In the last few hours in Kenya we are witnessing a political tug-of-war between government ministers. Reason for the dispute: the quarantine regime to be enforced or not to be enforced by tourists arriving in the country from next August 1, date of reopening of air borders announced last July 6 by President Kenyatta.
In recent days the Minister of Transport James Macharia has produced the protocol for his sector, which includes the rules conforming to the so-called "phase 2" of the Covid-19 emergency.
Among these there is also the cessation of compulsory quarantine for those who will enter the country for tourism.
Great satisfaction expressed for the decision also by his colleague of Tourism Najib Balala, who in a video recalled that to enter the country, it will be enough to show a certificate of Covid-19 Free issued by the country of departure of the flight that will arrive in Kenya.
All decided, then?
No way... or at least today it doesn't seem so. Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe, who certainly has the pulse of the situation and who is part of the ranks of those who would not even reopen the counties, during yesterday's press conference in Mombasa to update the data of contagions, deaths and healings in the country, confirmed the need to produce a Covid-19 Free certificate in his own country before boarding a flight to Kenya as final destination, but also reiterated the need to isolate tourists on arrival for 14 days, as reported by the main national media.
A decision of this kind, if taken in defiance of the protocol and the assurances of the Minister of Tourism, would in fact zero international tourism in the month of August, as most travellers do not stay for periods of much longer than two weeks and certainly do not intend to spend them in isolation, not even in the facility they have booked or in a private home.
We hope for a positive update as soon as possible.