Kenya’s Tourism & Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala launched revised Magical Kenya Tourism and Travel Health and Safety Protocols for the ‘New Normal’ on 4 August 2021.
The African nation’s Tourism Regulatory Authority has been assigned the task of being the lead, while working closely with other multi-agencies in the hospitality industry.
Speaking about the revised SOPs at launch, Balala, said, “With the majority of people embracing the Covid19 vaccines worldwide, we deem it important to issue a comprehensive Covid19 vaccination policy and procedures for both guests and staff at all levels of establishments’ operations. That’s why today we are launching the reviewed protocols that were first issued in July 2020.”
“Hospitality workers can also be considered to be frontline workers as they engage with visitors on a personal level. That is why we are urging our hospitality stakeholders to get vaccinated whenever they get the chance. On our part, we shall be liaising with County Executive Committees of Tourism and Health so that the stakeholders can be vaccinated,” added Balala.
“We are aware that most regulated establishments have put in place measures to comply with Covid19 protocols and we commend them for that. However, there is a general laxity in full compliance especially when it comes to social distancing. Also, there are those that are not following or are trying to circumvent the laid down protocols. We want to tell them their days are numbered and that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them,” noted Balala.
The revised protocols can be accessed here.
