Kenya has detected its first cases of the Omicron variant among travelers, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said on Wednesday.

He, however, declined to state the number of cases confirmed, saying he will comment on it after the full genome sequencing is completed.

Named a variant of concern by the World Health Organisation, Omicron has been said to spread fast. But, so far, it does not lead to severe disease.

Due to its fast-spreading nature, CS Kagwe urged Kenyans to adhere to health protocols and avoid crowded areas. He also urged everyone in Kenya to get the full Covid vaccine dose.

He, however, ruled out the possibility of a lockdown.

"Epidemiologists have said a lockdown is not the way to go," he added. By Eunice Omollo, The East African