Kenyan nationals return back home amid COVID-19 crisis

Kenya has been making headlines this past week with almost 500 Kenyan nationals flown back home at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Many of these individuals were stranded in various countries after the Kenyan government banned incoming flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government stepped in to ensure that these citizens who found themselves in challenging situations abroad, with some running out of funds and resources, were able to return home. Notably, these returnees had to pay for their own flights, providing some much-needed revenue for Kenya Airways. The returnees are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Kenya to ensure they are healthy and not carrying the virus. While the government initially indicated it would cover the cost of quarantine, there have been reports of returnees being asked to pay upfront, highlighting ongoing issues with the quarantine process. Despite this, it is unlikely that the opportunity for stranded Kenyans to return home will be extended further due to concerns about potentially increasing the spread of the virus. The government remains cautious, particularly given the situation in countries like the USA, where cases are still rising. Moving forward, clarity is needed on how quarantine costs will be managed for returnees to avoid any confusion or issues. Shifting focus to another significant development, Kenya has launched a new direct Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) cargo freight line from Mombasa to Naivasha. This initiative aims to boost the movement of goods and decongest the port of Mombasa, particularly crucial during the coronavirus pandemic. The establishment of Naivasha as an inland container depot for cargo destined for neighboring countries like Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, and South Sudan will help reduce interactions at the port of Mombasa where cases of COVID-19 have been reported. By diverting cargo to Naivasha, the government hopes to minimize the spread of the virus among port workers and truck drivers, ensuring a safer and more efficient process for handling goods. Naivasha's strategic location, 120 kilometers from Nairobi, offers an ideal solution for handling cargo and promoting regional trade. Furthermore, by providing neighboring countries like Rwanda and South Sudan with the opportunity to establish their own dry ports in Naivasha, Kenya is fostering better regional connectivity and trade relations. This move is expected to streamline cargo operations, boost revenue collection, and facilitate smoother transportation of goods to and from Kenya. With the COVID-19 crisis highlighting the importance of efficient logistics and trade networks, the new SGR cargo freight line to Naivasha represents a significant step towards economic recovery and resilience in the region.