NAIROBI — China deserves accolades for putting in place robust interventions to halt the further spread of coronavirus and manage confirmed cases, Kenyan officials said on Feb 7.
Cabinet Secretary for Kenyan Health Ministry Sicily Kariuki said the Kenyan government appreciates China's efforts to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak, which has now been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
"The government takes this opportunity to recognize the great work undertaken by the Chinese government and people in fighting the spread of the virus in China and in particular, in keeping Kenyan students caught up at the epicenter of the epidemic safe and healthy," said Kariuki.
She spoke at a media briefing to update the public on measures Kenya has taken to prevent the coronavirus spread, including enhanced screening at ports of entry, training of health workers and establishment of quarantine facilities.
Kariuki clarified that seven suspected infected people who were quarantined at the country's main referral hospital all turned out testing negative for the virus.
"To date, we wish to inform the public that Kenya has not had any confirmed case of the novel coronavirus," said Kariuki, adding that the government has faith in China's capacity to handle the outbreak.
She said that Kenya is working closely with Chinese authorities to monitor the welfare of Kenyan citizens in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.
Macharia Kamau, principal secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Kenya has been impressed by China's gallant efforts to contain the coronavirus epidemic that has been reported globally.
"We have seen a situation where Kenyans have been taken care of, have been reached out to and have been facilitated by the government of China and the people of China in ways that show they have lots of respect for our people," he added.
He also lauded the enhanced collaboration with the Chinese government to ensure that Kenyans studying in China are safe amid the coronavirus outbreak.
