Kenyan Embassy in France Closed over Coronavirus Outbreak

Kenya has temporarily closed its embassy in Paris, France due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Kenyan Ambassador to France Prof. Judi Wakhungu on Tuesday said the embassy will halt operations from Wednesday, March 18th to Friday, March 27th, due to the rapid spread of the virus in France.

Prof. Wakhungu said the closure will also affect all the other embassies under her jurisdiction. They include embassies in Holy See, Portugal, and Serbia. 

“During this period (of closure), all consular services, save for emergencies, will be suspended. Services to be affected include issuance of visas and processing of e-passports,” Prof. Wakhungu told The Standard.

She, however, said that phone contacts (+33156622525, or +33658372954, WhatsApp numbers +254708243232 or +254720406104) and online services will remain operational.

France has so far recorded at least 148 coronavirus fatalities while the number of infections has risen to over 6,600.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a 15-day nationwide lockdown to prevent further spread of the virus.

All bars and restaurants have been closed and all social gatherings banned with police being deployed to the streets to enforce the lockdown.