This archive report was first published on 7 October 2021.
On October 11, 2021, the UK government made a significant announcement, removing 47 countries, including Kenya, from its red list. This move has far-reaching implications for tourism and business activities between the two territories.
According to Kenya's High Commissioner to the UK, Manoah Esipisu, the decision will be a significant boost to tourism and business travel. In a tweet, Esipisu expressed his excitement, saying, 'Great news. From Monday, people fully vaccinated in Kenya can travel to the UK without having to quarantine. Boost to tourism and business travel ahead of #COP26Glasgow.'
However, seven countries, including Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela, will remain on the list. The UK Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, attributed the announcement to increased vaccination efforts around the world.
Shapps emphasized the importance of restoring people's confidence in travel, saying, 'Restoring people's confidence in travel is key to rebuilding our economy and levelling up this country. With less restrictions and more people traveling, we can all continue to move safely forward together along our pathway to recovery.'
British High Commissioner to Kenya, Jane Mariott, expressed her delight at the decision, saying, 'Delighted people vaccinated in Kenya will be able to travel to the UK without quarantine, or taking a COVID test before departure. Great news for our peoples, business, and tourism after tough 18 months.'
