Kenya Seeks Review of Travel Restrictions by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

The Director General for Political Affairs, Amb. Josephat Maikara, and Amb. Dennis Mburu, Deputy DG for Africa Affairs, along with Mr. Sora Katelo, Director of the Middle East Directorate, met with H.E. Saad Abdullah Al Nofaia, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Kenya, and Mr. Sami Talal Alenezi, Chargé d'Affaires of the State of Kuwait to Kenya, to discuss the recent travel restrictions imposed on travellers from Kenya.

While affirming the strong ties between Kenya and both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait, the Director General expressed Kenya's concern over the decision to suspend arrivals, particularly given Kenya's compliance with the respective guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). He further noted that, through prompt efforts, Kenya has successfully contained the outbreak, with no new cases reported since 19th October 2026. In light of this, the Director General indicated that Kenya requests a review and lifting of the restrictions.

H.E. the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Chargé d'Affaires of the State of Kuwait agreed to convey the concerns of the Republic of Kenya to their respective governments and coordinate technical meetings between their health authorities and Kenya's Ministry of Health, with a view to reviewing the suspension.