From Monday 11 January 2021, to leave Kenya, it will be compulsory to have a PCR (molecular) swab that authorised laboratories will have to digitally stamp, issuing a code (TT) that will be indispensable for boarding a return flight.
This was established by the Ministry of Health in a nationwide press release.
The statement, signed by Minister Mutahi Kagwe, disclosed that the Ministry has set up an online system to authenticate and verify COVID-19 certificates of travellers in line with the Trusted Travel Initiative ( TT ) guidelines.
"We notify travellers that they will have to first visit an authorised laboratory to perform a COVID - 19 RT PCR test and be provided with Trusted Travel ( TT ) codes that can be verified by airlines and port health authorities," the statement said.
Travellers arriving from countries that have not yet joined the Initiative will be able to use a tool made available through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - supported by Global. Haven Partnership for Covid - 19 test results and verification of vaccine certificates".
The Ministry has announced that no traveller will leave the country without having verified their certificates using the TT process. In any case already from today, 9 January 2021 no laboratory is allowed to issue COVID-19 certificates without TT codes.
Kagwe said digital services will be released at no cost to citizens or related government agencies through collaboration with AU bodies, UN institutions, technology companies, telecommunications operators and standards.
This has been done, the Minister recalls, to invite all citizens and organisations to collaborate and comply to ensure the safe reopening of Kenya internationally.
Adhering to this further protocol now will allow for the resumption of economic activities that depend on international travel, as many governments already require travellers to present negative Covid-19 certificates at their ports of entry.
All very clear, but having only 48 hours to comply seems a bit too short.