30 Kenyans abroad have died from Covid-19, 193 infected - KBC

At least 30 Kenyans living abroad have so far died from Covid-19.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo on Wednesday told Senators that 193 Kenyans living in France, Italy, Sweden and South Africa have tested positive for the virus though 78 of them have recovered.

Omamo said currently 88 Kenyans are hospitalised in various health facilities but the numbers may rise. Four patients are critical.

Omamo in a virtual meeting with the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Covid-19 situation in the world said her ministry is closely monitoring all Kenyans living abroad.

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United Kingdom

So far 744 Kenyans have been repatriated back home. Kenyans stranded in the United Kingdom have been given second chance to return home after another flight was announced.

The ministry through its Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau said only those who were willing to return to the country were airlifted but the majority opted to continue with their ventures in respective countries.

Kenyan High Commissioner to United Kingdom Manoah Esipisu announced that a second flight from London has been availed to take off on Friday, May 15.

The Kenya Airways flight was arranged through discussions between the governments of Kenya and the United Kingdom.

Kamau said the government has and will continue to facilitate stranded Kenyans willing to return home.

“So far we have facilitated 700 Kenyans. We expect more to trickle in over the next weeks as we find means and ways of facilitating their return. Many Kenyans around the world are recognizing that it is important they stay where they are. They are best advised to remain where they are domiciled when it comes to Kenyan diaspora” he said.

Passengers are required to undertake Covid-19 tests from any accredited laboratory and certification issued at least seven days before travel.

Upon arrival, they will be quarantined at their own cost.

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