NAIROBI, Kenya, April 14 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday said no Kenyan had died from coronavirus in China, reiterating the safety of an estimated 3,000 Kenyans living in the Asian nation.
Two Kenyans however have been admitted to Intensive Care Unit in Sweden and Germany after contracting the virus with five others in United States having died in the past month with suspected coronavirus infections.
“We have on record about 5 Kenyans who have succumbed not necessarily to COVID 19 but, who had underlying causes which made them susceptible to COVID 19,” Foreign Affairs Principle Secretary Amb Kamau Macharia said.
Speaking during a news conference in Nairobi, the PS said foreign missions are supporting Kenyans in diaspora amid lockdowns that have affected thousands in most foreign cities.
“I would like to appeal to the diaspora abroad to continue to remain understanding of the situation and work closely with ambassadors abroad and our staff to allow them to give them the best possible assistance,” he said.
Macharia said missions have opened communication channels to aid any distracted Kenya citizens while ensuring pressing issues are addressed expeditiously.
“We have continued to remain engaged,our embassies are getting in touch wherever they are, all embassies’ staff are working from home, none is able to go to office, this has complicated the issue severely but it is something we are working on,” he noted.
Regarding the case of Kenyans and Africans being mistreated and discriminated against in Guangzhou, the PS said “the situation has been worrisome to all” but assured that the situation is stabilizing following African Union (AU’s) intervention.
“The reality is that this has been unfortunate, kenyans have discriminated against as Chinese authorities tries to contain the resurgence of coronavirus. Every single one case that has been brought to our attention has been resolved’ he remarked,” he added.
Amb Macharia urged Kenyans in the affected areas to remain discipline in their engagements with the Chinese authorities including, adhering rules and regulations, testing among other guidelines issued.
The PS added diplomats based in Nairobi were coordinating response in countries such as Poland where Kenya does not have a diplomatic station.
“We are working with them indirectly because we do not have missions there, but have missions here in Kenya and have established relationships with those countries through our embassies in Europe,” Amb Macharia said.
He said many Kenyans have lost their jobs mainly in USA, Middle East with few countries like Saudi Arabia committing to support non foreigners in those countries.
“We have been in touch with all governments around the world, we have written to them and asked them to look after Kenyans just as we are continuing to look after international community in Kenya,” the MFA official stated.
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