What's next for Kenya, UK after travel ban?

Last week, the United Kingdom issued a travel ban on travellers from Kenya, except for UK nationals, citing concerns over faulty COVID-19 certifications in Kenya. In retaliation, Kenya Airways suspended passenger flights between the two countries. To shed light on the implications of this ban, economist Odem Bora Moghi discussed the potential fallout on cargo transportation and the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Kenya and the UK. The UK and Kenya share a deep historical connection, with the UK being the former colonial master of Kenya. This relationship extends to various sectors including governance, education, and employment. UK-based companies are major employers in Kenya, with interests in industries such as mining and exports. The ties between the two countries were further strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic when Kenya exported flowers to UK hospitals, showcasing a sense of solidarity and cooperation. In terms of trade, the UK's exit from the European Union has prompted them to seek stronger partnerships with Commonwealth countries like Kenya. Both countries recently signed a trade agreement aimed at fostering economic cooperation. However, the recent travel ban due to the third wave of the pandemic has strained this relationship. The UK's decision to blacklist Kenya and impose quarantine measures on travellers has triggered a reciprocal response from Kenya, leading to a halt in passenger flights between the two nations. One contentious issue in the ban is the alleged link between the UK variant of the coronavirus and a military base in Kenya. It is claimed that the UK variant entered the country through soldiers stationed at the base, causing confusion and frustration within the Kenyan government. This revelation has further fueled tensions between the two countries, resulting in a standstill in air travel. The implications of the travel ban extend beyond just passenger flights. Cargo transportation, while still operational, faces uncertainty due to the strained diplomatic relations. The halt in passenger movements not only affects tourism but also disrupts the exchange of skills, customs, and business operations between the two nations. This hindered mobility will inevitably impact businesses relying on the ease of travel between Kenya and the UK.