Kenya's Ministry of Health has on Friday responded to concerns from a section of Kenyans on the situation in India, particularly on reports that Uganda on Thursday detected its first case of COVID-19 variant from India.

In a statement, the ministry said, "The government would like to assure Kenyans that our borders are well secured by our medical teams.

Those coming in and going out of the country must strictly adhere to the travel COVID-19 protocols."

The ministry added that it continues to monitor the situation and any emerging issues will be communicated to the public as need arises.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe also announced that Kenya has inoculated a total of 876,708 persons against COVID-19.

The country's ministry of health also announced that it has recorded 497 new coronavirus cases, raising the country's total tally to 159,318 cases.

According to the Ministry of Health, 441 people have recovered from the disease, 366 from Home Based and Isolation Care while 75 are from various health facilities countrywide.

The number of total recoveries is now at 108,565. 79,057 from Home Based Care and Isolation while 29,508 are from various health facilities.

Unfortunately, 17 people have succumbed to the disease. Total fatalities from COVID-19 now stand at 2,724.

(With input from Kenya's Health Ministry)