The Foreign Affairs ministry has advised Kenyans against all but necessary travel to China as a precaution, following the quick spread of a virus that has left at least 81 people dead so far.

In a statement on Monday, Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau emphasised the warning in the case of Wuhan, the epicentre of the new coronavirus.

The deadly virus that has prompted travel restrictions in China is sending shockwaves throughout Asia';s tourism industry, which has become increasingly reliant on growing numbers of Chinese visitors.

At least 81 people have died since the new strain emerged in Wuhan City, and millions are now under an effective quarantine, with all flights in and out of the city grounded and a ban on Chinese tour groups domestically and abroad.

The travel advisory further impacts on China’s trade and travel, which has recently taken a hit following the outbreak of the virus in December last year.

Kenya has big business relations with China, where Kenya Airways operates at least two non-stop flights between the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi and Guangzhou.