Court blocks Kenya visitor insurance mandate pending review

THE NEWS: Kenya’s High Court has temporarily suspended the mandatory travel health‑insurance rule that required foreign visitors to carry a policy with at least US$50 000 (R813 000) in cumulative benefits, issuing an interim order through Judge Francis Rayola Olel.

DETAILS:

• Petitioners Edow Issack Mohammed and Zhulekha Mohamed Edin, residents of Marsabit, challenged the regulation, arguing it lacks a sufficient policy and administrative framework.
• The challengers also said the rule raises privacy and data‑protection concerns for travellers.
• They contend Kenya’s Ministry of Health exceeded its mandate by directing the Directorate of Immigration Services to verify insurance via the Electronic Travel Authorisation system.

FAQ

What did the Kenyan High Court decide about travel health insurance for foreign visitors?
The court issued an interim order that temporarily halts the enforcement of the mandatory travel health‑insurance requirement, which had demanded a minimum coverage of US$50 000 (R813 000) for all foreign visitors.

What minimum insurance coverage was required under the suspended regulation?
The regulation required foreign visitors to hold travel health insurance providing at least US$50 000 in cumulative benefits, equivalent to roughly R813 000 in Kenyan shillings.

Who filed the legal challenge and what were their main concerns?
The challenge was brought by Marsabit residents Edow Issack Mohammed and Zhulekha Mohamed Edin, who argued the rule lacks a clear policy and administrative framework and poses privacy and data‑protection risks for travelers.

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