Kenya's neighbors are announcing nine cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in their nation, and Nairobi is starting to worry. It is not so much the seriousness of the health situation that has put the Kenyan government on alert, but rather the fear that the emergence of cases of the South African strain of the virus could influence the decision of foreign states such as the USA, Great Britain and the rest of Europe regarding a possible closure of borders with African countries that have the Omicron variant.
The World Health Organization has neither confirmed nor denied the statements of the president of the South African Medical Association Angelique Coetzee, discoverer of the variant, according to which, despite being very infectious, it would not be as dangerous as the previous ones, however, the state of emergency that in the West coincides with the winter season has advised many nations to close to countries where it has been found, which for now are nine, of which only one, Hong Kong, is not part of the African continent.
The Kenyan Ministry of Health, through the voice of its number one Mutahi Kagwe, announced in recent days that there will be more effective control measures at the country's ports of entry, while President Uhuru Kenyatta reiterated that it is not Kenya's intention to close the borders to anyone, because thanks to the action of his government, Covid-19 is no longer so widespread and intensive care units are virtually empty. However, it would be wrong to lower the guard and at the same time continue to try to convince the reluctant to vaccinate.
As for travelers from abroad, by December 21 they will have to bring with them the certification of vaccination and it is not certain that from January the vaccination passport will also serve to use some domestic services, such as air travel and ground transportation.
The other national fear belongs to the tourism sector that would not want more restrictions for Christmas.
Minister Kagwe two days ago asked his citizens to vaccinate and follow the protocols still in place (masks and social distancing) otherwise he will be forced to rethink new restrictions. "We don't want another lockdown," he said, cautioning his countrymen.