This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
Kenya is set to reopen its borders to international travel on August 1, 2020, but with a catch: travelers may be required to produce Covid-free certificates or undergo mandatory quarantine.
According to Government Spokesman Col. (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, the National Emergency Response Committee (NERC) is considering various options for handling international travelers when the country reopens its borders.
Speaking in Hola Town, Tana River County, Col. Oguna noted that the government may rescind its decision to reopen airports if new outbreaks of Covid-19 emerge in the countries of origin.
“Although a decision has already been made on the resumption of international air travel, it is not a surprise if the committee decides to rescind that decision depending on the situation at that time,” he said.
On July 6, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the government would re-open local air travel on July 15, 2020 and re-open the country for international travel on August 1, 2020.
Col. Oguna emphasized the importance of adhering to COVID protocols and regulations, urging citizens to observe all precautions to avoid tougher measures.
Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana, however, expressed confidence in the county's preparedness, stating that they had 100 Covid-19 beds and were expecting another 200 by the end of the week.
