Uhuru suspends non-essential international travel by Gov’t officials

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday suspended all non-essential international travel by government officials due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Head of State, speaking after receiving the initial report of the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus, also suspended international conferences, meetings and events scheduled to take place in Kenya for 30 days.

As part of prevention measures, President Kenyatta also directed that all returning Kenyans and other visitors from high risk areas should self quarantine for not less than 14 continuous days as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“His Excellency the President directed the necessary review and adjustment of budgets towards prevention and management response actions, and to cushion the economy against the negative effects of the pandemic,” read a statement from State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena.

“As part of the continuous messaging on safe hygiene, all educational institutions are directed to ensure that safe hygiene is practiced and enforced daily, especially the washing of hands with soap and water.”

The Committee informed the President that as of Thursday, Kenya had not registered any case of the coronavirus and remains vigilant in monitoring and screening of all persons entering Kenya by different modes of transport.

The President was also briefed on the level of preparedness by both the National and County Governments in line with Executive Order issued on February 28, 2020.

These include an isolation and treatment capacity at the Mbagathi Hospital which is now ready for use as well as provision of backup capacity at Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital and the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Training and sensitization of healthcare workers, service providers in the transport sector including matatu crews, taxis, security personnel, airport and border staff is also reportedly ongoing.