Saudi Arabia suspended travel by its citizens to Kenya and halted all visa categories for travellers from Kenya over Ebola concerns.
Kenya’s response came Oct 31.Kenya’s Ministry of Health has challenged Saudi Arabia’s decision, calling the measures excessive and not backed by science.
In a statement signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the Ministry said it had noted “with concern the extreme measures” taken by the Kingdom.
Duale argued Kenya has contained the outbreak within a single cluster linked to an imported index case, with no evidence of community transmission.
The travel ban also bars entry to anyone who was in Kenya within the previous 21 days, even if transiting through another country.
“What we require from the international community is support and collaboration, not condemnation, not travel restrictions and certainly not isolation,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs will continue engaging Riyadh and has asked Saudi Arabia to submit its justification to WHO within 48 hours.
