This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to affect countries worldwide, the Kenya High Commission in London has taken steps to evacuate Kenyans stranded in the United Kingdom. The commission, headed by Manoah Esipisu, has arranged a second flight to Nairobi, scheduled to depart from Heathrow Airport on Friday, May 15, 2020.
According to a statement by the UK mission, the Kenya Airways chartered flight has been loaded onto the booking system and is available for sale on a first-come-first-served basis. The flight was arranged through the Kenyan and UK governments.
However, the government has clarified that the evacuees will be responsible for covering their own costs. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, they will undergo a mandatory 14-28 day quarantine as part of measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The government has stated that passengers will bear the costs of quarantine, contrary to earlier announcements that quarantine fees would be waived.
It is worth noting that the government had previously announced that it would bear the cost of targeted testing and quarantine for those arriving from abroad. The latest development has left some Kenyans in the UK uncertain about their next steps.
Despite the challenges, the Kenya High Commission in London remains committed to assisting Kenyans stranded in the UK. The commission has urged Kenyans in the UK to register with the mission before Friday to book a slot in the Kenya Airways chartered flight.
