require tourism facilities to institute a Food Safety Management System to prevent contamination to clients, staff, and supply chain workers. A designated health, safety, and hygiene officer or team must be appointed to conduct risk assessments and monitor compliance with standard operating procedures.
