Concerns as Kenyans in China Fail to Book KQ Flight Ahead of Friday Departure
Kenya’s Ambassador to China Sarah Serem has expressed concerns over the low number of passengers who have booked a Kenya Airways flight organized to evacuate Kenyans from China amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amb. Serem, through Twitter on Friday, May 1st, said only a few Kenyans have booked the flight that is scheduled to leave China’s Guangzhou city on Friday, May 8th.
“We know that although 183 registered their desire to travel back home, very few have bought their tickets as of today (May 1st),” said Serem.
“Kindly know that the Government of China has been so gracious to us and they have extended an amnesty and issued exit visas to all those with an expired visa and overstays within the set timelines,” she added.
She further noted that the Kenyan embassy in Beijing will facilitate emergency travel documents for those who have lost their passports and urged travelers to acquire a health clearance certificate ahead of departure.
“I would encourage everyone to take advantage of this gesture and arrangement as it will be very difficult to make a similar arrangement in the near future before the current situation normalizes, this might be the only opportunity available to those wishing to go home, and therefore you should make urgency to book and secure yourself a seat,” she noted.
An economy ticket on this flight is going for Sh80,468 and Sh123,291 for business class.
Comments
You can afford to buy tea…
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You can afford to buy tea and snacks for 4M but you cannot afford to buy air tickets for Kenyans in China.
Some are afraid of oming to…
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In reply to You can afford to buy tea… by Kenya (not verified)
Some are afraid of oming to Kenya only to be Quarrntined in Dilapidated bedBUGGED quarters (and paying Arms and Legs).
Kenya government needs to…
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Kenya government needs to pay for the Kenyans in China who cannot afford and request payment later.
Those in distress in foreign countries may not always have the money to pay. At this point it's okay for the government not to make money or even to loose money.( It's not always about profit, life and health first)
We were sending free flowers, help and get our people out!!
Kenya and other African…
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Kenya and other African countries have betrayed Africans who are discriminated against in China. The wishy-washy response that African governments have addressed this issue with China is shameful. Instead of sending planes, that most cannot afford, they should demand that the Chinese government protects African people the way African governments are protecting Chinese citizens spread throughout the continent of Africa and protecting the Chinese interests in Africa. The government’s indebtedness to China should not prevent Kenya from demanding justice for its citizens. If the discrimination continues, African governments should send their planes to repatriate Africans for free and deport all Chinese in African countries. If they don’t stand up now during COVID-19, the recolonization of Africa by China financially will be cemented with the colonization of the mind.
Extremely shameful to ask…
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Extremely shameful to ask for money when evacuating!
Private citizens who paid…
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Private citizens who paid and took flights to foreign countries voluntarily should pay for their evacuation. Kwani they were earning in cabbages?In any case, coronavirus is everywhere. There's no safe place to run to. Pay up, guys.
I think Madam ambassador,…
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I think Madam ambassador, you need to wake up and reason, if these Kenyans are homeless leaving on the streets in China, where do you expect them to get money to pay for the plane ticket? How much have you and your fellow high ranking officials stolen from the taxpayers? Do us a favor and buy tickets for every stranded Kenyan in China
Some people forget easily…
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Some people forget easily. When the COVID-19 struck Kenya the Word Bank released funds to Kenya. Central Bank likewise released 7.4b to this effect. Where did these monies go?
If it is not stolen then it is sufficient enought to bring our bros and sisters home and also treat any sick Kenyan. However, if this is in reserve for tea and snacks @ 4milion a week then majority of Keyans are doomed. Ooh!
The money frm CBK was more than enough to give the Huduma number holder an avrg 10K. Proof me wrong.
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