Kenya Condemns Israel’s Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions

Kenya’s foreign affairs secretary, Korir Sing’oei, sharply criticized Israel’s decision to restrict entry from several African countries, including Kenya, over fears of Ebola spread. He called the move “unjustified” and said it does not match Kenya’s health situation.

Israel’s Health Ministry instructed airlines not to allow passengers from Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya to board flights to Israel. The rule also applies to people who visited any of those countries during the 21 days before traveling. Airlines serving Israel must check passengers’ travel histories already at check-in.

The restrictions do not apply to Israeli citizens or permanent residents, who may still enter even if they stayed in those countries. The Health Ministry said the measure is preventive and part of a broader readiness plan for the risk of Ebola spread, and it also advised against nonessential travel to areas with known active Ebola cases.

The ministry further said travelers returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, especially from affected areas, who develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days should stay home, avoid contact with others, and contact the Health Ministry. Kenya’s Foreign Ministry said the Israeli decision does not reflect the available data. Sing’oei said no confirmed Ebola cases have been found in Kenya, that the country has extensive testing and monitoring, and that more than 80,000 tests have been carried out without detecting a single case.