The Government has welcomed Israel’s decision to remove Kenya from the list of countries subject to temporary Ebola-related travel restrictions, describing it as a positive step grounded in science, dialogue and mutual trust.

Speaking on his official X account on Monday, June 15, 2026, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei expressed appreciation for the decision, saying it restores confidence in bilateral cooperation and evidence-based public health measures.

“We welcome very much the decision of Israel to vacate the inclusion of Kenya from the list of countries subject to Ebola related restrictions. We are grateful for your sensitivity, friendship and partnership,” Sing’Oei said.

The PS added that Israel’s move reflects the importance of facts in addressing global health concerns, noting that cooperation between nations should always override fear and speculation.

“Israel’s decision to lift this restriction shows that science, dialogue & mutual trust work; that facts can beat fear; that partnership beats barriers. This is how friends must act,” he stated.

The development comes shortly after Israel officially lifted Kenya and Rwanda from its Ebola-related travel restriction list, easing earlier precautionary measures that had affected travellers from several African countries.

Israel reverse travel restrictions

The Government of Israel confirmed that Kenya and Rwanda had been removed from the list of countries subject to temporary Ebola-related entry restrictions, marking a shift from earlier precautionary measures issued due to regional health concerns.

“We are pleased to announce that Israel’s Ministry of Health has decided to remove Kenya and Rwanda from the list of countries subject to temporary Ebola-related entry restrictions,” the Israeli Embassy in Kenya said.

Earlier notices had barred passengers from affected countries, including Kenya, from boarding flights to Israel, citing Ebola risk assessments linked to regional outbreaks.

Kenya Protested over initial ban

The lifting of the restrictions comes hours after Kenya formally protested its inclusion in the list, with concerns raised over the impact on the country’s reputation and public health credibility.

In his earlier remarks, PS Sing’Oei described the move as “especially unfortunate,” noting that Kenya had maintained strong surveillance and preparedness systems.

He pointed out that Kenya had conducted over 80,000 Ebola tests without recording a single confirmed case, underscoring the country’s monitoring capacity.

Diplomacy and Science at centee stage

The Government maintained that global health responses must be guided by scientific evidence and not stigma, warning that blanket restrictions risk undermining international cooperation.

Kenya reiterated its commitment to continued collaboration with global partners in strengthening disease surveillance, preparedness and rapid response systems.

Officials said the latest decision by Israel reinforces the importance of diplomacy, trust and evidence-based policymaking in managing cross-border health risks.