The travel ban imposed on Kenya by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently being reviewed following pleas by the Kenyan government.
This has been confirmed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale who today appeared by the National Assemblies Health Committee.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affair has got in touch with the Saudi government, and we might get a positive review.” Duale has said.
The Kingdom of Saudi announced the travel ban following cases of Ebola in the country with infections currently standing at 9.
Two people have lost their lives while 52 people who are suspected to have come into contact with infected persons are in quarantine.
“I have spoken with the Minister for Health for The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The World Health Organization has spoken for us. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has spoken for us.” The Cabinet Secretary has added.
The C.S has reiterated the stand by the WHO discouraging the closure of borders and imposing travel restrictions.
“We need to make sure we put infrastructure to detect, contain and do surveillance not restricting travel.” He has said.
The travel restriction by Saudi Arabia has officially taken affect with over 350 Kenyans who had travelled there for employment being forced to return home after authorities denied them entry over concerns linked to the Ebola.
The workers arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at around 1:30pm on yesterday, November 2, after being turned away despite holding valid work visas.
The travellers reportedly spent four days stranded at Sharjah Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as arrangements were made for their return to Kenya.
Apart from Saudi Arabia, The U.S government has given travel advisory to its citizens against travelling to Kenya.
