This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
Kenya's aviation industry has undergone significant changes since the Covid-19 pandemic. Just five months ago, traveling by air was a relatively straightforward process. However, with the pandemic's spread, new guidelines have been put in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Maureen Muthaura, a recruitment expert, was one of the first Kenyans to experience flying under the new guidelines. She recently traveled from Indonesia to Kenya via Dubai, and shared her experience with us.
According to Muthaura, passengers are required to present a negative polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) test certificate, obtained 96 hours before travel. This certificate is mandatory for boarding, and passengers must also undergo temperature checks before being allowed to disembark.
On her flight, Muthaura noted that all flight attendants wore masks and personal protective equipment, and that passengers were provided with kits containing hand sanitizer, rubber gloves, and masks. However, social distancing protocols were not strictly enforced, with passengers allowed to sit close to one another.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has stated that this approach is safe, as all passengers are Covid-19 negative. The company is working with the industry to implement multiple protective measures for air travel.
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, passengers are required to log in their health details to the Ministry of Health's website. The airport then produces a generated code, which is used for confirmation upon disembarkation.
Maureen Muthaura noted that the check-out process at the airport was lengthy, taking around four hours. Only 30 people were allowed to disembark at a time, and passengers were required to undergo temperature checks.
However, there is no clear protocol on whether passengers should self-quarantine after leaving the airport. The Kenyan government has implemented strict guidelines for international flights, in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the resumption of domestic flights in July, in an effort to revive the economy. Local air travel resumed on July 15, with regular inspections conducted at airports to ensure preparedness.
Cargo flights have continued to operate, supplying goods to sustain demand during the pandemic.
