Kenya has formally protested Israel’s decision to impose travel restrictions on travellers from the country over concerns linked to Ebola, with the government insisting that no cases of the disease have been recorded within its borders.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing’Oei expressed concern over the move, describing it as unjustified given Kenya’s public health record and its active role in regional disease surveillance efforts.
In a statement issued on Monday, Sing’Oei said Kenya has conducted more than 80,000 Ebola tests and has not confirmed a single case of the virus. He noted that the country has continued to work closely with regional and international health partners to strengthen monitoring and response systems aimed at preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
According to the PS, Kenya has been at the forefront of supporting surveillance and preparedness measures across the region, making the restrictions particularly disappointing from the government’s perspective.
The protest follows a directive issued by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority on June 10, which introduced new travel restrictions targeting several countries over Ebola-related concerns. The affected countries include Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Under the directive, airlines have been instructed not to allow foreign nationals travelling from, or who have recently visited, the listed countries to board flights destined for Israel. The restrictions also apply to travellers who have been in any of the affected countries within the previous 21 days.
Israeli authorities further directed airlines to verify passengers’ travel history before departure and deny boarding to those who fall within the restricted category. However, the measures do not apply to Israeli citizens or residents.
The decision comes at a time when several countries are heightening surveillance and precautionary measures following Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Africa. Health authorities globally remain on alert as governments seek to prevent cross-border transmission of the disease.
Despite the restrictions, Kenyan authorities maintain that the country’s surveillance systems remain robust and effective. The government says it has continued to invest in testing, screening and regional coordination efforts to ensure any potential threats are detected and managed promptly.
The latest diplomatic protest highlights growing concerns over how countries respond to public health threats and the impact such measures can have on travel, trade and international relations.
As discussions continue, Kenya remains firm that its record of extensive testing and zero confirmed Ebola cases should be taken into account when assessing travel policies affecting its citizens.
