This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread globally, Kenyans stranded in China are facing a new challenge: affording their trips back home.
According to a recent report, some Kenyans are contemplating not signing up for flights to Nairobi because they are financially limping and cannot afford basic needs such as food and shelter.
One such individual is Mr Bernard Mwangi, a Kenyan who travelled to Beijing with big dreams of making it in business. However, he was kicked out of an apartment and is now living with a well-wisher.
Mr Mwangi told the Nation that he is currently putting up with a Nigerian friend who found him stranded at a bus station.
"I want to come home. I have signed up to be evacuated, but I cannot afford the plane ticket," he said.
The government's directive that evacuees pay for their air tickets and quarantine bills upon landing in Nairobi has added to their financial woes.
"If the government still insists that those who wish to be evacuated do so at their own cost, I’ve no option but to stay here," Mr Mwangi added.
Left to their own devices, Kenyans dreaming to come home from China have started fundraising for tickets. The fundraiser, dubbed Tuma Fare Initiative, has been organised by eight Kenyans who have since set up a paybill account.
"I believe many people want to go back but the money is a big issue. Not everyone was prepared for the abrupt lockdown, which has extended for this long," said one of the posts in a common group for Kenyans living in China.
The Kenyans in China Organisation (Kico), a lobby group, now wants President Kenyatta to come to the rescue of stranded citizens.
"They let politicians, civil servants steal billions of cash. A few millions to exempt these hardworking Kenyans who have helped the economy by remitting funds from overseas won’t hurt," said a Kico official who requested anonymity.
