Not Vaccinated? No Entry To Gov’t Facilities,Matatus,Hotels,Bars and Restaurants – Kagwe

NAIROBI,Kenya, Nov, 21 – Kenyans will in the coming weeks find it difficult to access key government services among many others if proposed strategies to combat the spread of the corona virus are to be implemented nationwide.

According to Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, it will soon be obligatory for Kenyans to provide proof of vaccination in order to receive key service by December 21,2021.

Kagwe during a joint press conference with Tourism and Wildlife CS Najib Balala revealed that despite the country’s positivity rate over the last 14 days ranging between 0.8 – 2.6 per cent, there is still need to be extra vigilant particularly after president Uhuru Kenyatta lifted and eased some of the containment measures that had been instituted.

“The current decline in the number of new infections may be attributed to a buildup of immunity both through natural exposure to the disease and the ongoing vaccination exercise. Nonetheless, we know that it’s not yet time for us to celebrate,” said Kagwe.

Must be Vaccinated To Receive Gov’t Services

As part of the proposed strategies that are expected to be implemented by December, 21, 2021,every Kenyan seeking in person government services will now be expected to be fully vaccinated while providing proof of vaccination.

In turn, Kenyans will now find it difficult to access KRA services, Education, Immigration Services, Hospital and Prison Visitation, NTSA and Port Services among others.

“In order to accelerate vaccination, the Ministry in collaboration with County Governments and other stakeholders will be undertaking a ten-day mass vaccination exercise from November 26th with the aim of administering adequate vaccines to as many people as possible,”

Proof Of Vaccination To Use Public Transport

With millions of Kenyans nationwide said to heavily rely on public transportation to reach to their various destinations, those using buses, rail transport including SGR and air transport will now be required to show proof of vaccination before boarding.

“All motorable operators, that is Drivers, Conductors, Bodaboda riders, Pilots, Air Hostesses and all others working in the sector should be fully vaccinated and carry proof of vaccination at all times,”  he said.

Kagwe revealed that the ministry of transport alongside that of interior and coordination of national government will enforce the strategies alongside other relevant stakeholders.

Hotels,Bars and Restaurants

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry was among those that were severely affected, with government directed bars, restaurants and hotels to close shop.

In recent months however the sector has slowly but surely been roaring back to life. Tor ensure this is not affected, they too will now be forced to ensure those wishing to use their facilities are also fully vaccinated.

This will also include access to public parks and other recreation facilities.

“All businesses, including Small and Medium Enterprises serving 50 or more people a day to put up signage requiring proof of vaccination before entry into their premises and their patron’s to be fully vaccinated,”

All indoor gatherings in churches, mosques and temples will now be limited to two thirds capacity.

The country’s various border crossings and port of health will also now on high alert to ensure those entering the country comply with the new regulations.

For instance, Visitors,Tourists or travelers from the European region are now obligated to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination before entry into the country.

Vaccination campaign

As of November 20, 2021, a total of 6,388,427 vaccines had so far been administered across the country. 

Of these, 3,986,501 were partially vaccinated while those fully vaccinated were 2,401,926. The uptake of the second dose among those who received their first dose was at 56.3%. Proportion of adults fully vaccinated was 8.8%. 

The Government is working towards vaccinating a targeted population of 27,246,033.

In view of the Emergency Use Authorization by PPB and following WHO recommendation, teenagers aged between  and above will now be vaccinated with Pfizer from Tuesday, November, 23 2021.

The estimated population in this group is approximately 5.7million.

Meanwhile county governments have been urged to take up testing at facilities by increasing the capacity of clinicians to detect and test those that present withCOVID-19 symptoms. 

COVID-19 vaccination activities are now expected to be integrated into the routine clinical services and public health services such as during Ward rounds, routine and special clinics, 

“Counties should, continue providing water and soap for use at public places for hand washing and sanitization, and d. provide vaccination services through outreach during market days, days of worship and other approved occasions and events,” said Kagwe.

Several countries globally such as the United States, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, United Kingdom, Australia, and even France are on high alert following the increased cases of COVID-19 infections despite a successful vaccination campaign.

The government has time and again reiterated that it will not compel Kenyans to be vaccinated however with the new regulations set to come into effect in the next one month, Kenyans might just be forced to get the jab or experience a paralysis of the daily lives.