Kenya on Saturday formally demanded that Saudi Arabia reverse its decision to suspend travel to and from the East African country over an Ebola outbreak, warning that the restrictions threaten trade, tourism, and employment despite evidence that the disease remains contained.

In a diplomatic protest note issued after the Health Ministry described the restrictions as excessive, Kenya's Foreign Ministry urged Riyadh to lift the measures, including visa suspensions and a ban on travellers who have been in Kenya within the previous 21 days.

"Suspending visas and barring anyone who has been in Kenya in the last 21 days is a blanket, punitive measure not supported by epidemiological evidence in the country," the Foreign Ministry said.

It also urged Saudi Arabia to provide the World Health Organization with scientific justification for the restrictions within 48 hours.

Kenya says no community transmission recorded

The ministry said all nine Ebola cases were linked to a single imported infection, with no community transmission or new cases since October 19, warning that the restrictions would affect Kenyan pilgrims, workers, students, and businesses.

Nairobi also pledged to raise the issue with Africa's disease control agency.