Kenya has formally protested a decision by Saudi Arabia to suspend travel to and arrivals from Kenya over Ebola, describing the measures as “disproportionate and not supported by scientific health evidence.”
In a diplomatic note dated October 30, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign and Diasporas Affairs expressed “deep concern” over the decision, which Saudi Arabia announced the same day. The note was addressed to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its embassy in Nairobi.
While Kenya “acknowledges the right” of Saudi Arabia to adopt health measures under its national law, it argued that the facts on the ground do not justify the restrictions.
According to the note, the first index case was reported on October 6, 2026. Kenya says it has since contained what it describes as an imported outbreak:
- All nine cases belong to one cluster linked to the imported case, and every secondary case was already in quarantine when they fell ill.
- “There is no community transmission,” the note states.
- Seven cases on treatment are responding well to supportive care and are due for discharge on November 3, 2026.
- Of 135 contacts traced and monitored daily, the first group completed 21 days in quarantine and was discharged on October 26.
- The remaining 46 are due out on November 3 if they stay negative.
- No new case has been reported since October 19.
Kenya also cited the World Health Organization (WHO), saying the agency has determined that the country contained the outbreak “professionally, diligently and transparently” and advised against any travel or trade restrictions.
According to the note, WHO rates the risk outside the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighbours as low.
The note took particular aim at the suspension of visas and the barring of anyone who has been in Kenya in the last 21 days, calling it “a blanket, punitive measure not supported by epidemiological evidence in the country.”
It warned that the restrictions would hurt Kenyan pilgrims, workers in the Kingdom, students, trade and tourism, and that they penalise a country that “has been transparent and has notified WHO within 24 hours.
- Saudi Arabia’s National Focal Point is urged to write to WHO, as required by Article 43 of the International Health Regulations (2005), giving the rationale for measures that significantly interfere with international traffic within 48 hours and reviewing them within three months.
- Kenya, together with other affected African countries, will take its concerns to Africa CDC as an example of disproportionate travel restrictions and, to the extent they lack scientific backing, “a hostile act against Africa.”
- Kenya is ready to give the Saudi Public Health Authority a detailed technical briefing.
The note closed with the customary renewal of “assurances of its highest consideration” to the Saudi foreign ministry.
The Kenyan government’s timeline points to November 3 as a key date, when it expects to discharge the seven recovering patients and the remaining 46 contacts.
Whether Riyadh will review the ban in response remains unclear. There was no immediate response from Saudi authorities in the documents seen.
