The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has expressed concerns over the sudden implementation of mandatory travel health insurance for foreign visitors to Kenya. In a letter dated October 7, KATA cited uncertainty for travellers, travel agents, and airlines due to limited information available on the new requirement. The association has requested clarification on the effective date, scope of implementation, and specific categories of travellers affected.
The protest comes after the High Court upheld the Sh6.4 million minimum insurance cover required for non-Kenyans intending to enter and remain in the country for less than 12 months. The court dismissed a constitutional petition challenging the requirement, finding that Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale acted within the law when issuing the Gazette Notice. The notice requires visitors to carry insurance with cumulative benefits of at least $50,000.
The minimum benefits of the insurance policy include $20,000 for medical expenses, $25,000 for emergency medical transportation, $300 for prescribed medicines, $1,000 for mental illness treatment, and $5,000 for repatriation of mortal remains. Visitors can purchase the mandatory insurance through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) portal. The eTA platform has been updated to reflect the new requirement, displaying a Ministry of Health notice stating that health insurance is mandatory for incoming travellers.
KATA is seeking details on approved insurers, premiums, coverage, exclusions, and the process for obtaining insurance. The association's Chief Executive Officer, Nicanor Sabula, stated that the rollout has created uncertainty for travel agents, tour operators, airlines, and travellers. KATA has requested Immigration to provide information on the approved insurance provider(s), applicable cost or premium, scope of coverage, and key exclusions.
The Insurance Regulatory Authority portal also shows an eTA applicant being offered inbound travel health insurance at a premium of US$44. KATA has asked for designated contact points or support channels that applicants may use to resolve any challenges encountered during the application or entry process. The letter was addressed to Immigration Director General Evelyn Cheluget and copied to Ambassador Isaac John Ochieng, Director General, E-Citizen Services.
The Ministry of Health had prepared an administrative framework in November 2025, months before the Gazette Notice. The court rejected a privacy challenge, finding that the petitioners had not demonstrated that information collected through the eTA system was insecure. The ruling has now been followed by changes on the eTA platform, requiring visitors to purchase mandatory insurance.
The implementation of mandatory health insurance for visitors aims to ensure that travellers have adequate medical coverage during their stay in Kenya. However, KATA's concerns highlight the need for clear communication and coordination among stakeholders to avoid disruptions in the travel industry. The association's requests for clarification and details on the new requirement remain to be addressed by the relevant authorities.
Key points
- Travel agents in Kenya are protesting the abrupt rollout of mandatory health insurance for foreign visitors.
- The High Court has upheld the Sh6.4 million minimum insurance cover required for non-Kenyans intending to enter and remain in Kenya for less than 12 months.
- KATA is seeking details on approved insurers, premiums, coverage, exclusions, and the process for obtaining insurance to address uncertainty among travel agents, tour operators, airlines, and travellers.
