Kenya’s embassy in France will shut down from March 18, 2020, to March 27, 2020, as a precaution towards taming coronavirus spread.
In a statement to newsrooms on Tuesday, Kenya’s ambassador in France Prof Judy Wakhungu said the shutdown will affect all consular services including processing of e-passports and visas at the embassy which also serves Portugal and Serbia.
“Following the rapid spread of Covid-19 cases in France and the decision of the Republic of France to impose a partial lockdown, the Kenya Embassy will be closed between Wednesday, March 18 and Friday, March 27.
“During this period, all consular services, save for emergencies, will be suspended. Services to be suspended include issuance of visa and processing of e-passports,” the statement read in part.
Prof Wakhungu shared with Kenyans living in France, Portugal and Serbia contact details as an alternative way to reach the embassy.
The contacts are Whatsapp (+254708243232) +33156622525 and +33658372954 or through the embassy’s Facebook page.
The Kenyan embassy in Washington DC has also suspended all consular services following the outbreak of COVID-19.
“As a precautionary measure to address the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, the walk in services of the Consular section at the Embassy of The Republic of Kenya Washington D.C. including application for e-Passport, Kenya ID’s, Visas etc will remain closed from Monday 16th March 2020 until further notice,” read the notice from the Kenyan embassy in Washington DC according to Nairobi News.
President Uhuru Kenyatta in Sunday’s state of the nation address on coronavirus said only Kenyan citizens will be allowed into the country from coronavirus-hit countries.
“Only Kenyan citizens and foreigners with valid resident permits will be allowed to come into the country provided they proceed on self-quarantine or in a government quarantine facility.”
On Tuesday, Kenya recorded the fourth case of coronavirus, a few days after three patients tested positive for the same.
