This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
Stranded Kenyans in China Face Financial Woes Amid Covid-19 Pandemic ¶
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread globally, Kenyans stranded in China are facing a new challenge: affording their air tickets back home.
According to a recent report, some Kenyans are contemplating not signing up for flights to Nairobi due to financial constraints, with many struggling to afford basic needs such as food and shelter.
One such individual is Mr. Bernard Mwangi, a Kenyan who traveled to Beijing with big dreams of making it in business. However, after being kicked out of an apartment, he is now living with a well-wisher.
"I want to come home. I have signed up to be evacuated, but I cannot afford the plane ticket," Mr. Mwangi told the Nation.
The government's directive that Kenyans 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.
As a result, some Kenyans have started fundraising for tickets, with the Tuma Fare Initiative being organized by eight Kenyans who have 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' flight home has also been complicated after it emerged that China will only allow people to leave after they have been placed on a 14-day quarantine at their own cost.
"Once these Kenyans arrive in Kenya, they will have to be quarantined. Why do they need to be subjected to another 14-day quarantine? Most Kenyans who will arrive will be broke as hell. How do you expect them to pay?" a Kico official asked.
Yesterday, Kenyans living in the southern city of Guangzhou in Guangdong Province accused the Kenyan embassy in Beijing of leaking their personal information to Chinese authorities.
"A list that had been compiled of Kenyans who wanted to leave China and had sought help from the embassy. Can you believe that?" a Kico official said.
