Kenya: Authorities issue updated entry/exit requirements, travelers to present digitally-verified negative COVID-19 test /update 16

Authorities in Kenya update entry and exit restrictions as of Jan. 11; travelers to present digitally-verified negative COVID-19 test.

Event

Authorities in Kenya have updated entry and exit requirements. As of Jan. 11 all travelers to Kenya must present a negative coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test verified through the Trusted Travel Initiative or Global Haven partnership. Travelers leaving Kenya are required to present a negative COVID-19 certificate verified by the Trusted Travel Initiative and the PanaBios system.

Various domestic and international restrictions aimed to curb the spread of COVID-19 are in effect through March 12.

Domestic Measures

A nationwide curfew is in effect 2200-0400. Persons violating the curfew could be arrested and placed in a 14-day quarantine.
All public events and gatherings, including political events, are banned for 60 days. Funerals, burials, and weddings are exempted but must not exceed 150 persons.
Religious services may take place.
Public transport is limited to 60-percent capacity.
Protective face coverings must be worn in public areas, including in private vehicles and while using public transportation.
Schools will reopen Jan. 4. Strict health measures will be imposed.
Bars, restaurants, and other establishments open to the public must close at 2100 daily.

International Travel

Domestic and international flights are ongoing.
Land borders are open to commercial cargo.
Travelers from most states are exempt from quarantine upon arrival.
Travelers will be permitted to enter if they are in possession of the aforementioned negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no later than 96 hours prior to travel and are not showing COVID-19 symptoms. Persons displaying symptoms or in close proximity to persons who showed symptoms may be requested, upon arrival, to quarantine for 14 days.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Context

The measures taken by Kenyan authorities are similar to those actions taken by other governments globally in response to the spread of COVID-19, a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements, including required in-country quarantine requirements, before travel. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.