Kenya for Italy, to date, is neither in the list of "good" nor in that of "bad" countries.
This is the international situation that links the two nations during the most difficult historical period for free movement relations between citizens of different states and consequently for exchanges, business, diplomatic relations and last but not least, tourism.
Also because of this climate of uncertainty and of night trips with headlights if not switched off at least with dipped beam, the Italian Ambassador to Kenya Alberto Pieri wanted to meet virtually in a webinair from Nairobi the Italian entrepreneurs of the tourism sector, who represent a good slice of the activities and interests in the country.
During the online meeting, Pieri expressed solidarity with his fellow countrymen and congratulated those who are making sacrifices to keep jobs as much as possible and meet the criteria of the protocols to be followed for the sector, despite the fact that there is no vision of immediate recovery.
Among the contingent problems there is that of quarantine: while on the one hand it is not yet known whether Kenya has provided for the cancellation of this restrictive measure for tourists arriving from abroad when next August 1, unless otherwise ordered, will reopen the international borders, on the other hand Italy, as a member of the United Europe, continues not to allow its citizens travel for tourism, if not for other purposes, in almost all nations of the Globe.
From the news leaking about the DCPM emergency decree of last June 11 that would expire at midnight today, it seems that the restrictions will be extended, although it is not yet known until what date.
Italy is certainly one of the strictest and most attentive countries in applying the restrictions and on 30 June last year it ordered that from 1 July to the end of the month of 14 July citizens of third countries legally resident in the following countries and territories: Algeria (which, however, recently closed its borders), Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. Provided that anyone returning from these states will be subject to the obligation of health surveillance and fiduciary isolation (read "quarantine"). Any travel to other EU and non-Schengen countries must still be justified for reasons of work, health, emergency or study.
Then there is a list of countries considered dangerous for Italy (this is still the case of Brazil and the recent case of Bangladesh, whose citizens have been denied entry to our country), of which fortunately Kenya is not a member.
As far as we are concerned, it is probable that from August 1, when it will probably reopen to tourism, Kenya will once again become part of the countries to which it is possible to go, even if on return it will be necessary to respect the quarantine regime. Nothing is certain, but studying the situation in other countries one can imagine similar developments. A similar case is represented, for example, by the Seychelles, where, as the Farnesina notes, the reopening of international commercial flights was announced from August 1. Only visitors from low or medium risk countries (including Italy) will be allowed to enter from August 1. Anyone wishing to enter the country must carry out a COVID-19 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test no later than 72 hours after departure, and send the result by email to a specific address together with details of the trip and overnight stay. The result of the test must also be presented to the airline at the time of boarding. If these instructions are not followed, visitors will be subjected to a COVID-19 test upon arrival. Overnight stay will only be allowed in facilities that have been certified by the Seychelles Public Health Authority. Let's expect something not too different in Kenya.
As for the entrepreneurs, hoteliers and restaurateurs who have addressed their concerns and hopes to the Italian Ambassador in Kenya, the feeling is that they will have to wait a little longer to return to work satisfactorily and the hope that the Kenyan Government will somehow meet the sector on a fiscal level. Everything else will be seen day by day, and it is impossible to think that no clearer directions will come.
The important thing, as Alberto Pieri points out every time, is to remain united and be a community, preparing for better times.