Kenya has formally challenged Saudi Arabia’s decision to impose Ebola-related travel restrictions on the country, describing the measures as excessive and arguing that they are not justified by the current outbreak situation.
Saudi Arabia announced the restrictions on Friday, suspending travel by its citizens to Kenya and halting the issuance of all visa categories to people arriving from the country. The measures also barred entry to anyone who has stayed in Kenya within 21 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia, including travellers who attempt to enter through a third country.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale questioned the basis for the decision, saying Kenya had contained the infections linked to its first imported case and had found no evidence of transmission beyond that group.
“We have not had any transmission of the disease outside this cluster, and I reiterate we have no evidence of community transmission. We reiterate that the measures taken are not only excessive but not backed by the current epidemiological situation in the country,” Duale said.
Kenya has recorded nine confirmed infections, including the initial patient who arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda. Eight other people, including four healthcare workers and four close family members, contracted the virus after coming into contact with him.
No new infection has been reported since October 19, while two patients have died and seven others remain under medical care. Five of the seven patients have returned a first negative Ebola test after completing treatment and are due for a second test on Monday, November 2. According to Duale, if they test negative again, they are expected to be discharged the following day.
A further 46 people in quarantine are also expected to be released on November 3, provided they remain symptom-free. This follows the release of 20 contacts earlier this week who have completed the required monitoring period.
The developments come as Kenya seeks to have the restrictions lifted, with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expected to continue engaging Saudi Arabia over the decision. Duale called on the international community to support Kenya’s response rather than isolate the country.
“What we require from the international community is support and collaboration, not condemnation, not travel restrictions and certainly not isolation,” he said.
The standoff highlights growing tensions over how countries respond to Ebola outbreaks, particularly when cases are imported rather than arising from local transmission. Kenya has argued that its containment measures have been effective, pointing to the absence of new infections since mid-October and the impending discharge of patients who have tested negative.
Saudi Arabia has not publicly commented on Kenya’s objections or indicated whether it will review the restrictions. The visa suspension affects all categories, meaning Kenyans seeking to travel to the kingdom for work, pilgrimage, business or family visits are currently unable to do so. The 21-day entry bar on anyone who has been in Kenya also complicates travel for third-country nationals who may have transited through Nairobi.
Regional health bodies have previously urged against punitive travel measures during outbreaks. African health ministers recently agreed to keep borders open despite the spread of Ebola and to focus instead on surveillance and coordination, a position that aligns with Kenya’s appeal. The Africa CDC has also commended Kenya’s containment efforts and pledged support.
