The Kenyan public was angered when the government announced that 239 passengers, who arrived in Nairobi aboard a China Southern flight, were cleared of coronavirus and advised to self-quarantine.
It has been weeks since the Corona Virus was declared a threat and many have been advised to do everything to avoid contracting the deadly virus. With many countries cutting off flights from China, where the virus originated, Kenya still allows flights from the Asian country.
This was what angered Kenyans who took to social media to criticize the government for doing so. To the many Kenyans, the government did not care about the risks that are associated with allowing flights from China to land at JKIA.
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From the look of things, the government has turned deaf on Kenyans’ complaints as more flights from China are expected at the JKIA. The Chinese Embassy has told Kenyans to brace for more flights from the Asian country.
At the same time, the embassy has assured Kenyans of China’s commitment to preventing the spread of the Corona Virus in Kenya. To show its commitment, China has indicated that flights from Guangzhou to Nairobi had been reduced from three to only one flight per week until March 25, 2020.
“The Airlines will notify the Ministry of Health in advance and all passengers will have to undergo screening and clearance,” a statement from the embassy reads in part.
The Asian country has also promised to bring in more experts to JKIA to assist in the screening process of passengers arriving from China. Furthermore, the embassy insisted that Chinese citizens who will be visiting Kenya had been briefed on how they would ensure they handle themselves especially in the period of self-quarantine.
“The embassy will send officials to the airport for assistance, and before the arrival of the flight, the embassy reminded all Chinese companies and diaspora groups in Kenya of the 14-day self-quarantine requirements,” read the statement.
The embassy further requested Chinese nationals entering Kenya to co-operate with the Ministry of Health and strictly isolate themselves.
Ministry of Health Allowed the Flights
President Uhuru Kenyatta had earlier assured Kenyans that there will be no direct flights from Guangzhou landing at JKIA. Kenya Airways acting CEO Alan Kilavuka confirmed the ban citing the losses the airline has made ever since the flights were banned.
However, the Ministry of Health on Wednesday confirmed the resumption of the airline’s flights. This was after there was an uproar on Twitter concerning the flight that landed at JKIA.
Reportedly, the plane was almost made to turn back after officials at JKIA refused to clear the passengers. The Ministry of Health had to step in to clarify that the plane had been allowed to land in Nairobi.
Other airliners originating from China have reportedly been allowed to land at JKIA weeks after Kenya Airways suspended its flights on the route over the risk of importing the virus.
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