Health Alert for U.S. Citizens March 16, 2020
Location: Kenya
Event: The government of Kenya has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
On March 15, the Kenya Ministry of Health announced three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nairobi.
On March 15, President Kenyatta released a directive regarding the potential for COVID-19 in Kenya. The government of Kenya released the following guidance effective March 17 and will remain in effect for the next 30 days:
- The government of Kenya is suspending travel for all persons coming into Kenya from any country with reported Coronavirus cases.
- Only Kenyan citizens, and any foreigners with valid residence permits, will be allowed to enter the country provided they self-quarantine or quarantine in a government-designated facility.
- All persons who have come into Kenya in the last 14 days must self-quarantine. If any person exhibits symptoms such as cough or fever they should present themselves to the nearest health facility for testing.
A full transcript of the directive is available on the Kenya Ministry of Health website.
The government has implemented quarantines in Kenya. Transportation to or from Kenya, and public services including schools and government offices are restricted or closed. Private companies – including hotels, apartment buildings, or supermarkets – have restricted access.
Effective Wednesday, March 18th, personal travel for U.S. government personnel will be limited to a 2-hour driving radius from their residence (Nairobi, Kisumu or Kericho). Personal travel by train or airplane in Kenya will also be restricted until further notice.
Actions to Take:
- Visit the Kenyan Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 website for updated information.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Kenya
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya
United Nations Avenue
Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
+254 (0) 20 363 6451
+254 (0) 20 363 6000 (after hours)
kenya_acs@state.gov
- https://ke.usembassy.gov/embassy/nairobi/
- State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Kenya Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @USEmbassyKenya and @CDCKenya